Hallux interphalangeal angle

Last revised by Henry Knipe on 2 Feb 2022

The hallux interphalangeal angle is between the proximal and distal phalanx of the great toe and serves for the evaluation of toe deformity at the level of the first interphalangeal joint.

The hallux interphalangeal angle is used in the setting of hallux valgus or hallux varus to assess the requirement of a proximal phalanx osteotomy (e.g. Akin procedure) 1.

The hallux interphalangeal angle is the angle between the longitudinal axes of the proximal and distal phalanx of the great toe, which can be derived by bisection of the phalangeal shaft of both bones 1,2.

A hallux interphalangeal angle <10° is considered normal 1,3

Inter and intra-observer reliability with regard to a discrepancy of ≤5° are both between 80% and 85% 4.

A significantly increased hallux interphalangeal angle ≥14.5 ° is considered as a risk factor for the development of an ingrown toenail 5.

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