Lesser Metatarsophalangeal Joint Instability: Open Surgery Treatment Alternatives

Lesser metatarsophalangeal joint plantar plate degeneration and tear typically presents as an attritional pattern of capsuloligamentous deficiency in middle-aged patients or sports-related chronic injuries. Knowledge of the anatomy, pathophysiological basis, common patterns, grading and classification of these injuries, and indications for surgery will aid imaging interpretation in the preoperative setting. The acuity and extent of injury, tissue quality, and functional requirements of the patient influence clinical decision-making with respect to surgical management. This article provides an overview of the open surgical treatment alternatives and the most used techniques to solve instability of the metatarsophalangeal joints.