Arthroscopic Release of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint: The 3-Portal Approach

Arthrofibrosis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint may cause significant limitation of sport and daily activities. Surgical release is indicated if conservative management fails. Open release may have a high recurrence rate of joint stiffness because the surgical trauma will induce fibrous tissue formation and the presence of lengthy surgical wounds may hinder early joint mobilization. Arthroscopic release of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is a minimally invasive approach that may be the treatment of choice for arthrofibrosis of the joint. The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe the details of the 3-portal approach of arthroscopic release of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.