Hallux valgus, hallux varus and metatarsus adductus terms are misnomers

Abstract

The terms hallux valgus, hallux varus and metatarsus adductus are misnomers. The time line when these misnomers startedcan not be easily determined. It is certain that these terms are fairly old. Over time, they have become so well engraved intothe minds of the medical professionals, that it may not be easy to revert to referring to hallux valgus as hallux varus and viceversa or metatarsus adductus as metatarsus abductus. Let the reader be informed of the correct terminology, and act on thisinformation however he or she believes to be most fitting, as in other similar situations

Keywords

• hallux valgus
• hallux varus
• metatarsus adductus
• misnomer

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