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Lesser Metatarsophalangeal Joint Instability: Arthroscopic Treatment Alternatives
Charles Churk Hang Li1, Tun Hing Lui1
1Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, North District Hospital, 9 Po Kin Road, Sheung Shui NT, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
|May 28, 2026
Summary
Lesser toe metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint instability, often caused by plantar plate issues, leads to pain and deformities. Arthroscopic surgery, like plantar plate tenodesis, offers a potential solution beyond temporary conservative treatments.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Podiatry
- Foot and Ankle Surgery
Background:
- Lesser toe metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint instability is a prevalent forefoot condition.
- Symptoms include metatarsalgia, synovitis, and lesser toe deformities.
- Plantar plate insufficiency is the primary cause of MTP joint instability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss arthroscopic treatment alternatives for lesser toe MTP joint instability.
- To evaluate the efficacy of plantar plate tenodesis as an arthroscopic intervention.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on arthroscopic treatments for MTP joint instability.
- Discussion of plantar plate tenodesis as a surgical technique.
Main Results:
- Conservative treatments offer only temporary relief for MTP joint instability.
- Conservative methods do not effectively halt deformity progression in most cases.
- Arthroscopic interventions, including plantar plate tenodesis, are explored as alternatives.
Conclusions:
- Plantar plate insufficiency is the main driver of MTP joint instability.
- Arthroscopic plantar plate tenodesis presents a viable treatment option.
- Further research may be needed to establish long-term outcomes of arthroscopic procedures.
