Hypermobility of the first ray: a literature review

Background: Nowadays hallux valgus is one of the most common pathologies in orthopedic of the foot. In domestic and foreign sources related with this issue, the concept of “first-ray hypermobility” often appears. Despite the fact that the correlation between “first-ray hypermobility” and the presence of valgus deformity of hallux was established long ago (that had led to development of operations, which involve arthrodesis of the first tarsal-metatarsal joint), there is still no single test for measuring movements in 1TMj, as well as not defined norms of range of motion. It has not been conclusively established, whether an increase of the range of motion in the 1TMj is the cause of this disease or a natural consequence of this pathology. The purpose of this review was to provide literary knowledge about the issue of hypermobility of the first ray.