A Mallet toe is the contraction of which joint?

A Mallet toe is characterized by a specific flexion deformity occurring at the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint. This condition results in the toe being bent downwards at the end joint, which distinguishes it from other types of toe deformities. The mechanism involves the imbalanced forces acting on the toe, typically due to a tight or shortened tendon or a bony abnormality, which causes the distal phalanx to flex while the rest of the toe remains straight or extends at the proximal joint.

In the context of the other joints mentioned: the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint is not involved in the Mallet toe condition, as the deformity specifically occurs at the distal joint. The intermediate IP joint is not applicable to the toes since they consist of only a distal and proximal interphalangeal joint, and the metatarsophalangeal (MP) joint represents the base of the toe rather than the site of the deformity in Mallet toe. Thus, understanding that the contraction occurs at the distal IP joint is crucial for correctly identifying this toe deformity.