[Degenerative changes of the metatarso-sesamoido-phalangeal complex]

The aim of this work was to determine the frequency and the location of the degenerative lesions of the hallucal metatarsophalangeal joint in an elderly population. Our results help us to precise the anatomic characteristics of that articular complex.

Our material comprised 21 feet from embalmed cadaver specimens. We studied the morphometrical parameters for the anatomic description of the first metatarsophalangeal joint of the forefoot. After complete dissection, a specific articular zone-mapping was made with a quantitative evaluation of the chondral lesions.

The measurements of the morphometrical parameters were in accordance with the literature data. The sesamoidal chondral lesions were more frequent for the medial sesamoid and at the proximal zone of the articular surface. The plantar metatarsal lesions were very frequent with diffuse or distal groove damage, and crista damage linked to the sesamoidal strap dislocation. The lesions involving the metatarsophalangeal compartment were less frequent and rather at the dorsal zone.

The degenerative lesions of the metatarso-sesamoido-phalangeal complex are nearly systematic in n elderly population. The morphological aspect of these lesions is very characteristic of the articular function and allows us to precise the biomechanic constraints.