Hallux Valgus Interphalangeus [Causes, Symptoms & Best Treatment]

Hallux Valgus Interphalangeus Overview:

• 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.