American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) Orthopedic Practice Test

Hallux valgus is commonly known as bunions. This condition involves a lateral deviation of the big toe, causing a bony prominence at the base of the toe, which can lead to pain and discomfort. The term "bunion" specifically refers to this deformity, characterized by the abnormal outward projection and misalignment of the big toe. The prominence of the bunion can sometimes become inflamed, leading to further complications.

Understanding this terminology is crucial for recognizing common foot conditions, especially in contexts related to orthopedic assessments and treatments. The other terms, while related to foot problems, refer to different conditions: hammer toes are characterized by a bending of the middle joint of the toes, fallen arches and flat feet both describe conditions where the arch of the foot collapses or does not develop properly, but these do not pertain to the big toe or its deviation.