Lesser Toes

Clinical Examination

Patient presents with painful lesser toe, mechanism consistent with axial compression injury or direct force.

NOT metatarsal pain

Closed, no. deformity 
  •  If the injury is closed and there is NO clinical deformity to the toe
  • NV Intact
  • NO X-RAY  INDICATED
  • Buddy strap,to the next good toe
  • Rest, Ice, pain relief and elevation advice
  • Well soled shoe
  • Read through the lesser toe injury discharge  leaflet with the patient, parent, gardian / carer
  • Highlight safetynet advice
  • Discharge  NO NPC 
X-Ray required/open fracture
  •  X-Ray required due to clinical deformity 
  • Open fracture to the toe, which DOES NOT go through the joint or the growth plate 
  • Irrigate  and dress the wound 
  • Antibiotic Cover. as per local Microguide
  • Wound review 2-3 days at GP.
  • Buddystrap to the next good toe.
  • Rest, Ice, pain relief and Elevation advice
  • Well soled shoe
  • Diabetic patients - ref podiatary service Via EPR
  • NO NPC
  • Read through lesser toe injury advice leaflet, highlight safety net advice and NPC phone number if necessary .
  • Discharge  

Open Fracture Discloctaion intrarticular 

  • Open fracture disloactions going INTO the Joint, extensive devitalised tissue or other immediate clinical concern
  • Irrigate  and dress the wound 
  • Antibiotic Cover. as per local Microguide
  • Buddystrap to the next good toe.
  • Rest, Ice, pain relief and Elevation advice
  • Well soled shoe
  • Diabetic patients - ref podiatary service Via EPR
  • Discuss with the On Call Trauma  Reg. , bleep 1222 follow the appropriate management plan.