Arthroscopy of the hallux metatarsophalangeal joint

Despite the paucity of literature on the subject of first MTP joint arthroscopy, the literature that does exist suggests that it is a worthwhile procedure in certain well-selected patients. These patients are usually young to middle-aged and have persistent pain and swelling of the first MTP joint that has failed to respond to conservative measures. These patients in general are too good for arthrodesis or arthroplasty, and certainly in the authors' experience, the results have been highly satisfactory.