Treatment Options for Turf Toe: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Podiatry

Background:

• Turf toe is a hyperextension injury affecting the first metatarsophalangeal joint's plantar plate.
• Commonly caused by sports involving intense forefoot stress or forceful movements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and overview current evidence-based treatment options for turf toe injuries.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of PubMed and EMBASE databases (inception to April 2016).
• Adherence to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
• Assessment of evidence level and quality using established scales.

Main Results:

• Eight studies (16 cases) were included, comprising case reports and case series.
• Treatments ranged from conservative (closed reduction, immobilization) to surgical (plantar plate tenodesis).
• All included studies were Level 4 evidence with poor quality scores.

Conclusions:

• Turf toe is underreported, with no current evidence-based treatment guidelines.
• Restricted dorsiflexion was the most frequent complication.
• Higher-quality studies using standardized classification systems are needed for optimal treatment guidelines.