Hallus Rigidus eMedicine Orthopedics

Description: Author: Minoo Hadjari Hollis, MD, Consulting Surgeon, Department of Surgery, Gulf Breeze Hospital
Hallux rigidus literally means "stiff great toe"; however, limitation of big toe motion is only 1 element of the range of symptoms that constitute the diagnosis of hallux rigidus. Hallux rigidus encompasses mild to severe degenerative arthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint of the foot. Symptoms can range from mild to disabling. The condition, which occurs in adolescents and adults, can be associated with a history of previous trauma, although many patients present without such a history.
Synonyms and related keywords: hallux flexus, hallux limitus, dorsal bunion, metatarsus primus elevatus, hallux dolorosus, winkle-picker's disease, dorsal bunion, stiff big toe, stiff great toe