Management of Athletic Turf Toe Using Biologics

Abstract

Turf toe is a common injury in a variety of different athletes, especially those involved in contact sports played on rigid surfaces. It is caused by a hyperextension injury to the hallux metatarsophalangeal joint resulting in attenuation or tearing of the plantar capsular ligamentous complex. Treatment generally consists of nonoperative measures such as rest, ice, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, taping, a stiff-sole shoe, walking boot, or casting. There has been a recent increase in the use of biologics, such as platelet-rich plasma and autologous conditioned plasma for the treatment of a variety of orthopaedic conditions. This study reports on 2 cases of turf toe treated with a combination of Toradol and autologous conditioned plasma. These case presentations are followed by a literature review on the use of biologics in the treatment of sports injuries.