Foot: hallux rigidus: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Orthopaedics · Foot: hallux rigidus

Sample item

A middle-aged man has pain and limited dorsiflexion of the great toe at the first MTP joint with a dorsal osteophyte. What is the diagnosis?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Hallux rigidus

Hallux rigidus is osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint with a dorsal osteophyte, pain and restricted dorsiflexion, especially during push-off. Initial treatment is a stiff-soled shoe, and surgery is cheilectomy or arthrodesis.

Option by option

  • A. Hallux rigidus (correct)

    Correct. Painful limited dorsiflexion with a dorsal osteophyte is hallux rigidus.

  • B. Hallux valgus

    Hallux valgus is a lateral deviation deformity.

  • C. Turf toe

    Turf toe is an acute plantar plate sprain of an athlete.

  • D. Gout of the first MTP only

    Gout presents with acute attacks, not chronic stiffness with osteophytes.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Orthopaedics questions

Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is A, Hallux rigidus. Hallux rigidus is osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint with a dorsal osteophyte, pain and restricted dorsiflexion, especially during push-off.

Why is "Hallux valgus" not the answer?

Hallux valgus is a lateral deviation deformity.

Why is "Turf toe" not the answer?

Turf toe is an acute plantar plate sprain of an athlete.

Why is "Gout of the first MTP only" not the answer?

Gout presents with acute attacks, not chronic stiffness with osteophytes.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Foot: hallux rigidus in Orthopaedics. Initial treatment is a stiff-soled shoe, and surgery is cheilectomy or arthrodesis.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Foot: hallux rigidus?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.