Lesser metatarsal phalangeal joint arthroscopy: anatomic description and comparative dissection

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Anatomy
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

• Lesser metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints are crucial for foot function.
• Pathological conditions frequently affect these joints, necessitating accurate diagnostic tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the normal arthroscopic anatomy of lesser MTP joints.
• To compare arthroscopic findings with open dissection in cadavers.
• To establish the accuracy of arthroscopic visualization of MTP joint structures.

Main Methods:

• Arthroscopic examination of 18 lesser MTP joints from 6 fresh frozen cadaveric feet.
• Focus on the second, third, and fourth MTP joints due to higher pathology incidence.
• Identification and marking of structures with colored sutures, followed by open dissection for correlation.

Main Results:

• High accuracy rates were observed across different joint regions: medial gutter (91%), central joint (100%), and lateral gutter (98%).
• The overall accuracy of arthroscopic examination for lesser MTP joints was 96%.

Conclusions:

• Arthroscopy demonstrates a high level of anatomical accuracy for the lesser MTP joints.
• The 96% accuracy validates arthroscopy as a valuable tool for diagnosing and treating MTP joint pathologies.