Current concepts in the treatment of metatarsophalangeal joint instability of the lesser toes: Review, surgical technique, and early outcomes

Abstract

Summary Metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint instability has been become recognized as a common cause of metatarsalgia. This disease process commonly presents as pain on the plantar aspect of the forefoot and as it progresses, it can create the development of coronal and transverse plane misalignment, even developing dislocation. Clinical staging and anatomic grading methods have been developed to guide treatment as surgeons have developed an improved understanding of how plantar plate tears relate to MTP joint instability. Direct repair of the plantar plate has been described and early clinical results suggest that this may be an option for reconstruction and realignment of plantar plate tears and associated MTP joint instability.