Anatomy and Physiology of the Lesser Metatarsophalangeal Joints

Fred T Finney; Ezequiel Cata; James R Holmes; Paul G Talusan

doi:10.1016/j.fcl.2017.09.002

Anatomy and Physiology of the Lesser Metatarsophalangeal Joints

Foot Ankle Clin. 2018 Mar;23(1):1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.fcl.2017.09.002. Epub 2017 Nov 16.

Authors

Fred T Finney¹, Ezequiel Cata², James R Holmes¹, Paul G Talusan³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, 2098 South Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, USA.
² Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sanatorio Allende, Independencia 757, Cordoba Capital, Córdoba, Argentina.
³ Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, 2098 South Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, USA. Electronic address: ptalusan@med.umich.edu.

PMID: 29362026
DOI: 10.1016/j.fcl.2017.09.002

Abstract

Knowledge and command of anatomy is paramount to effectively treating disorders of the lesser metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints. The osseous structures consist of the proximal phalanx of the toe and the metatarsal head. The soft tissues on the dorsum of the MTP joint include the joint capsule and the tendons of extensor digitorum longus and extensor digitorum brevis. The proper and accessory collateral ligaments form the medial and lateral walls and contribute to stability in the coronal and sagittal planes. The plantar plate forms the plantar border of the MTP joint and stabilizes the MTP joint against hyperextension and dorsal translation.

Keywords: Collateral ligaments; MTP joint; Metatarsalgia; Plantar plate.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Humans
Joint Instability / physiopathology
Metatarsophalangeal Joint / anatomy & histology*
Range of Motion, Articular / physiology