The lesser toes Surface Anatomy

Location

The lesser toes lie laterally to the greater toe. They should align with the longitudinal axis of the foot with the fifth toe slightly supinated and curved medially. Often a skin crease develops on the dorsum of the distal interphalangeal joints of the toes.

Significance

Hyperextension at the metatarsophalangeal joint and distal interphalangeal joint and hyperflexion of the proximal interphalangeal joint is called a hammer toe. Such a deformity leaves the dorsal aspect of the proximal interphalangeal joint susceptible to callus formation.

Hyperflexion of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints is called a claw toe. Such a deformity leaves the proximal interphalangeal joint and tip of the toe susceptible to callus formation.

Hyperflexion of the distal interphalangeal joint is called a mallet toe. Such a deformity leaves the tip of the toe susceptible to callus formation.

Intractable plantar keratosis is a painful callus that develops at the base of the toes and often occur in the presence of a hyperextended metatarsophalangeal joint like with a hammer toe.

Heloma molle are soft corns that develop between toes.