Turf toe in a taekwandoo player: case report

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Podiatry

Background:

• Turf toe, or hyperextension injury of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, is common in athletes.
• This injury typically results from repetitive forceful hyperextension of the MTP joint, often on artificial turf surfaces.
• While frequently managed conservatively, turf toe can lead to significant morbidity and may necessitate surgical treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first case of surgically treated turf toe in a taekwondo player.
• To discuss the mechanism of injury in the context of barefoot martial arts on hard surfaces.
• To emphasize the consideration of surgical options for turf toe injuries.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a taekwondo athlete with a turf toe injury.
• Review of injury mechanisms associated with barefoot sports on artificial surfaces.
• Discussion of surgical treatment for metatarsophalangeal joint injuries.

Main Results:

• A taekwondo player sustained a turf toe injury requiring surgical management.
• The injury mechanism involved barefoot activity on a hard, artificial surface, forcing the MTP joint into hyperextension.
• Conservative treatment was insufficient, leading to the decision for surgical intervention.

Conclusions:

• Turf toe injuries can occur in taekwondo athletes, particularly when training barefoot on hard, artificial surfaces.
• Surgical treatment should be considered for turf toe injuries that do not respond to conservative management.
• This case highlights the importance of recognizing and appropriately treating MTP joint injuries in diverse athletic populations.