claw toes

Background

Mallet

- DIP flexed

- MTP / PIPJ neutral

Hammer

- PIP flexion

- DIPJ neutral / extended

Simple - MTP not involved

Complex - MTP hyper-extended

Claw

- PIPJ and DIPJ flexed

- MTPJ hyperextended

Curly toe

- PIP and DIP flexion

Disorder of immune system

- antigen-antibody complexes

- stimulate release of proteolytic enzymes

- leading to vasculitis, synovitis and cartilage destruction

Articular Effects

- synovitis

- ligamentous and capsular laxity

- cartilage destruction

- osseous erosion

Vasculitis

- rheumatoid nodules