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OrthoVellum

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Foot & Ankle
intermediate
X-Type

Lesser MTP Joint Arthritis and Synovitis

Forefoot Pathology

A 52-year-old female presents with a 12-month history of pain under the second metatarsal head with associated swelling at the second MTP joint. She describes a sensation of "walking on a pebble" and notes the second toe has gradually deviated toward the hallux. Examination reveals a positive drawer test at the second MTP joint with dorsal subluxation of the proximal phalanx. There is tenderness in the second webspace but no palpable mass. Hallux valgus with crowding of the second toe is present. Regarding plantar plate pathology and lesser MTP synovitis:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

The plantar plate is a fibrocartilaginous structure that attaches to the base of the proximal phalan...

B

MRI is the imaging modality of choice for plantar plate tears; tears appear as discontinuity or incr...

C

The plantar plate attaches to the metatarsal head rather than the proximal phalanx; plantar plate te...

D

The Coughlin classification grades plantar plate tears: Grade 0 (mild alignment, no instability), Gr...

E

Conservative management includes metatarsal pads, rigid-soled footwear, NSAIDs, and taping to reduce...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option