Hallux Valgus Interphalangeus [Causes, Symptoms & Best Treatment]

Hallux valgus interphalangeus is defined as a deformity between the long axis of distal phalanx and proximal phalanx over 10 °. This is a bunion!

What causes tailor's bunions before and after

Look:

  • The associated photos are pictures of bunions.
  • A big toe joint bunion is a prominence of the first metatarsal phalangeal joint.
  • A tailor’s bunion is the prominence of the fifth metatarsal phalangeal joint.
  • There are multiple stages of bunions ranging from minimal dislocation to severe dislocation to severe dislocation with arthritis.
  • It is important to note that the sesamoid bones dislocate from the big toe joint and that the bunion itself is more of a dislocation injury than an arthritic injury.
  • Although we frequently see bunions that also have arthritis, and is much more likely.
  • We do perform minimally invasive bunion surgery at our clinic to limit the length of recovery time needed.

Please click on the gallery to read the description! Feel free to share pictures.

« of 2 »

Hallux Valgus Interphalangeus Overview:

Tailor's bunion pain bunionette
If there is a pre-dislocation of the fifth metatarsal phalangeal joint. This is called the Tailor’s bunion AKA a bunionette.
  • If the first metatarsophalangeal joint(1st MPJ) is arthritic or mal-aligned in anyway, then it is possible to have arthritic damage of the hallux interphalangeus joint as well.
  • It is more likely that there is increased pressure on the hallux interphalangeus joint if there is a more rectus or fused 1st MPJ joint such as post arthrodesis or hallux rigidus.
  • Hallux valgus interphalangeus is the angulation of your big toe. Top causes includ #1) Big toe joint arthritis, #2) Bunion deformity & #3) Improper shoes!
 
Bunion Causes Stages Treatment
A bunion is the subluxation or early dislocation of the big toe joint.

 

Causes:

  • The causes of hallux about this interphalangeus are like a bunion.
  • We most commonly see it develop in the hallux interphalangeal joint due to stiffness in the big toe joint.
  • If patients have hallux rigidness, which is the arthritis of the big toe joint.
  • It is more likely for hallux values interphalangeus to occur.
  • It is more common in people with flat feet.
  • It is more common in people who do not wear supportive shoes.
  • It is more common in people with ankle joint tightness.
big toe joint hallux valgus interphalangeus
Hallux valgus interphalangeus is the angle of over 10 degrees between the hallux interphalangeal joint.

 

Symptoms:

  • The big toe joint will look like a bunion, but the angulation will be in the actual toe.
  • Most bunions have the appearance of a dislocation at the metatarsal phalangeal joint.
  • In hallux valgus interphalangeus this is in the hallux interphalangeal joint.
  • This can lead to difficulty fitting into tight shoes.
  • It can lead to increased pain while standing.
  • It can lead to pain and numbness in the big toe joint.
Big toe joint arthritis hallux rigidus bone spur
Big toe joint arthritis with a large bump forming. This can be very painful!

 

Diagnosis:

  • Diagnosis is generally performed by foot specialist like a podiatrist.
  • The joint can be evaluated from a biomechanical standpoint, especially focusing on the metatarsal phalangeal joint and the hallux interphalangeal joints.
  • An x-ray should be taken to confirm that there is no arthritis in the big toe joint or hallux valgus metatarsal phalangeal joint.
huge bunion deformity hallux abducto valgus
This is a very large bunion deformity. Something like this would require extensive treatment to repair.

 

Hallux valgus Inter-phalangeus Surgery:

  • There are many different bunion surgeries available for treatment.
  • Hallux valgus interphalangeus bunion surgery is different than a true first metatarsal phalangeal joint bunion surgery.
  • First metatarsal phalangeal joint surgery may require a Chevron bunionectomy, first metatarsal joint effusion, or a Lapidus bunion ectomy.
  • There is a procedure called an Akin osteotomy that is likely the choice procedure for hallux values interphalangeus surgery.

 

Hallux Valgus Interphalangeus Fusion Surgery:

  • Another option is a hallux interphalangeal joint fusion.
  • This is also called the hallux IPJ fusion.
  • This usually consists of putting one or two screws from the tip of the toe across the hallux interphalangeal joint.
  • This is usually for people who have broken their toe and have extreme arthritis and pain in the hallux IPJ joint.
  • This is actually a fairly high satisfaction rate procedure. This is one that we do more frequently.
  • An Akin osteotomy likely will not be strong enough to permanently correct deformity such as this.

 

Hallux valgus Inter-phalangeus Surgery Recovery Time:

  • The recovery time is generally less than true bunion surgery.
  • Because the hallux interphalangeal joint is not truly a weight-bearing joint.
  • This can still lead to swelling for numerous months.
  • We generally tell patients to estimate about 50% of the final product at six weeks, 75% of the final product at 12 weeks and about 95% of the final product at about six months.
  • At one year it is normal to experience the outcome.
Bunion, hallux rigidus treatment

Big Toe Joint, Hammer Toe & Bunionette Problems: