Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 11, 2026

06:16
A Probing Device for Quantitatively Measuring the Mechanical Properties of Soft Tissues during Arthroscopy
Published on: May 1, 2020
5.9K
Measuring Visualized Joint Surface in Hallux Metatarsophalangeal Arthroscopy
Michael Hull1, John T Campbell2, Clifford L Jeng2
11 Pinnacle Orthopaedics, Marietta, GA, USA.
Foot & Ankle International
|April 18, 2018
Summary
Arthroscopy effectively visualizes the hallux metatarsophalangeal joint's proximal phalanx base (100%) and a significant portion of the metatarsal head (57.5%). This study validates arthroscopy's utility in evaluating this small joint.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Foot and Ankle Anatomy
Background:
- Arthroscopy is increasingly utilized for small foot and ankle joint evaluation.
- Limited data exist on the efficacy of arthroscopy for visualizing the hallux metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint's articular surface.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the proportion of the hallux MTP joint's articular surface visualized during arthroscopy in a cadaveric model.
Main Methods:
- Ten fresh cadaveric foot specimens underwent standard arthroscopic evaluation.
- Visualized joint margins were marked, followed by surgical exposure and imaging.
- ImageJ software was used to measure the visualized articular surface area.
Main Results:
- An average of 57.5% of the metatarsal head and 100% of the proximal phalanx base articular surfaces were visualized.
- An average of 36.5% of the metatarsal head's articular arc was visualized.
Conclusions:
- Complete visualization of the proximal phalanx base is achievable with hallux MTP joint arthroscopy.
- Incomplete visualization of the metatarsal head may be technique-dependent, suggesting potential for improved clinical outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Structural Joints: Synovial Joints
7.2K
Synovial joints are the most common type of joint in the body. A key structural characteristic for a synovial joint is the presence of a joint cavity. This fluid-filled space is where the articulating surfaces of the bones contact each other. Also, unlike fibrous or cartilaginous joints, the articulating bone surfaces at a synovial joint are not directly connected to each other with fibrous connective tissue or cartilage. This gives the bones of a synovial joint the ability to move smoothly...
7.2K
Structural Joints: Fibrous Joints
3.9K
Fibrous joints are a type of joint where the bones are connected by fibrous connective tissue. These joints provide stability and minimal to no movement between the articulating bones. There are three types of fibrous joints.
Suture
All the bones of the skull, except for the mandible, are joined to each other by a fibrous joint called a suture. The fibrous connective tissue found at a suture strongly unites the adjacent skull bones and thus helps to protect the brain and form the face. In...
Suture
All the bones of the skull, except for the mandible, are joined to each other by a fibrous joint called a suture. The fibrous connective tissue found at a suture strongly unites the adjacent skull bones and thus helps to protect the brain and form the face. In...
3.9K
Structural Joints: Cartilaginous Joints
4.2K
As the name indicates, at a cartilaginous joint, the adjacent bones are united by cartilage, a tough but flexible type of connective tissue. Unlike synovial joints, these types of joints lack a joint cavity and involve bones joined together by either hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage.
There are two types of cartilaginous joints:
Synchondrosis
A synchondrosis ("joined by cartilage") is a cartilaginous joint where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage. Synchondrosis may be temporary...
There are two types of cartilaginous joints:
Synchondrosis
A synchondrosis ("joined by cartilage") is a cartilaginous joint where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage. Synchondrosis may be temporary...
4.2K
Joints
35.9K
Joints, also called articulations or articular surfaces, are points at which ligaments or other tissues connect adjacent bones. Joints permit movement and stability, and can be classified based on their structure or function.
Structural joint classifications are based on the material that makes up the joint as well as whether or not the joint contains a space between the bones. Joints are structurally classified as fibrous, cartilaginous, or synovial.
Fibrous Joints Are Immovable
The bones of a...
Structural joint classifications are based on the material that makes up the joint as well as whether or not the joint contains a space between the bones. Joints are structurally classified as fibrous, cartilaginous, or synovial.
Fibrous Joints Are Immovable
The bones of a...
35.9K
Method of Joints
1.3K
The method of joints is a commonly used technique to analyze the forces in structural trusses. The method is based on the principle of equilibrium, which assumes that the truss members are connected by frictionless pins. The forces at each joint can be determined by considering the equilibrium of the forces acting on that joint.
Since plane truss members are in the same plane, each joint is subjected to a coplanar and concurrent force system. To apply the method of joints, the first step is to...
Since plane truss members are in the same plane, each joint is subjected to a coplanar and concurrent force system. To apply the method of joints, the first step is to...
1.3K
Introduction to Joints
4.9K
The adult human body usually has 206 bones, and except for the hyoid bone in the neck, each bone is connected to at least one other bone. Joints are the location where bones come together. Many joints allow for movement between the bones. At these joints, the articulating surfaces of the adjacent bones can move smoothly against each other. However, the bones of other joints may be joined by connective tissue or cartilage. These joints are designed for stability and provide little or no...
4.9K

