Hammer toe vs. Claw Toe vs. Mallet Toe

Picture is obtained from McGlamry's Comprehensive Textbook of Foot and Ankle Surgery.

Many people are confused about the difference of a hammer toe vs. a claw toe vs. a mallet toe.

Picture A is a Hammer toe.
- Flexion contracture at the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint. 
- Extension contracture at the Distal Interphalangeal Joint ( closest to the toe nail).

(Flexion - point to bottom of foot)
(Extension - point to the top of the foot)
   

Picture B is a Claw toe.
- Flexion contracture at the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint. 
- Flexion contracture at the Distal Interphalangeal Joint ( closest to the toe nail). 

Picture C is a Mallet toe.
- Flexion contracture at the Distal Interphalangeal Joint Only. 

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