Pathomechanics of complex dislocations of the first metatarsophalangeal joint

Because only 10 complex dislocations of the first metatarsophalangeal joint have been reported to date, a retrospective review was initiated to study the pathomechanics of 11 new cases (9 patients) and to report on the clinical and functional outcomes. Concomitant ipsilateral injuries were frequent: 6 tarsometatarsal joint partial disruptions and 8 cases with multiple midfoot or forefoot fractures or dislocations occurred. Clinical and radiographic assessments suggested that forefoot hyperextension combined with axial loading of the foot in a heel to toe or toe to heel direction produced all. Six cases required open reductions (5 were compound), and 5 cases were managed by closed methods. Associated tarsometatarsal joint disruptions facilitated closed management. The most common complaints at followup assessment (average, 7 years) were sensitive plantar wounds, partial joint ankylosis, and sesamoid sensitivity. All but 1 patient resumed the same or modified work. The data in this series suggest that most complex dislocations of the first metatarsophalangeal joint probably occur frequently with a concurrent tarsometatarsal joint sprain or disruption, and that the primary mechanism of injury is that of axial loading of the foot causing midfoot hyperflexion and forefoot hyperextension. Contrary to current opinion, not all complex dislocations of the first metatarsophalangeal joint are resistant to closed management.

Plantarflexion injury to the metatarsophalangeal joint ("sand toe")

This is a retrospective study of 12 cases of hyperplantarflexion injuries to the great toe and the lesser toes sustained in professional beach volleyball players. The hyperplantarflexion injury to the metatarsophalangeal joint, referred to as "sand toe," can result in significant functional disability. Push-off, forward drive, running, and jumping are compromised. The average player in this series took 6 months to fully recover from the injury, and the most common problem after injury was the loss of dorsiflexion, seen in six players. Five players had residual discomfort in the injured toe, and two demonstrated an unstable toe. Individuals who experience sand toe injuries should be treated conservatively, with taping, anti-inflammatory medications, shoe wear modification, ice, and rest. A toe strengthening program is also presented.

Closed reduction of a rare type III dislocation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint

OBJECTIVE

To discuss a rare Type III dislocation of the first metatarsophalangeal (MP) joint, without fracture, that used a closed reduction technique for correction.

CLINICAL FEATURES

A 43-yr-old man suffered from an acute severe dislocation of his great toe as the result of acute forceful motion applied to the toe as his foot was depressed onto a brake pedal to avoid a motor vehicle accident. Physical examination and X-rays revealed the dislocation, muscle spasm, edema and severely restricted range of motion.

INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME

The dislocation was corrected using a closed reduction technique, in this case a chiropractic manipulation. Fourteen months after reduction, the joint was intact, muscle strength was graded +5 normal, ranges of motion were within normal limits and no crepitation was noted. X-rays revealed normal intact joint congruency. The patient experienced full weight bearing, range of motion and function of the joint.

CONCLUSION

Although a Type III dislocation of the great toe has only once been cited briefly in the literature, this classification carries a recommended surgical treatment protocol for correction. No literature describes a closed reduction of a Type III dislocation as described in this case report. It is apparent that a closed reduction technique using a chiropractic manipulation may be considered a valid alternative correction technique for Type III dislocations of the great toe.

Hallux limitus and hallux rigidus. Clinical examination, radiographic findings, and natural history

Numerous clinical features of hallux limitus/rigidus have been previously reported as isolated entities based on individual case review or myopic observations. Few attempts have been made to synthesize a comprehensive natural history which correlates the inter-relationship of these findings. Frequently unrecognized or overlooked subtle clinical findings, such as shoe-wear patterns, hyperkeratoses locations, and gait disturbances, precede significant radiographic changes or painful degenerative arthritis by months to years. Recognition of these subtle clinical features will aid in establishing an early and accurate diagnosis, and provide the physician with an opportunity to institute treatment prior to the need for surgical reconstruction. Several conclusions can be made regarding the natural history of hallux rigidus. 1. Predisposing factors (pes planovalgus, uncompensated varus) lead to spastic contracture of the hallux (hallux equinus). 2. A shift in the axis of movement occurs within the first metatarsophalangeal joint, from centrally within the metatarsal head to plantarly at the level of the sesamoidophalangeal ligament. 3. Dorsal articular impingement of the proximal phalangeal base on the metatarsal head leads to either a chronic erosion of the dorsal metatarsal head (chondritis dissecans), or fracture through the subchondral bone plate (osteochondritis dissecans). 4. Progressive degenerative arthritis within the first metatarsophalangeal joint appears as joint space narrowing, dorsal osteophyte proliferation, subchondral cyst formation and sclerosis, and articular flattening. 5. Synovial effusion produces periarticular pain, resulting in chronic splinting of the hallux. 6. Auto-fusion of the metatarsophalangeal joint represents the end-stage progression of hallux rigidus. In addition to degeneration of the metatarsophalangeal joint, sesamoid degeneration further compounds joint immobility. 1. Sesamoid immobility from chronic spasm leads to traction proliferation of the sesamoid bones (hypertrophy). 2. Disuse osteopenia of the sesamoids is an indication of sesamoid-metatarsal degeneration, and parallels degenerative changes of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. 3. Proximal sesamoid retraction reflects the degree of hallux equinus. Metatarsus primus elevatus is a co-existant feature of hallux limitus and hallux rigidus. 1. Primary metatarsus primus elevatus is encountered in patients with a more proximal level of uncompensated varus, with hallux equinus occurring secondarily in an attempt to provide medial column support. 2. Secondary metatarsus primus elevatus results from the retrograde effects of hallux equinus on the first metatarsal, and occurs in patients with pes planovalgus. 3. Flexor stabilization syndrome of the hallux occurs in patients with pes planovalgus, and is analogous to a flexor stabilization hammertoe of the lesser digits. 4. Differentiation between primary and secondary metatarsus primus elevatus is made by evaluation of weight-bearing radiographs, comparing the standard lateral radiograph to a lateral radiograph using a forefoot block test, in which the digits are suspended off of the weight-bearing surface.

Lisfranc dislocation and associated metatarsophalangeal joint dislocations. A case report and literature review

A case report of a 28-year-old man with associated dislocations of the tarsometatarsal (Lisfranc) and metatarsophalangeal joints is presented. The potential for disability after these injuries is very high when the diagnosis or treatment is delayed, the reduction is incomplete, or the dislocation recurs. Relevant aspects of diagnosis and treatment are discussed.

Irreducible dorsal dislocation of the great toe interphalangeal joint: case report and literature review

Irreducible dorsal dislocation of the interphalangeal joint of the great toe is rare. Few case reports can be found in the literature. Most cases have been treated with operative exploration of the joint and reduction through a dorsal midline incision. We present a case where a medial approach was used under local block anesthesia to treat an irreducible complex dislocation of the interphalangeal joint of the great toe.

Dorsal dislocation of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the great toe: a case report

Dorsal dislocation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint without a fracture is a rare injury, although it has been well described in the literature. The pathologic anatomy of the case presented has not been documented previously. We suggest a new method of open repair using a sling procedure.

Irreducible dislocation of the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint: a case report

Metatarsophalangeal joint dislocations are unusual in children and usually occur in the hallux. We are reporting a case of irreducible traumatic dislocation of the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint. At open reduction, the metatarsal head was incarcerated under the flexor digitorum longus. After returning the flexor digitorum longus tendon to its anatomical position, the metatarsophalangeal joint reduced and was stable.

Turf toe injury

Long term morbidity secondary to previous first MP injury has been reported by Coker and associates and involved persistent pain with athletic activities and restricted range of motion. Clanton and coworkers noted hallux valgus and early hallux rigidus as specific long term sequelae. Clanton and Seifert have reviewed 20 athletes with prior turf toe injury with greater than 5 year follow-up noting a 50% incidence of persistent symptoms. Further study is needed regarding the long term effect of turf toe injury, but it is clearly a significant athletic injury that requires appropriate treatment tailored to the severity of the injury.

Anatomical restraints to dislocation of the second metatarsophalangeal joint and assessment of a repair technique

The aim of this study was to determine the anatomical restraints to dislocation of the second metatarsophalangeal joint and to assess the biomechanical efficacy of a technique that is commonly used to stabilize this joint. Cadaveric feet were disarticulated at the ankle, with preservation of the long flexor tendons at the medial malleolus. The hindfoot was transfixed to an aluminum jig, and a contoured nylon block was secured to the dorsum of the second metatarsal. A Kirschner wire was passed transversely through the proximal phalanx and was attached to a wire loop through which a constant vertical displacement was applied with a universal testing machine. A preload of five newtons was applied, followed by a constant displacement of two millimeters per minute, and the load-displacement curves were measured. The volar plate and the collateral ligaments were divided in five feet each. In another ten feet, both of these structures were divided simultaneously. Each load cycle was repeated four times. The force required to dislocate the joint, in the position in which testing was performed, was reduced by a mean of 30 per cent when the volar plate was divided and by a mean of 46 per cent when the collateral ligaments were divided. Division of both of these structures created an unstable joint, which dislocated at an applied load of five to ten newtons. The metatarsophalangeal joint was then repaired with use of a flexor tendon transfer in all twenty feet. This repair technique restored the load-displacement curves to that of the normal toe.

Dorsal dislocation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint

We report 3 cases of dorsal dislocation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint treated by closed reduction. Associated dislocation of the sesamoid complex may make reduction difficult. We suggest a modification of Jahss's classification and have confirmed our findings in amputation specimens.

Plantar dislocation of the metatarsophalangeal joint: case report

Dislocations of lesser metatarsophalangeal joints are rare and are almost always dorsal hyperextension injuries. The patient reported sustained plantar dislocations of the second and third metatarsophalangeal joints in a motor vehicle accident; the mechanism of injury was hyperflexion. Closed reduction was not possible, and at the time of open reduction, the extensor digitorum longus and brevis tendons to the third toe were trapped beneath the plantar aspect of the third metatarsal head. Once the tendons were retracted dorsomedially, the joint was easily reduced. Fixation with a Kirschner wire was necessary because of joint instability.

Diastasis of bipartite sesamoids of the first metatarsophalangeal joint

Injury to the metatarsophalangeal (MP) joint of the great toe, often termed "turf-toe", is a common occurrence in football. We have identified four cases of first MP plantar capsular injury with diastasis of a bipartite sesamoid. In three cases, observation and protection resulted in progressive widening of the fragments associated with pain and disability. These players required resection of the distal sesamoid fragment and repair of the volar capsule. The fourth player underwent acute repair of the medial retinaculum and capsule. All players have had a full return to sports activity. Diastasis of components of a partite sesamoid provides objective evidence of disruption of the plantar capsular mechanism. Early recognition of this condition confirmed by stress radiographs is recommended. Treatment may include early protection followed by resection, if painful, or acute repair of the retinaculum. Previous descriptions of turf-toe have not included injuries to the sesamoid complex of the first MP joint. In our opinion, the term turf-toe should represent the consequences of a hyperextension injury to the first MP joint in which the volar capsule has been disrupted proximal to the sesamoid. A classification for first MP joint injuries is presented.

First and second metatarsophalangeal joint dislocation. A case report

A case of dislocated first and second metatarsophalangeal joints was reported along with the mechanics and mechanism of injury. The practitioner must be familiar with the mechanism of injury and radiographic classification to determine the proper indications for closed versus open reduction. The authors' review of the literature did not reveal a similar case involving a dislocation of the first and second metatarsophalangeal joints.

A new type of dislocation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint: a case report

We are reporting a case of traumatic dislocation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint that does not correspond to any previously reported type. This new type of dislocation was associated with a rupture of the lateral short sesamophalangeal ligament/plantar plate, partial rupture of the intersesamoid ligament, and separation of a previously bipartite tibial sesamoid. Closed reduction was easily performed; however, the distal portion of the tibial sesamoid remained trapped within the joint. The rationale for and result of surgical treatment are presented.

Subchondral damage after acute transarticular loading: an in vitro model of joint injury

Intact canine metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints were subjected to a variety of loads in vitro. Intraarticular fracture occurred in 19 joints loaded to an average force of 2.4 +/- 0.4 kN with a corresponding loading rate of 88 +/- 23 kN/s. The remaining 29 joints were without gross evidence of fracture with an average load and loading rate of 1.7 +/- 0.9 kN and 64 +/- 32 kN/s, respectively. In the fractured specimens, damage to the zone of calcified cartilage and subchondral bone was much more extensive than was initially evident by gross inspection when assessed by scanning electron microscopy. Cracks with associated step-off displacement at the zone of calcified cartilage were found distant to the gross fractures. These findings were confirmed histologically. In addition, cracks localized to the zone of calcified cartilage were commonly identified histologically in specimens loaded in the range of 1.9-2.8 kN, but were not grossly fractured. The contact area determined with pressure-sensitive film increased with increasing load up to the point of fracture. The average pressure generated at the articular cartilage surface at the time of fracture in this model is > or = 40 MPa, and the fracture occurred at the contact site. Our findings suggest that failure in acute transarticular loading begins in the zone of calcified cartilage and subsequently involves the subchondral bone and overlying cartilage. This type of injury may contribute to the development of osteoarthritis after intraarticular fracture, or at high loads that do not result in gross fracture.

A case report on gangrene following simultaneous traumatic open metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal dislocations of the left big toe

Simultaneous metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal dislocations of the big toe are rare injuries. Gangrene of the big toe following open dislocations was reported in a 20-year-old man.

Treatment of painful subluxation or dislocation at the second and third metatarsophalangeal joints by partial proximal phalanx excision and subtotal webbing

Pain at the second or third metatarsophalangeal joint associated with objective instability and roentgenographic displacement is a common forefoot problem. In 53 patients (60 feet), surgical correction of the painful deformity was completed by resecting the bases of the proximal phalanges of Toes 2 and 3 combined with subtotal webbing of the toes. At an average follow-up period of 29.8 months, 38% were wholly satisfied; 37%, satisfied with minor reservations; 15%, satisfied with major reservations; and 10% were not satisfied. When graded for pain, cosmesis, and footwear use, the most improvement was noted for pain symptoms. No significant effect of earlier forefoot surgery was noted. Residual complaints, such as persistent pain and unstable sensation of the webbed toes, were rarely disabling and usually minor compared to the preoperative status.

A unique osteochondral fracture of the first metatarsophalangeal joint

Presented is a case report of an osteochondral fracture occurring at the base of the proximal phalanx of the hallux secondary to trauma. Initial radiographic and clinical examination did not reveal the diagnosis. However, prolonged symptoms of pain, swelling, and limitation of first metatarsophalangeal joint range of motion led to further radiographic evaluation, which confirmed a suspected diagnosis of an osteochondral fracture. This is regarded as a most interesting case by the authors, in light of the fact that review of the literature revealed a paucity of descriptions of osteochondral fracture of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. In addition, all of the previously described lesions have been localized to the first metatarsal head. A review of the literature failed to reveal any fractures occurring at the base of the proximal phalanx of the hallux.

Fracture-dislocations of the tarsometatarsal joint, a combined anatomical and computed tomographic study

Based on anatomical and computed tomographic data as well as experience with the treatment of 30 patients with fracture-dislocation of the tarsometatarsal (Lisfranc) joint, a pathophysiological model is described in which the shape of the foot and ligamentous configuration in combination with applied forces are of pivotal importance. CT imaging helps to elucidate the extent of the lesions, easily overlooked in straight radiographs. In the transverse plane we discern three grades of dislocation. Grade 1, virtually no displacement; grade 2, dislocation of half of the shaft; grade 3, total displacement. Treatment is generally dictated by the severity of the lesion and ranges from plaster application to open reduction and internal fixation. Quality of reduction is easily visualized with CT imaging.

Lisfranc's fracture-dislocation. A review of the literature and case reports

The authors present an in-depth discussion of Lisfranc's fracture-dislocations, including classifications, mechanisms of injury, radiographic evaluation, and a literature review. Four cases are presented for review. Lisfranc's fracture-dislocation is a rare injury that can lead to prolonged disability if undiagnosed or if there is a delay in treatment.