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Trigger toe in classical-ballet dancers.
Archives of Orthopaedic and Traumatic Surgery. Archiv Fur Orthopadische Und Unfall-Chirurgie
|January 1, 1985
Summary
Ballet dancers can develop stenosing tendovaginitis of the flexor hallucis longus tendon due to extreme foot positions. Surgical treatment effectively resolves this painful condition, allowing dancers to return to performance.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Dance Medicine
Background:
- Classical ballet demands extreme physical exertion, pushing dancers' bodies beyond physiological limits.
- Ballet dancers frequently adopt positions like 'en pointe,' involving extreme plantar flexion and significant stress on the ankle and first toe.
Observation:
- Two cases of stenosing tendovaginitis affecting the flexor hallucis longus tendon in professional ballet dancers are presented.
- Symptoms included posteromedial ankle pain during weight-bearing and triggering or locking of the great toe.
Findings:
- Surgical intervention involving partial excision of the tendon sheath and retinaculum allowed the tendon to move freely.
- Both patients experienced complete symptom resolution and successful return to dancing post-surgery.
Implications:
- Stenosing tendovaginitis of the flexor hallucis longus is a treatable condition in ballet dancers.
- Early diagnosis and surgical treatment are crucial for managing this specific dance-related injury.
- Understanding these biomechanical stresses can inform injury prevention strategies in ballet.