Second-toe length and forefoot disorders in ballet and folk dancers.
BACKGROUND
Although there is no ideal foot type for classical dancers, second-toe length seems to be a factor in the etiology of foot disorders in ballet dancers.


METHODS
We investigated the relationship between second-toe length and foot disorders in 30 ballet dance students and 25 folk dance students. Second-toe length in relation to the hallux (longer or equal/shorter), hallux deformities, first metatarsophalangeal joint inflammation, number of callosities, and daily pain scores were recorded in both groups and compared.


RESULTS
There was no statistically significant difference in toe length between the two groups (P>.05). Ballet dancers with equal-length or shorter second toes had lower pain scores, less first metatarsophalangeal joint inflammation, and fewer callosities in their feet compared with dancers with longer second toes.


CONCLUSIONS
Second-toe length seems to be a factor in the development of forefoot disorders in classical ballet dancers but not folk dancers. Dancers who have equal-length or shorter second toes in relation to the hallux may have fewer forefoot disorders as dance professionals.
Oztekin
Haluk H
HH
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Baskent University, and Emergency Department, State Hospital Karsiyaka, Izmir, Turkey.
Boya
Hakan
H
Nalcakan
Mesut
M
Ozcan
Ozal
O
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002145:Callosities / Q000473:pathology; D003615:Dancing; D005260:Female; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D005545:Forefoot, Human; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008683:Metatarsophalangeal Joint / Q000473:pathology; D014034:Toes / Q000473:pathology*