Partial absence of toe

What it means

The absence of a phalangeal segment of a toe or hallux.

The part that is absent may be specified. The "distal" modifier specifies the loss of the distal phalanx; clinically this is defined by the absence of the nail. The "proximal" modifier specifies the loss of the proximal or middle phalanx with the nail still present. It may be difficult to know which phalanx is absent without X-rays and even then, the missing bone may not be identified (note no attempt is made to distinguish missing middle from proximal phalanges). In this situation the location adjective should be removed. Note that this finding is distinct from Short toes, (which are reduced in length but have the normal number of phalangeal segments). Partial absence of the hallux is an alternative term that may be used for the first toe.

Rare diseases that can present with this1

The range is how often this sign appears among people diagnosed with each disease — it is not a probability of having any of them. Many of these signs also occur in common, non-rare conditions. A sign on this page is a conversation to have with a clinician, not a conclusion.

Part of the broader category

Also called: Hypophalangy of toes