Intra-articular ossicle in interphalangeal joint of the great toe and clinical implication

Failure of closed reduction for an interphalangeal joint dislocation of the great toe resulted from an intra-articular ossicle interposed between the articular cartilages of the phalanges. The knowledge concerning the intra-articular ossicle is unclear. A study was thus carried out on 100 fresh great toes to document the appearance, number, size, and location of the intra-articular ossicle found in the interphalangeal joint of the great toe. Roentgenographic studies of the joint revealed 86% of bony mass representing either the sesamoid bone or the intra-articular ossicle. Anatomical studies revealed no sesamoid bone in the flexor hallucis longus tendon. There was 88% of intra-articular ossicle on the dorsal surface of the plantar capsule of the interphalangeal joint. A medial surgical approach to reduce the irreducible dislocation is thus suggested as easier and safer than other approaches.