The "turf toe" is the result of a hyperextension injury (such as with soccer or football). This results in avulsion of the capsule and a small fragment of bone from the first metatarsal phalangeal joint. There is also dislocation of the first metatarsal phalangeal joint.

A	AP radiograph of the foot. Image courtesy of Wheeless' Orthopedics. The typical appearance of the turf toe injury.

Links to online textbooks:

• Wheeless' Orthopedics: discussion of turf toe injuries

Links to online cases:

• Cleveland Clinic

References:

• Jennings D, Gissane C: Turf-toe: super league toe Br J Sports Med. 1997 Jun;31(2):164.           [See related articles]
• Clanton TO, Ford JJ: Turf toe injury Clin Sports Med. 1994 Oct;13(4):731-41.           [See related articles]