Which structural deformity is characterized by a lateral deviation of the great toe?

The structural deformity characterized by a lateral deviation of the great toe is hallux valgus. This condition occurs when the big toe angles towards the second toe, resulting in a noticeable bump at the base of the toe, often causing pain and discomfort, particularly in footwear. The misalignment can lead to additional issues such as bunions, which are soft tissue swelling over the bony prominence at the joint.

In contrast, claw toe and hammer toe primarily refer to deformities affecting the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes rather than the great toe. Claw toe is characterized by an excessive bend at both the middle and end joints of the toe, while hammer toe involves a bend at the middle joint, resulting in a fixed position. Flatfoot, on the other hand, refers to a condition where the arches of the foot collapse, leading to a lack of arch support, but does not involve lateral deviation of any specific toe.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial in recognizing and diagnosing foot deformities, which aids in selecting appropriate treatment and footwear modifications for affected individuals.