Metatarsophalangeal joint
Last revised by Mostafa El-Feky on 9 Jul 2022
Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Lee J, El-Feky M, Bell D, et al. Metatarsophalangeal joint. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 06 Dec 2023) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-63524
rID:
63524
Article created:
8 Oct 2018, James Lee
Disclosures:
At the time the article was created James Lee had no recorded disclosures.
View James Lee's current disclosuresLast revised:
9 Jul 2022, Mostafa El-Feky ◉
Disclosures:
At the time the article was last revised Mostafa El-Feky had no financial relationships to ineligible companies to disclose.
View Mostafa El-Feky's current disclosuresRevisions:
7 times, by 6 contributors - see full revision history and disclosures
Systems:
Sections:
Tags:
Synonyms:
- Metatarsophalangeal joints
- Metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ)
- MTP joint
- Metatarsophalangeal joints (MTPJs)
- MTP joints
The metatarsophalangeal joints (MTPJ) are the articulations in the forefoot between the heads of the metatarsals and the proximal phalanges 1.
Gross anatomy
The metatarsophalangeal joint is formed by the articulation of the metatarsals with their adjacent proximal phalanges. They are condyloid synovial joints which allow for flexion, extension and limited adduction and abduction 2.
First toe
The metatarsophalangeal joint of the first toe is stabilized by a capsuloligamentous complex and collection of tendons. The capsuloligamentous complex is comprised of:
- fibrous capsule
- collateral ligamentous complex
- sesamoid-phalangeal ligaments (medial and lateral)
- intersesamoid ligament
- plantar plate
- extensor hood
Additional supporting muscles:
- flexor hallucis brevis (medial and lateral heads)
- flexor hallucis longus
- abductor hallucis
- adductor hallucis
- extensor hallucis longus
- extensor hallucis brevis
Lesser metatarsophalangeal joints
The lesser (second-to-fourth) metatarsophalangeal joints also have a capsuloligamentous complex which is comprised of 3:
- fibrous capsule
- collateral ligamentous complexes (proper and accessory)
- plantar plate: rectangular/trapezoidal fibrous disc that originates from the metatarsal shaft periosteum to the proximal phalanx 4
Additional supporting muscles:
- flexor digitorum longus
- flexor digitorum brevis
- extensor digitorum longus
- extensor digitorum brevis
- flexor digiti minimi brevis
- abductor digiti minimi
- dorsal and plantar Interossei
- lumbricals
Related pathology
- turf toe: first MTPJ capsuloligamentous complex can be injured in extreme traumatic dorsiflexion
- plantar plate tears
- Freiberg disease
- metatarsophalangeal osteoarthritis
References
- 1. Mcminn. Last's Anatomy. (2003) ISBN: 9780729537520 - Google Books
- 2. Anne M. Gilroy. Anatomy. (2013) ISBN: 9781604062076 - Google Books
- 3. Finney F, Cata E, Holmes J, Talusan P. Anatomy and Physiology of the Lesser Metatarsophalangeal Joints. Foot Ankle Clin. 2018;23(1):1-7. doi:10.1016/j.fcl.2017.09.002 - Pubmed
- 4. Maas N, van der Grinten M, Bramer W, Kleinrensink G. Metatarsophalangeal Joint Stability: A Systematic Review on the Plantar Plate of the Lesser Toes. J Foot Ankle Res. 2016;9(1):32. doi:10.1186/s13047-016-0165-2 - Pubmed
Incoming Links
Articles:
- Joplin neuroma
- Extensor digitorum longus muscle
- Plantar plate tear
- Abductor digiti minimi muscle (foot)
- Deep peroneal nerve entrapment
- Adductor hallucis muscle
- Joints
- Hammer toe deformity
- Hallux rigidus
- Lumbrical muscles of the foot
- Medical abbreviations and acronyms (M)
- Pseudoneuroma sign (plantar plate tear)
- Extensor hallucis brevis muscle
- Phalanges of the feet
- Pacinian corpuscle
- Extensor hallucis longus muscle
Cases:
- Achilles tendon ossification
- Osteomyelitis - diabetic foot
- Second to fifth metatarsophalangeal dislocation
- Foreign body granuloma - foot
- First metatarsal fracture
- Metatarsophalangeal joint (histology)
- Dislocated first metatarsophalangeal joint
- Foot radiograph (anatomy quiz)
- Post osteotomy and fusion of the foot - sign of the Wolverine
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