Home › Body Atlas › Joints › Interphalangeal Joints of the Foot

Interphalangeal Joints of the Foot

articulationes interphalangeae pedis

The interphalangeal joints of the foot are hinge joints between adjacent phalanges, each stabilised by a plantar plate, collateral ligaments, and the extensor hood. The great toe has a single IPJ (between proximal and distal phalanx — the IPJ). The lesser toes each have a proximal IPJ (PIPJ, between proximal and middle phalanx) and a distal IPJ (DIPJ). Deformity of these joints produces claw toe, hammer toe, and mallet toe deformities based on which joints are flexed.

Region: Foot & Ankle

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Hammer toe (PIPJ flexed, DIPJ extended) and claw toe (MTP hyperextended, PIPJ and DIPJ flexed) are common digital deformities causing painful corns over the PIPJ and DIPJ prominences. PIP arthroplasty (Keller-type procedure at the great toe, or proximal phalangeal head resection at lesser toes) corrects flexible deformities. Rigid deformities require PIPJ arthrodesis. Mallet toe (DIPJ flexion deformity from FDL contracture) produces a distal corn and is treated by FDL tenotomy or DIPJ arthrodesis. Rheumatoid arthritis destroys these joints producing the characteristic rheumatoid forefoot with MTP subluxation and claw deformity.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Claw Toe Deformity from PIPJ and DIPJ Flexion Contracture

Fixed PIPJ and DIPJ flexion deformity with MTP hyperextension (claw toe) from intrinsic muscle weakness or extensor mechanism failure produces dorsal PIPJ and apical DIPJ corns; correction requires MTP plantar plate repair, PIPJ arthroplasty or arthrodesis, and FDL lengthening to address all components of the deformity.