Joints and ligaments · Lower limb
Toe ligaments !
The toe ligaments are small bands on the sides and underside of each toe joint that keep the toes steady.
Official name: Collateral interphalangeal ligaments of foot
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What it is
Small ligaments on the sides (collateral) and underside (plantar) of the joints inside each toe.
What it does
Keep the toe joints stable so they bend only up and down.
Key facts
- Attaches
- Collateral ligaments and plantar plates of proximal and distal interphalangeal joints
- Function
- Stabilize interphalangeal hinge joints; allow only flexion and extension
- Tight in
- Interphalangeal extension (plantar plates)
Relations
- Above
- Extensor expansion of the toe extensor tendons
- Below
- Flexor digitorum brevis to the middle phalanx and flexor digitorum longus to the distal phalanx, in their fibrous sheaths
- Lateral
- Dorsal and plantar digital nerves and arteries running along each side of the toe
How to find it
The phalanges and interphalangeal joints can be felt along their whole length. Each joint line is found by bending and straightening the toe; the collateral ligaments are stressed by pushing the toe sideways with the joint slightly bent.
Examination
- Side-to-side (varus–valgus) stress: the joint opening more than its neighbours suggests a collateral ligament tear
On imaging
AP and oblique toe X-rays show dislocations and avulsion flakes from the phalangeal bases; a true lateral view is hard because the toes overlap.
Common problems
- Sprains from stubbing or jamming a toe.
Clinical notes
- Deformities: hammer toe (PIP flexed), mallet toe (DIP flexed), claw toe (MTP hyperextended with PIP and DIP flexed)
- A stubbed toe can hide a fracture; a distal phalanx fracture with a nail bed injury is an open fracture
- Digital nerve blocks target the nerves on both sides of the toe base
Anatomical variants
- The little toe often has only one interphalangeal joint, because its middle and distal phalanges are fused
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
How many interphalangeal joints does the big toe have compared with the lesser toes?
One in the big toe; two (proximal and distal) in each lesser toe.
Which ligaments stabilize each toe interphalangeal joint, and what movement do they allow?
Two collateral ligaments and a plantar plate; they allow only flexion and extension.
How are hammer toe, mallet toe and claw toe defined?
Hammer toe: PIP flexed. Mallet toe: DIP flexed. Claw toe: MTP hyperextended with PIP and DIP flexed.
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Its names
- Official Latin (TA2)
- ligamenta interphalangea collateralia pedis TA2 1972
- Official Spanish (DeCS)
- Ligamentos colaterales interfalángicos del pie
- English (TA2)
- Collateral interphalangeal ligaments of foot
- Also called
- ligamenta collateralia
Related
Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Foot Joints; Anatomy of the Human Body (20th ed.): Surface Anatomy of the Lower Extremity (Lea & Febiger (Gray's Anatomy, 1918), 1918) · adapted, Public domain; Anatomy of the Human Body (20th ed.): Articulations of the Digits (Lea & Febiger (Gray's Anatomy, 1918), 1918) · adapted, Public domain.
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.
