High Yield Overview
FREIBERG DISEASE
Osteochondrosis | Second Metatarsal Head | Females
2nd MTMost common location (68%)
Females4:1 predominance
13-18Peak age (years)
AVNOsteonecrosis mechanism
Smillie Classification
Stage 1
PatternFissure fracture
TreatmentEpiphyseal line
Stage 2
PatternSubchondral resorption
TreatmentAltered density
Stage 3
PatternCentral depression
TreatmentDorsal projection
Stage 4
PatternLoose body formation
TreatmentFragment separation
Stage 5
PatternFlattening/OA
TreatmentEnd-stage arthritis
Critical Must-Knows
- Second metatarsal head most commonly affected (68%)
- Adolescent females predominantly affected
- Osteonecrosis/infraction of metatarsal head
- Long second metatarsal may be risk factor (Morton's foot)
- Dorsal wedge osteotomy can reposition healthy cartilage
Examiner's Pearls
- "Smillie classification guides treatment
- "X-ray shows flattening, sclerosis, fragmentation
- "Conservative treatment effective early stages
- "Debridement, osteotomy, or arthroplasty for advanced
Critical Freiberg Disease Exam Points
Location
Second metatarsal head in 68%, third metatarsal in 27%. Named Freiberg infraction (subchondral fracture/insufficiency). Osteonecrosis mechanism.
Demographics
Adolescent females (4:1). Peak age 13-18 years. May be related to high heels, tight shoes, increased activity. Bilateral in 10%.
Pathophysiology
Vascular insufficiency to subchondral bone during growth. Repetitive microtrauma. Long second metatarsal (Morton's foot) may increase loading. Leads to osteonecrosis.
Treatment
Conservative first: Offloading, stiff-soled shoe, metatarsal pad. Surgical: Core decompression (early), dorsal closing wedge osteotomy (reposition cartilage), debridement, arthroplasty.
At a Glance
Freiberg disease is an osteonecrosis of the metatarsal head, most commonly affecting the second metatarsal (68%) in adolescent females (4:1 ratio). The Smillie classification (Stages I-V) guides treatment from conservative management with offloading for early stages to dorsal closing wedge osteotomy or debridement for advanced disease. Risk factors include long second metatarsal (Morton's foot), high heels, and repetitive microtrauma. X-ray findings progress from subtle sclerosis to flattening, fragmentation, and eventual osteoarthritis.
Smillie Classification: Staging and Treatment Guide
| Stage | Pathology | Radiographic Findings | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Fissure fracture with intact articular cartilage | Often normal (MRI sensitive) | Conservative: Offloading, stiff shoe, metatarsal pad |
| Stage 2 | Absorption of subchondral bone, cartilage sinks | Subtle sclerosis, altered density | Conservative: Activity modification, orthotics |
| Stage 3 | Central depression, plantar fragment projects | Flattening, dorsal rim projection | Surgical: Dorsal closing wedge osteotomy (Gauthier) |
| Stage 4 | Loose body formation, fragmentation | Loose bodies visible, fragmented head | Surgical: Debridement, loose body removal |
| Stage 5 | Complete flattening and secondary arthrosis | Widened head, OA changes, joint destruction | Salvage: Arthroplasty or MTP arthrodesis |
Mnemonic
BALLETFreiberg Risk Factors
B
Ballet and repetitive activity
Repetitive microtrauma, especially en pointe
A
Adolescent females
Peak age 12-18 years, F:M 4:1 ratio
L
Long second metatarsal
Morton's toe increases loading 20-30%
L
Long-term high heels
Concentrates pressure on forefoot
E
Epiphyseal blood supply
Vulnerable during adolescent growth
T
Tight footwear
Compresses forefoot, restricts blood flow
Memory Hook:BALLET dancers are at highest risk - remember the typical patient profile!
Mnemonic
1-5 ProgressionSmillie Stages
1
Fissure fracture
Earliest radiographic change
2
Absorption/altered density
Subchondral resorption
3
Central Depression
Dorsal projection of intact rim
4
Loose bodies
Fragment separation
5
Flattening/Arthritis
End-stage with OA
Memory Hook:Stages 1-5: Fracture, Absorption, Depression, Loose body, Arthritis!
Overview and Epidemiology
Freiberg disease (also called Freiberg infraction) is an osteochondrosis affecting the metatarsal head, most commonly the second. It involves osteonecrosis with subsequent collapse and articular damage.
Epidemiology
Predominantly affects adolescent females (4:1 ratio). Peak age 13-18 years. Most common in second metatarsal (68%), followed by third (27%). Bilateral in approximately 10% of cases.
Pathophysiology
The exact cause is debated but likely involves repetitive microtrauma to a vulnerable blood supply during growth. A long second metatarsal (Morton's foot type) increases loading. High heels and tight shoes may contribute. The result is subchondral insufficiency fracture and osteonecrosis of the metatarsal head epiphysis.
Smillie Classification
Stage 1: Ischemia with epiphyseal fissure fracture. Earliest change. May not be visible on plain X-ray.
Stage 2: Resorption of subchondral bone. Altered density on X-ray.
Stage 3: Central depression of the metatarsal head. Dorsal rim projects dorsally. "Rim sign."
Stage 4: Central fragment becomes loose body. Peripheral rim may fragment.
Stage 5: Flattening and widening of metatarsal head. Secondary osteoarthritis. End-stage.
This classification guides treatment decisions.
Clinical Presentation
History
Adolescent female with forefoot pain at the affected metatarsal head. Pain worse with activity and weight-bearing. May have insidious onset. Sometimes minimal symptoms initially.
Examination
Inspection: May see swelling over affected MTP joint.
Palpation: Tenderness at metatarsal head (dorsal and plantar).
Range of Motion: Reduced MTP motion, especially dorsiflexion which loads the damaged articular surface.
Gait: Modified gait to offload forefoot.
Diagnosis
Plain Radiographs: Anteroposterior, oblique, and lateral views. Early: May appear normal or show subtle flattening. Progressive: Sclerosis, flattening, central collapse, loose bodies.
MRI: Sensitive for early disease before radiographic changes. Shows bone marrow edema, subchondral changes.
CT: Detail of collapse pattern for surgical planning.
Imaging Examples
📊 Management Algorithm
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Management
📊 Management Algorithm
Click to expand
Indications: Early stages (Smillie 1-2). Symptoms not severe. Patient preference.
Treatment: Offloading the affected metatarsal. Stiff-soled or rocker-bottom shoe. Metatarsal pad proximal to the head. Activity modification. NSAIDs for pain.
Outcomes: May halt progression if caught early. Higher stages less likely to respond.
Evidence Base
IV
📚 Smillie
Key Findings:
- Classification of Freiberg disease established
- Five stages described
- Guided treatment based on stage
- Foundation for understanding progression
Clinical Implication: Smillie classification guides treatment decisions.
Source: J Bone Joint Surg Br 1957
IV
📚 Gauthier and Elbaz
Key Findings:
- Dorsal closing wedge osteotomy technique
- Rotates healthy cartilage into weight-bearing
- Good outcomes reported
- Addresses Stage 3 disease
Clinical Implication: Dorsal wedge osteotomy is effective for Stage 3.
Source: Clin Orthop 1979
Exam Viva Scenarios
Practice these scenarios to excel in your viva examination
VIVA SCENARIOStandard
Scenario 1: Adolescent with Forefoot Pain
EXAMINER
"A 15-year-old girl has pain at her second toe. X-ray shows flattening and sclerosis of the second metatarsal head. What is the diagnosis and management?"
EXCEPTIONAL ANSWER
This is Freiberg disease (Freiberg infraction), an osteochondrosis affecting the metatarsal head. The second metatarsal is most commonly involved (68%), and it predominantly affects adolescent females. The radiographic findings of flattening and sclerosis are classic. I would classify this using Smillie classification - the flattening suggests at least Stage 3 (central depression). I would take a history focusing on duration of symptoms, functional impact, and previous treatment. Examination would show tenderness at the second metatarsal head and reduced MTP range of motion. For management, I would initially trial conservative treatment with offloading using a stiff-soled shoe and metatarsal pad placed proximal to the metatarsal head. Activity modification and NSAIDs may help. However, given she has Stage 3 disease with established collapse, conservative treatment may not be sufficient. If symptoms persist, surgical options include debridement and cheilectomy, or a dorsal closing wedge osteotomy (Gauthier procedure) which removes the damaged dorsal cartilage and rotates the healthy plantar cartilage into the weight-bearing position. This is effective for Stage 3. More advanced stages may require arthroplasty procedures. The pathophysiology involves osteonecrosis of the epiphysis, possibly related to a long second metatarsal and repetitive microtrauma during growth.
KEY POINTS TO SCORE
Freiberg disease = second MT head osteochondrosis
Adolescent females predominantly affected
Smillie classification guides treatment
Dorsal wedge osteotomy for Stage 3
COMMON TRAPS
✗Not knowing Smillie classification
✗Missing on the typical demographics
✗Not knowing treatment options for different stages
LIKELY FOLLOW-UPS
"What is the Smillie classification?"
"What does a dorsal closing wedge osteotomy achieve?"
VIVA SCENARIOChallenging
Scenario 2: Early Freiberg Disease with MRI Diagnosis - Conservative vs Early Intervention Decision
EXAMINER
"You are seeing a 16-year-old competitive ballet dancer in your clinic who has developed insidious onset pain in her right forefoot over the past 3 months. She describes the pain as deep and aching, localized to the base of her second toe, particularly painful when she is en pointe (on her toes) during dance rehearsals. The pain initially only occurred during intense training sessions but has now progressed to being present with daily activities like walking. She is highly motivated to continue her dance career and is concerned this injury may jeopardize her upcoming performance season. She has tried 2 weeks of rest, ice, and NSAIDs prescribed by her GP with minimal improvement. On examination, she has a visibly longer second metatarsal compared to her first (Morton's foot type - second metatarsal protrudes beyond first by approximately 1cm when comparing toe lengths). There is mild swelling over the second MTP joint with tenderness on palpation both dorsally and plantarly over the metatarsal head. Active and passive range of motion of the second MTP joint is reduced compared to the contralateral side - dorsiflexion is particularly limited (20° vs 40° on left) and painful at end range. There is no instability or crepitus. Her gait shows subtle offloading of the forefoot on the right side. You order plain radiographs (AP, oblique, lateral views of the foot) which are reported as: 'No fracture. No dislocation. Second metatarsal is longer than first. Metatarsal heads appear normal. No sclerosis or collapse identified. Joint spaces preserved. No loose bodies.' Concerned about early Freiberg disease given the clinical presentation and risk factors, you order an MRI which reports: 'Abnormal bone marrow signal in the second metatarsal head with diffuse bone marrow edema (high T2 signal, low T1 signal). Subchondral T2 hyperintensity suggesting early insufficiency/microfracture. No definite collapse or fragmentation. Articular cartilage appears intact. Mild synovitis of second MTP joint. No loose bodies. Findings consistent with early Freiberg disease (Smillie Stage 1-2).' The patient and her parents ask whether this can heal with rest alone or if she needs surgery now. They are particularly concerned about: (1) Will this progress if she continues dancing? (2) Should she have surgery now to prevent worsening? (3) What is the natural history if treated conservatively? (4) What are the risks of core decompression surgery? How do you counsel them and what is your management plan?"
EXCEPTIONAL ANSWER
This is early Freiberg disease (Smillie Stage 1-2) diagnosed on MRI before radiographic changes are evident, which represents an important clinical scenario for several reasons. First, the diagnosis is confirmed by MRI before X-ray changes appear - this is the 'window of opportunity' for early intervention that may alter the natural history and prevent progression to advanced collapse and arthritis. The key clinical features supporting the diagnosis are: (1) Classic demographics (adolescent female dancer), (2) Risk factor (long second metatarsal/Morton's foot type which increases loading on second metatarsal head by 20-30%), (3) Classic presentation (forefoot pain at second MTP worse with weight-bearing and dorsiflexion which loads the damaged subchondral bone), (4) Normal radiographs (Stage 1 disease is radiographically occult - Smillie described Stage 1 as 'fissure fracture' which may not be visible on plain films), (5) MRI findings pathognomonic for early osteonecrosis (bone marrow edema with subchondral signal changes indicating ischemia/microfracture). The management decision here is controversial because there is limited high-quality evidence comparing conservative treatment to early surgical intervention (core decompression) for Smillie Stage 1-2 disease. I would counsel the family as follows...
KEY POINTS TO SCORE
Early Freiberg disease (Smillie Stage 1-2) - MRI diagnosis before radiographic changes: Stage 1 (fissure fracture of epiphysis): Earliest stage, ischemia with subchondral insufficiency fracture, often normal on X-ray (radiographically occult), MRI shows bone marrow edema (high T2, low T1) and subchondral signal changes; Stage 2 (subchondral bone resorption): Altered density on X-ray (subtle sclerosis or lucency), MRI shows progression of subchondral changes, still no gross collapse or fragmentation; 'Window of opportunity': MRI can detect Freiberg disease weeks to months before X-ray changes appear, potentially allowing early intervention to prevent progression; Pathophysiology Stage 1-2: Repetitive microtrauma to vulnerable blood supply during adolescence (growth plates still open or recently closed), leads to ischemia and subchondral insufficiency fracture, without treatment can progress to osteonecrosis and collapse (Stages 3-5); Risk factors this patient: (1) Long second metatarsal (Morton's foot) - biomechanical studies show 20-30% increased load on second vs first MT head with long second MT, (2) Ballet dancing - repetitive high-impact loading en pointe, (3) Adolescent female (peak age 13-18 for Freiberg disease, this patient 16 at high risk), (4) Gender (females 4:1 ratio, possibly related to footwear choices like high heels or tight ballet shoes compressing forefoot)
Conservative management protocol for early Freiberg disease - strict activity modification and offloading: Indications for conservative trial: Smillie Stage 1-2 (early disease before collapse), patient willing to comply with activity restrictions, absence of loose bodies or established arthritis; Treatment protocol (minimum 3-4 months trial): (1) Complete cessation of aggravating activities - no ballet/dance for 3-4 months (this is THE KEY, patient must stop dancing completely during healing phase, partial reduction is insufficient), (2) Offloading - stiff-soled shoe or rocker-bottom shoe (reduces dorsiflexion forces on damaged metatarsal head), metatarsal pad placed proximal to 2nd MT head (transfers load to lesser metatarsals), consider custom orthotic with metatarsal bar, (3) Protected weight-bearing - walking boot for first 4-6 weeks in severe cases (immobilization may promote healing), (4) NSAIDs - 2-3 weeks for pain and inflammation (ibuprofen 400mg TDS or naproxen 500mg BD if no contraindications), (5) Activity modification - avoid high-impact activities, swimming/cycling acceptable (non-weight-bearing cardio maintains fitness); Monitoring protocol: Clinical review every 4-6 weeks (assess pain, tenderness, ROM), repeat MRI at 3-4 months to assess healing (look for resolution of bone marrow edema, no progression to collapse), if improved consider gradual return to activity (start with low-impact, progressive loading over 2-3 months, return to dance over 4-6 months total); Outcomes conservative treatment Stage 1-2: Limited evidence, small case series suggest 50-70% success rate (symptom resolution, no progression on imaging) IF strict compliance with offloading, 30-50% may progress to Stage 3-4 despite conservative treatment (especially if non-compliant with activity restrictions); Prognostic factors for conservative success: (1) Earlier stage (Stage 1 better than Stage 2), (2) Strict compliance with activity restrictions (most important), (3) Effective offloading (custom orthotics better than off-shelf), (4) Age (younger adolescents with remaining growth may have more healing potential); The challenge in this case: Patient is competitive ballet dancer with performance season approaching - strict activity cessation for 3-4 months means missing entire season, compliance may be difficult given career aspirations, must counsel honestly about risks of continuing to dance (high likelihood of progression to Stage 3-4 requiring surgery anyway, but with worse outcomes than if treated early)
Core decompression for early Freiberg disease - controversial intervention with limited evidence: Rationale for core decompression: Technique borrowed from femoral head AVN (where core decompression well-established), proposed mechanism: (1) Reduces intraosseous pressure (osteonecrosis causes increased pressure from edema/ischemia, pressure further compromises blood flow creating vicious cycle), (2) Stimulates healing response (drilling creates channels for neovascularization, bone marrow stem cells migrate to area), (3) May halt progression if performed before collapse occurs (once Stage 3-5 with established collapse, decompression ineffective); Surgical technique: Small dorsal longitudinal incision over 2nd MTP joint (2-3cm), reflect extensor tendons, identify metatarsal head, use 2-3mm drill bit to create 2-3 channels from dorsal cortex into subchondral bone (aim for area of maximal signal abnormality on MRI), irrigate to remove debris, close in layers; Evidence for core decompression: Very limited - no randomized trials, only small case series (Level IV evidence), Gauthier and Elbaz (Clin Orthop 1979): Described technique, reported 'good results' but no objective outcome measures or comparison group, subsequent small series report variable outcomes (some report 60-70% 'success' defined as symptom improvement and no progression, others report no benefit over conservative), MAJOR LIMITATION: Publication bias (failures not reported), short follow-up (may progress years later), no comparison to natural history; Complications core decompression: Iatrogenic fracture (drilling weakens already ischemic bone, risk of fracture through drill holes especially if multiple passes or large drill bit), infection (1-2% risk any surgical procedure, concerning in adolescent with whole life ahead), stiffness post-operatively (scar tissue, prolonged immobilization), progression despite decompression (may still progress to Stage 3-5 requiring further surgery, decompression is NOT a guarantee of cure), neurovascular injury (digital nerves at risk with dorsal approach, meticulous technique required); Post-operative protocol: Non-weight-bearing in CAM boot for 4 weeks (protect drill holes from fracture), gradual weight-bearing weeks 4-8 (progressive loading as bone heals), no high-impact activities for 3-4 months (same as conservative protocol, surgery does NOT allow earlier return to sport), repeat MRI 3-4 months post-op to assess healing; Current expert opinion: Most foot & ankle surgeons reserve core decompression for 'failed conservative' in Stage 1-2 (i.e., trial conservative first, if progression on MRI or persistent symptoms at 3-4 months then consider decompression), rationale: conservative has no surgical risk and may be sufficient in 50-70%, decompression limited evidence of benefit and carries surgical risks, once Stage 3 or beyond decompression ineffective (need osteotomy or arthroplasty); Controversy in this case: Some surgeons would offer early decompression (before failed conservative) arguing 'window of opportunity' to prevent progression, others argue insufficient evidence to justify surgery in Stage 1-2 and would trial conservative first; My approach: I would recommend conservative first given Stage 1-2 disease, limited evidence for decompression, and surgical risks; However, I would counsel that this requires STRICT activity cessation (no dance 3-4 months minimum) and if patient unwilling/unable to comply then progression likely and might argue for early decompression to 'save the season' - but must be honest this is off-label with limited evidence
Natural history Freiberg disease without treatment - progression to advanced stages: Natural history untreated or inadequately treated: Progressive osteonecrosis with collapse and secondary osteoarthritis (Smillie Stages 1-5 progression); Stage 1 to 2 progression: Weeks to months, subchondral bone resorption increases, X-ray changes appear (sclerosis, altered density); Stage 2 to 3 progression: Months to years, central depression develops as subchondral bone collapses under load, dorsal rim projects dorsally creating 'rim sign' (pathognomonic for Stage 3), articular cartilage damage begins; Stage 3 to 4 progression: Months to years, central fragment becomes loose body as it separates, peripheral rim may also fragment, multiple loose bodies possible, cartilage damage progresses; Stage 4 to 5 progression: Years, progressive flattening and widening of metatarsal head, secondary osteoarthritis develops (joint space narrowing, osteophytes, subchondral sclerosis), end-stage with chronic pain and stiffness; Factors influencing progression: (1) Continued high-impact loading (major factor - athletes/dancers who continue activity progress faster), (2) Severity of initial ischemia (more severe ischemia = faster progression), (3) Age (adolescents with remaining growth may have more healing potential vs adults), (4) Morton's foot (long second MT means continued excessive loading even with activity modification); Risk of progression Stage 1-2: If strict offloading and activity cessation: 30-50% still progress (despite best conservative efforts), if continued high-impact activity: 70-90% progress to Stage 3+ within 1-2 years (ischemic bone cannot tolerate continued loading); Timeframe to progression: Variable, typically 6 months to 2 years from Stage 1 to Stage 3 if inadequately treated, faster in high-level athletes continuing sport; Implications for counseling: Must be honest that even with perfect conservative compliance, 30-50% will progress and require surgery later anyway (dorsal wedge osteotomy for Stage 3, arthroplasty for Stage 5), surgery later may have worse outcomes than early intervention (though limited evidence), if patient unable to comply with activity restrictions (e.g., unwilling to miss dance season) then progression almost certain and early decompression might be considered to 'buy time' (though again limited evidence); Long-term outcomes untreated Freiberg disease: Many patients progress to Stage 4-5 with chronic pain, stiffness, functional impairment, may require salvage arthroplasty or arthrodesis in adulthood, significantly impacts quality of life and athletic participation; The key counseling point: Early Freiberg disease (Stage 1-2) is potentially reversible with strict offloading and activity cessation, BUT requires significant sacrifice (missing dance season), AND still 30-50% chance of progression despite compliance, surgical options exist (core decompression) but limited evidence, ultimately patient/family decision weighing risks and benefits
Differential diagnosis forefoot pain in adolescent - must exclude other causes before attributing to Freiberg: Stress fracture metatarsal shaft: More common in athletes, tenderness over shaft (not head), X-ray may show periosteal reaction or fracture line (though can be radiographically occult like Freiberg), MRI shows linear low T1 signal with surrounding edema in shaft (vs focal edema in metatarsal head in Freiberg); Sesamoiditis first MTP: Pain under first MTP (not second), tenderness over sesamoids plantar to first MTP, MRI shows edema in sesamoid bones; Metatarsalgia: Broader term for forefoot pain, usually mechanical from abnormal loading, tenderness over multiple metatarsal heads (not isolated to second), MRI may show plantar plate injury or intermetatarsal bursitis but no bone edema; Morton's neuroma: Interdigital nerve compression, typically between 3rd-4th MT heads (less common 2nd-3rd), burning/tingling/numbness in toes (neurogenic symptoms), Mulder's click on examination (palpable click when compressing metatarsal heads and squeezing neuroma), MRI may show intermetatarsal mass; Kohler disease: Osteochondrosis of navicular bone (not metatarsal head), younger children (ages 3-7, peak 5), tenderness over navicular (midfoot not forefoot), X-ray shows navicular sclerosis/fragmentation; Inflammatory arthritis: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis can affect MTP joints, usually multiple joints involved (not isolated second MTP), systemic symptoms (morning stiffness, malaise), elevated inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP); Infection: Septic arthritis or osteomyelitis, acute onset (days not months), systemic symptoms (fever, malaise), elevated WCC/CRP, MRI shows fluid collection/abscess, requires urgent surgical washout; This case: Isolated second metatarsal head pain, MRI showing focal bone edema in metatarsal head with subchondral changes, normal inflammatory markers, chronic course (3 months) - diagnostic of Freiberg disease, but important to have considered differentials
COMMON TRAPS
✗Reassuring patient based on normal X-rays alone without considering MRI: This is THE TRAP - Smillie Stage 1 disease is often radiographically occult (normal X-rays), earliest X-ray changes (subtle sclerosis or altered density) are Stage 2; Clinical suspicion should prompt MRI even with normal radiographs - adolescent female with forefoot pain localized to second metatarsal head, especially with risk factors (long second MT, dancer), warrants MRI; If examiner asks 'X-rays are normal, so what's causing her pain?': Do NOT dismiss as 'just overuse' or 'soft tissue injury'; Correct answer: 'Normal radiographs do NOT exclude Freiberg disease - Stage 1 disease is radiographically occult. Given the clinical features (adolescent female, long second metatarsal, localized second MTP pain), I have high suspicion for early Freiberg disease and would order MRI which is sensitive for early osteonecrosis before X-ray changes appear'; Consequences of missing diagnosis: Patient continues dancing, Stage 1 progresses to Stage 3-4 over 6-12 months, now requires osteotomy or arthroplasty (vs potentially reversible with early treatment)
✗Recommending immediate core decompression surgery without trial of conservative management: This is A TRAP - while early intervention is appealing conceptually, evidence for core decompression in Freiberg disease is very limited (only small case series, no RCTs, no comparison to natural history); Conservative management with strict offloading has 50-70% success rate in Stage 1-2 disease and carries no surgical risk; Most experts recommend conservative trial first (3-4 months), only proceeding to decompression if failed conservative or progression on serial MRI; If examiner asks 'What's your first-line treatment?': Do NOT say 'I would perform core decompression now to prevent progression'; Correct answer: 'First-line treatment is conservative with strict activity modification and offloading. This includes complete cessation of dance for 3-4 months, stiff-soled shoe, metatarsal pad, and NSAIDs. I would monitor clinically and with repeat MRI at 3-4 months. If symptoms persist or imaging shows progression, I would then consider core decompression, though evidence is limited. Surgery carries risks (fracture, infection, stiffness) and should be reserved for failed conservative treatment in early-stage disease'; The exception: Patient unwilling/unable to comply with 3-4 months activity cessation - in this case might discuss decompression as alternative, but must counsel limited evidence
✗Allowing patient to continue dancing 'modified' or 'reduced intensity' during conservative treatment: This is THE TRAP for failure of conservative treatment - partial activity reduction is INSUFFICIENT; Osteonecrotic bone cannot tolerate continued high-impact loading even at 'reduced intensity' - ischemic subchondral bone will continue to collapse with any significant loading; If examiner asks 'Patient asks if she can continue dancing at reduced intensity during treatment': Do NOT say 'Yes, she can dance lightly a few times per week'; Correct answer: 'No, conservative treatment requires COMPLETE cessation of dance for 3-4 months minimum. This is not negotiable if we are to give conservative treatment the best chance of success. Even 'light' dancing involves high-impact forces on the forefoot, especially en pointe, which the ischemic bone cannot tolerate. Partial activity reduction will lead to progression. If she is unwilling or unable to stop dancing completely, then conservative treatment will fail and we should discuss surgical options like core decompression, though I must emphasize the evidence for decompression is limited'; The reality: Most competitive athletes (especially dancers with performance season approaching) struggle with complete cessation - must counsel honestly about trade-off (stop now for 3-4 months and potentially save the joint, or continue dancing and almost certainly progress to Stage 3-4 requiring surgery with worse outcomes)
✗Promising that conservative treatment or core decompression will definitely prevent progression: This is A TRAP - even with optimal conservative treatment, 30-50% of Stage 1-2 Freiberg disease will progress; Core decompression evidence is limited and does NOT guarantee prevention of progression; If examiner asks 'If we do core decompression now, will that cure her?': Do NOT say 'Yes, early decompression should prevent progression to advanced disease'; Correct answer: 'I must be honest that we cannot guarantee prevention of progression even with optimal treatment. Conservative treatment with strict offloading succeeds in 50-70% of Stage 1-2 cases, meaning 30-50% still progress despite best efforts. Core decompression is controversial - limited evidence from small case series, no randomized trials, reported success rates of 60-70% but significant publication bias. Even with decompression, she may still progress to Stage 3-4 requiring further surgery. What I can say is that early intervention (whether conservative or surgical) likely has better outcomes than treating advanced disease, and we will monitor closely with serial imaging to detect any progression early'; Expectation management critical: Family needs to understand uncertainty of outcomes, potential for requiring further surgery later, importance of compliance with restrictions
✗Not addressing the biomechanical risk factor (long second metatarsal/Morton's foot) in long-term management: This is A TRAP for recurrence or contralateral disease - long second metatarsal is major risk factor (20-30% increased load on second MT head), present bilaterally in Morton's foot type; If examiner asks 'What about long-term prevention?': Do NOT focus only on acute treatment and miss biomechanical factors; Correct answer: 'The patient has Morton's foot type (long second metatarsal) which is a significant biomechanical risk factor - the longer second metatarsal bears excessive load compared to the first, increasing stress on the second metatarsal head by 20-30%. This contributed to the development of Freiberg disease and will continue to be a risk factor even after successful treatment of the acute episode. Long-term management includes: (1) Custom orthotic with metatarsal bar to offload second metatarsal and distribute load more evenly across forefoot, (2) Footwear modification - avoid high heels, narrow toe boxes, or unsupportive shoes that compress forefoot, (3) Activity modification - consider transitioning from ballet (extremely high forefoot loading en pointe) to lower-impact dance forms, (4) Contralateral monitoring - 10% risk of bilateral Freiberg disease, should monitor left foot clinically for development of symptoms, (5) Consider first metatarsal lengthening osteotomy (advanced, rarely done) if recurrent symptoms despite orthotic offloading - this is a proximal osteotomy to lengthen first metatarsal making it equal to second, redistributing load more evenly, but significant surgery with its own morbidity'; The difficult conversation: For high-level ballet dancer, Morton's foot anatomy is a permanent biomechanical disadvantage - may need to counsel about career implications, whether ballet is sustainable long-term with this anatomy
✗Not counseling about natural history and potential for progression despite treatment: This is A TRAP for patient dissatisfaction and litigation risk - family needs realistic expectations; If examiner asks 'What do you tell the family about prognosis?': Do NOT give overly optimistic 'should be fine with rest'; Correct answer: 'I need to counsel the family honestly about several points: (1) Natural history without treatment - Freiberg disease is progressive, Stage 1-2 will likely progress to Stage 3-5 over months to years if she continues high-impact dance, leading to collapse, loose bodies, and arthritis requiring surgery; (2) Conservative treatment outcomes - strict offloading and activity cessation succeeds in 50-70% of early cases, BUT this means 30-50% still progress despite perfect compliance, and success requires complete cessation of dance for 3-4 months minimum which may not be acceptable given performance season; (3) Core decompression outcomes - limited evidence, may help prevent progression but no guarantees, carries surgical risks (fracture, infection, stiffness), still requires 3-4 months before return to dance; (4) Career implications - even if we successfully treat this episode, the underlying biomechanical problem (long second metatarsal) remains and puts her at ongoing risk for recurrence or contralateral disease, high-level ballet may not be sustainable long-term; (5) Surveillance - regardless of treatment chosen, will need close monitoring with clinical exams and serial MRI to detect progression early; I want to be clear that we will do everything we can to preserve her dance career, but she and her family need to understand the uncertainties and potential need for further treatment even with optimal initial management'; Shared decision-making: Present options (conservative vs decompression), evidence for each (limited for both), let family decide based on their values and priorities'
LIKELY FOLLOW-UPS
"How does MRI detect Freiberg disease before X-ray changes appear, and what are the specific MRI findings in Stage 1-2?: MRI physics: Sensitive to bone marrow edema and subchondral changes before cortical/structural changes visible on X-ray; T1-weighted images show marrow fat (normally high signal/bright), edema/ischemia causes low signal (dark) - abnormal low T1 in metatarsal head indicates marrow edema/ischemia; T2-weighted images show water/fluid (high signal/bright), edema causes high signal - abnormal high T2 in metatarsal head indicates edema/inflammation; STIR (short tau inversion recovery) suppresses fat signal, makes edema/fluid very conspicuous - sensitive for detecting early ischemia; MRI findings Smillie Stage 1: Diffuse bone marrow edema in metatarsal head (low T1, high T2/STIR), subchondral signal changes (linear low T1 high T2 indicating microfracture/insufficiency), articular cartilage intact, no collapse or fragmentation, mild joint effusion/synovitis (secondary to subchondral inflammation); MRI findings Smillie Stage 2: Progressive bone marrow edema, subchondral resorption appearing as focal low T1 signal, early subchondral collapse (subtle flattening), cartilage may show early damage (intermediate signal on T2), more pronounced synovitis; Correlation with X-ray: Stage 1 usually normal X-ray (too early for cortical changes), Stage 2 may show subtle sclerosis or altered density on X-ray but MRI much more sensitive; Timing: MRI can detect Freiberg disease 2-4 months before X-ray changes become evident (critical window for intervention); Other MRI uses: Assessing articular cartilage damage (helps stage disease and plan surgery), detecting loose bodies, differentiating from other causes of forefoot pain (stress fracture, sesamoiditis), monitoring response to treatment (serial MRI at 3-4 months - resolution of edema = healing, persistent/worsening edema or new collapse = progression); Cost-effectiveness: MRI expensive (approximately $400-800), but justified when clinical suspicion high and X-rays normal, early diagnosis may prevent progression to advanced disease requiring more extensive surgery"
"What is the biomechanical basis for Morton's foot (long second metatarsal) predisposing to Freiberg disease?: Normal metatarsal anatomy: First metatarsal typically longest and thickest (bears 30-40% of forefoot load), second metatarsal slightly shorter (bears 20-25% load), third/fourth/fifth progressively shorter (share remaining 35-50% load), this distribution is called 'Index Plus' foot (first MT longest) or 'Normal' foot; Morton's foot anatomy: Second metatarsal equal to or longer than first (called 'Index Minus' or 'Morton's foot'), occurs in approximately 10-20% of population; Biomechanical consequence of Morton's foot: When second MT is longer, it bears DISPROPORTIONATE load during gait and weight-bearing, biomechanical studies show 20-30% increase in peak pressure under second metatarsal head in Morton's foot compared to normal, during push-off phase of gait, second MT head subjected to higher repetitive stress; Specific to ballet/dance: En pointe (on toes) position concentrates ALL body weight onto tips of metatarsals, if second MT is longest, it bears excessive proportion of load (may be 40-50% of forefoot load vs normal 20-25%), repetitive en pointe work = repetitive high-magnitude loading of second MT head thousands of times per week; Vascular vulnerability: Second metatarsal head has relatively tenuous blood supply during adolescence (epiphyseal blood supply vulnerable), repetitive excessive loading (microtrauma) can compromise this vulnerable blood supply, leads to ischemia and osteonecrosis (Freiberg disease); Why second MT most common site: Combination of (1) Morton's foot anatomy in subset of patients, (2) intrinsically vulnerable blood supply during growth, (3) unique anatomy of second MT (longest, least mobile - first MT has two sesamoids and more mobility, second is more rigid and transmits forces directly to head); Treatment implications: Morton's foot is FIXED anatomy (cannot change bone length without surgery), therefore long-term management must address biomechanics - metatarsal pad/bar to offload second MT and redistribute load, footwear modification, activity modification, in rare cases consider first metatarsal lengthening osteotomy (complex surgery, usually reserved for recurrent/refractory cases); Contralateral risk: Morton's foot is bilateral by definition (both feet have long second MT), so if one foot develops Freiberg disease there is risk to contralateral foot (10% bilateral rate), should counsel about bilateral orthotic use and monitoring contralateral foot"
"What is the evidence base for core decompression in Freiberg disease, and how does it compare to core decompression for femoral head AVN?: Femoral head AVN core decompression (where technique originated): Well-established for early femoral head osteonecrosis (Ficat Stage I-II before collapse), multiple randomized trials and meta-analyses, Mont et al. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1996: Core decompression delayed progression to collapse in 60-70% of early femoral head AVN at 2 years, rationale: Reduces intraosseous pressure (osteonecrosis causes increased pressure from edema/ischemia which further compromises blood flow - vicious cycle), creates channels for neovascularization (blood vessels grow into decompression tunnels), stimulates healing response (marrow stem cells migrate to area); Extrapolation to Freiberg disease: Borrowed concept from femoral head AVN, rationale: Same pathophysiology (osteonecrosis), same goal (prevent collapse in early stages before gross structural failure); Evidence for Freiberg disease: VERY LIMITED - no randomized trials, only small retrospective case series (Level IV evidence), Gauthier and Elbaz (Clin Orthop 1979): Described core decompression technique for Freiberg, reported 'good results' but NO objective outcome measures, NO control group, NO long-term follow-up; Subsequent case series: Small numbers (typically 10-20 patients), variable definitions of 'success' (makes comparison difficult), variable follow-up (often short-term 1-2 years, inadequate to assess long-term progression), reported 'success rates' of 60-70% (defined as symptom improvement and no radiographic progression) BUT significant publication bias (negative results less likely to be published); Major limitations current evidence: (1) No comparison to natural history (we don't know if 60-70% would have improved with conservative alone), (2) No randomized trials comparing decompression to conservative, (3) Publication bias (surgeons who get poor results don't publish), (4) Variable surgical technique (number of drill holes, drill bit size, supplementary treatments like bone graft), (5) Heterogeneous patient populations (mixing stages, ages), (6) Short follow-up (may progress years later); Comparison to femoral head AVN evidence: Freiberg evidence is MUCH weaker than femoral head AVN (which has RCTs and meta-analyses), cannot assume Freiberg disease behaves identically to femoral head AVN (different bone, different biomechanics, different patient population); Current expert opinion: Most foot & ankle surgeons consider core decompression 'experimental' for Freiberg disease, some offer it for failed conservative in Stage 1-2 (as salvage before progression to Stage 3), others do not offer it at all citing insufficient evidence; My approach: Would counsel patient honestly: 'Core decompression is a technique borrowed from hip AVN, rationale makes sense (reduce pressure, stimulate healing), but evidence specific to Freiberg disease is very limited - only small case series, no proof it works better than conservative alone, carries surgical risks. I would recommend conservative first, only consider decompression if failed conservative and before progression to Stage 3 where it would be ineffective'; Research needed: Randomized trial comparing conservative to core decompression for Stage 1-2 Freiberg disease, standardized outcome measures (pain scores, imaging outcomes, return to sport), long-term follow-up (minimum 5 years), until such evidence exists, decompression remains controversial"
"If the patient and family decide to proceed with strict conservative treatment (3-4 months no dance), what is your detailed post-treatment return-to-dance protocol?: Conservative treatment success defined as: Clinical improvement (reduced pain, tenderness), imaging improvement on 3-4 month MRI (resolution or significant reduction of bone marrow edema, no progression to collapse), patient satisfied with symptom control; Return-to-dance protocol (total 4-6 months from conservative treatment start to full return): Phase 1 (Months 0-3): Complete rest from dance, offloading with stiff-soled shoe and metatarsal pad, maintain cardiovascular fitness with non-weight-bearing activities (swimming, stationary cycling), maintain upper body and core strength, maintain flexibility with gentle stretching (avoid forefoot loading); Phase 2 (Month 3-4): Assuming clinical and imaging improvement at 3-month review, begin gradual weight-bearing loading, progress from stiff-soled shoe to supportive athletic shoe with orthotic, start low-impact activities (walking, elliptical trainer), begin proprioception and balance training (single leg stance, wobble board but avoiding excessive forefoot loading), start light strengthening (toe curls, ankle strengthening, but no resisted plantarflexion yet); Phase 3 (Month 4-5): Gradual return to dance-specific activities, start with barre work (no en pointe), focus on technique and positions that minimize forefoot loading, progress to center work (still no en pointe), increase intensity and duration gradually (increase by 10-20% per week maximum), continue orthotic use in all footwear; Phase 4 (Month 5-6): Gradual return to en pointe work, start with very short durations (5-10 minutes per session), only progress if completely pain-free, increase en pointe duration by 5-10 minutes per week, continue monitoring for any return of symptoms (pain, swelling, tenderness); Phase 5 (Month 6+): Full return to unrestricted dance IF pain-free throughout Phase 4, if any pain recurs at any phase, step back to previous phase and slower progression, consider repeat MRI at 6 months if any concerns; Red flags for progression during return-to-dance: Recurrent pain at second metatarsal head (especially with en pointe), swelling or tenderness on examination, reduced range of motion, modified gait; If red flags occur: STOP current activity level, clinical reassessment, consider repeat MRI to assess for progression, may need to restart conservative treatment or consider surgical intervention if progressive collapse; Long-term management: Lifelong orthotic use with metatarsal bar/pad to offload second metatarsal, footwear counseling (supportive shoes, avoid high heels and narrow toe boxes outside of dance), ongoing monitoring (clinical review every 6-12 months for first 2 years, annual thereafter), education about symptoms of recurrence (early pain at MTP should prompt immediate rest and review, not push through), contralateral foot monitoring (10% bilateral risk, watch for symptoms in left foot); The harsh reality: Even with successful conservative treatment of this episode, the underlying biomechanical problem (Morton's foot with long second metatarsal) remains, she will ALWAYS be at higher risk for recurrence or progressive disease, may need to seriously consider whether professional ballet career is sustainable long-term, alternative dance forms with less forefoot loading (modern dance, jazz) may be more compatible with her anatomy"
"What would be your approach if the MRI instead showed Stage 3 disease (central depression with dorsal rim projection) rather than Stage 1-2?: Stage 3 Freiberg disease management - different algorithm from Stage 1-2: Smillie Stage 3 definition: Central depression of metatarsal head with subchondral collapse, dorsal rim projects dorsally ('rim sign' on lateral X-ray), articular cartilage damage progressed but not complete destruction, plantar cartilage often still intact; Key difference from Stage 1-2: Stage 3 has established structural collapse (not just ischemia/edema), conservative treatment ineffective (collapsed bone will NOT remodel or heal with offloading alone), surgical intervention usually required for symptomatic patients; Management algorithm Stage 3: Conservative trial still reasonable first-line (some Stage 3 patients minimally symptomatic, especially early Stage 3): Offloading with stiff-soled shoe and metatarsal pad, activity modification, NSAIDs, trial for 2-3 months; If conservative fails (persistent pain limiting function): Surgical intervention indicated; Surgical options Stage 3 - Gauthier dorsal closing wedge osteotomy (first-line): Rationale: Dorsal cartilage damaged from central depression, plantar cartilage often still intact and healthy, goal is to excise damaged dorsal cartilage and rotate healthy plantar cartilage into weight-bearing (dorsal) position; Technique: Dorsal longitudinal incision over second MTP, reflect extensor tendons, identify metatarsal head and neck, plan dorsal closing wedge osteotomy (apex plantar) - typically 15-30° wedge based on degree of collapse, use oscillating saw to make dorsal and plantar cuts, close wedge removing damaged dorsal cartilage and bone, rotate plantar cartilage dorsally into weight-bearing position, fix with K-wires or screws (crossed K-wires most common), check ROM intraoperatively (should improve dorsiflexion by removing dorsal impingement); Outcomes Gauthier osteotomy: Good evidence (multiple case series), 70-85% good-to-excellent outcomes at 2-5 years (defined as pain relief, return to activity, patient satisfaction), best results in Stage 3 disease (once Stage 4-5 with loose bodies and advanced OA, osteotomy less effective), younger patients (adolescents/young adults) better outcomes than older patients; Complications: Stiffness (most common, 10-20% - some loss of MTP motion expected but usually acceptable), transfer metatarsalgia (shortening second MT relative to third can overload third MT, 5-10%), recurrence (10-15% - progressive degeneration over years may require further surgery), malunion/nonunion (5-10%), neurovascular injury (digital nerves at risk); Post-operative protocol: Non-weight-bearing in CAM boot for 4 weeks (protect osteotomy), K-wire removal at 4 weeks (in office under local), gradual weight-bearing weeks 4-8, ROM exercises starting week 6, return to sport/dance 3-4 months (similar timeline to conservative for Stage 1-2); Alternative surgical options Stage 3 if Gauthier not suitable: Debridement and cheilectomy: Remove loose bodies, debride damaged cartilage, excise dorsal osteophytes, less definitive than osteotomy (does not address biomechanics) but lower morbidity, outcomes variable (50-70% improvement), consider for older patients or those unwilling to accept osteotomy recovery; Shortening osteotomy (metatarsal shaft): Shorten second metatarsal to reduce load (offload mechanically), different from Gauthier (which addresses articular surface), can be combined with Gauthier; Salvage options (Stage 4-5 or failed Gauthier): Metatarsal head resection arthroplasty, silicone implant arthroplasty (higher complication rate with implants), MTP arthrodesis (rarely done, loses motion but reliable pain relief); Counseling for Stage 3: 'Your MRI shows Stage 3 Freiberg disease which means the bone has collapsed creating a depression in the metatarsal head. At this stage, the damage is structural and will not heal with rest alone. I recommend we first try conservative treatment with offloading for 2-3 months, but if your symptoms do not improve, you will likely need surgery. The surgery I would recommend is called a Gauthier dorsal closing wedge osteotomy - this removes the damaged cartilage on top of the metatarsal head and rotates the healthy cartilage from underneath into the weight-bearing position. Results are good with 70-85% achieving significant pain relief and return to activities. Recovery takes 3-4 months before you can return to dance. The alternative if we don't do surgery is progression to more advanced arthritis over the next several years which would require more extensive surgery like joint replacement or fusion.'"
VIVA SCENARIOCritical
Scenario 3: Advanced Freiberg Disease with Failed Previous Surgery - Salvage Options and Complex Decision-Making
EXAMINER
"You are seeing a 24-year-old administrative assistant in your reconstructive foot and ankle clinic, referred from another surgeon for a second opinion. She has a long history of right second toe pain dating back to age 17 when she was first diagnosed with Freiberg disease. At that time, she underwent 'cleaning out of the joint' (operative report describes debridement and cheilectomy - removal of loose bodies, excision of dorsal osteophytes, debridement of damaged cartilage). She had good pain relief for approximately 2 years post-operatively but over the past 3 years her symptoms have gradually worsened. She now has constant dull aching pain in her right second toe, significantly worse with any prolonged walking or standing. She describes the toe as feeling 'stiff' and 'stuck'. She has tried conservative measures including custom orthotics with metatarsal pad, stiff-soled rocker-bottom shoes, multiple courses of physiotherapy, and regular NSAIDs. She has modified her work duties to minimize standing (now primarily desk-based) but still has significant pain even with activities of daily living like grocery shopping. The pain is impacting her quality of life - she avoids social activities involving walking, cannot exercise for fitness, and is concerned about her future. She is very motivated for surgical treatment if it can improve her pain and function. On examination, there is a well-healed dorsal scar over the second MTP joint from her previous surgery. The second toe appears slightly dorsiflexed and 'stuck up' compared to the other toes. There is no swelling or erythema. Palpation reveals significant tenderness over the second metatarsal head both dorsally and plantarly. Range of motion testing of the second MTP joint shows severe restriction - only 5° of plantarflexion and 10° of dorsiflexion (normal approximately 30-40° each direction), passive motion is blocked by hard endpoint (bony block, not soft tissue), attempting to move the joint causes significant pain. There is no instability. The adjacent third and fourth MTP joints have normal range of motion and are non-tender, suggesting no significant transfer metatarsalgia yet. Her gait shows antalgic offloading of the right forefoot with shortened stance phase on the right. You review her radiographs (AP, oblique, lateral) which show: 'Second metatarsal head markedly flattened and widened. Severe osteoarthritis with joint space narrowing (less than 1mm), large dorsal and plantar osteophytes, subchondral sclerosis and cysts. Dorsal subluxation of proximal phalanx. No hardware present. Findings consistent with advanced Freiberg disease (Smillie Stage 5).' You review her previous operative report which documents removal of 3 loose bodies, debridement of approximately 60% of metatarsal head articular cartilage (described as 'extensively damaged'), and excision of dorsal osteophytes. No osteotomy was performed. She asks: 'Can you fix this? I'm only 24 and I can't live the rest of my life with this pain. My last surgeon said there's nothing more he can do. What are my options?' How do you counsel her and what is your surgical recommendation?"
EXCEPTIONAL ANSWER
This is a complex case of advanced Freiberg disease (Smillie Stage 5) with end-stage osteoarthritis of the second MTP joint following failed previous debridement surgery. This represents a challenging salvage scenario requiring careful counseling about realistic expectations and trade-offs between different surgical options. First, I need to acknowledge several important points: (1) She has end-stage disease - the extensive cartilage damage, severe stiffness (total arc of motion only 15° vs normal 60-80°), radiographic features (joint space loss, osteophytes, subchondral changes) indicate the joint is essentially destroyed and will not 'recover' to normal with any treatment, (2) Her previous surgery (debridement/cheilectomy) was appropriate for her disease stage at age 17 (likely Stage 3-4 at that time based on description of loose bodies and damaged cartilage), provided 2 years of good relief which is reasonable outcome, but did not address underlying disease progression, (3) Natural history of Freiberg disease is progressive degeneration - even with successful initial surgery, many patients progress to end-stage arthritis over years/decades, (4) At age 24, she has a long life ahead and any surgical decision must consider durability and potential need for future revisions. The key question is: What are the surgical salvage options for end-stage Freiberg disease, and what are the trade-offs? I would counsel her about three main options...
KEY POINTS TO SCORE
End-stage Freiberg disease (Smillie Stage 5) - pathoanatomic features and failed debridement: Smillie Stage 5 definition: Flattening and widening of metatarsal head, secondary osteoarthritis (joint space narrowing, osteophytes, subchondral sclerosis/cysts), end-stage with gross destruction of joint, irreversible structural damage; Pathoanatomic changes this case: Severe cartilage loss (previous surgery removed 60%, remaining 40% now degenerated over 7 years = essentially no functional cartilage remaining), bony remodeling (metatarsal head flattened and widened from chronic abnormal loading), osteophyte formation (dorsal and plantar osteophytes cause impingement and restrict motion), subchondral bone changes (sclerosis from abnormal stress distribution, cysts from synovial fluid intrusion), soft tissue contracture (7 years of stiffness = capsular fibrosis, collateral ligaments shortened), dorsal subluxation (chronic inflammation and capsular laxity allows proximal phalanx to sublux dorsally); Why debridement failed: Debridement is temporizing not curative - removes loose bodies and osteophytes (improves symptoms short-term), debrides damaged cartilage (but does NOT regenerate healthy cartilage to replace it), does NOT address underlying biomechanics (loading on diseased metatarsal head continues), natural history is progression - remaining cartilage gradually degenerates, osteophytes reform, arthritis progresses; Appropriate role of debridement: Good for Stage 3-4 disease with symptomatic loose bodies or dorsal impingement from osteophytes, provides 2-5 years symptom relief in many cases (this patient got 2 years, which is reasonable), 'buys time' before more definitive surgery needed, less invasive than osteotomy/arthroplasty (lower morbidity), can be repeated once if symptoms recur BUT repeated debridement has diminishing returns (scar tissue, less cartilage remaining to work with); This patient's progression: Initial debridement age 17 removed loose bodies and osteophytes (Stage 4 disease likely), good relief for 2 years, gradual progression to Stage 5 over next 5 years (ages 19-24), now age 24 with end-stage arthritis requiring salvage procedure; Key point: Debridement is NOT a failure - it achieved its goal of symptom relief for 2 years, but cannot stop natural history of progressive degeneration, now needs definitive salvage
Salvage option 1: Metatarsal head resection arthroplasty (Keller-type procedure) - joint sacrifice with motion preservation attempt: Technique: Dorsal longitudinal incision over second MTP (incorporating previous scar), reflect extensor tendons, release dorsal capsule and collateral ligaments, excise metatarsal head (typically distal 30-40% of metatarsal including entire articular surface and osteophytes), smooth remaining metatarsal stump with rongeur, some surgeons interpose tissue (capsule or tendon) to prevent bone-on-bone contact, repair capsule, close skin; Rationale: Removes source of pain (arthritic joint surfaces no longer articulating), maintains some motion at MTP (fibrous pseudoarthrosis forms, allows 10-20° motion typically), less extensive than formal arthroplasty (no implant required) or arthrodesis (preserves some flexibility); Outcomes resection arthroplasty: Variable results in literature (Level IV evidence, small case series), pain relief: 60-75% achieve significant improvement (vs pre-operative pain, but rarely pain-free), function: Modest improvement, most return to low-demand activities, many struggle with high-impact (running, jumping), motion: Typically regain 10-20° MTP motion (less than normal 60-80° but more than pre-op 15° in this case), stability: Toe may become floppy or malaligned over time (progressive dorsiflexion deformity common 20-30%), progressive deformity in some; Complications: Transfer metatarsalgia (30-40% COMMON) - shortening second metatarsal shifts load to adjacent third MT, may cause new pain in third MT, often requires additional metatarsal pad/orthotic permanently; Floating toe/dorsiflexion deformity (20-30%) - loss of metatarsal head support allows toe to drift dorsally, cosmetically concerning and may cause shoe fitting problems, usually asymptomatic functionally but patient dissatisfaction; Recurrent pain (15-25%) - bone-on-bone contact despite resection (inadequate resection or fibrous pseudoarthrosis fails), may require revision with further bone resection or conversion to arthrodesis; Stiffness (10-15% paradoxically) - despite removing joint, scar tissue can form limiting motion; Neurovascular injury (less than 5%) - digital nerves/vessels at risk; Pros of resection arthroplasty: Preserves some motion (toe not rigid), relatively straightforward surgery (less technically demanding than arthroplasty with implant or arthrodesis), no implant (no concern about implant failure/loosening), can return to activity relatively quickly (6-8 weeks); Cons: Unpredictable outcomes (high rate of transfer metatarsalgia and deformity), toe may become 'floppy' or drift dorsally over time, may need orthotic offloading long-term, durability unknown (may worsen over decades)
Salvage option 2: MTP arthrodesis (fusion) - gold standard for end-stage disease, sacrifices motion for reliable pain relief: Technique: Dorsal longitudinal incision over second MTP (incorporating previous scar), reflect extensor tendons, release capsule and collateral ligaments, prepare joint surfaces - resect remaining articular cartilage from metatarsal and proximal phalanx until bleeding subchondral bone exposed, position toe in neutral dorsiflexion (roughly 10-15° relative to floor when foot plantigrade) and neutral medial-lateral alignment, provisional fixation with K-wires, definitive fixation with plate (most common - dorsal MTP fusion plate with 3-4 screws) or lag screws (2-3 screws from proximal phalanx into metatarsal), confirm position and fixation on fluoroscopy, close in layers; Rationale: Eliminates painful arthritic joint (no more articulation = no more pain from damaged surfaces), creates solid bony fusion (rigid toe more stable than resection arthroplasty), most predictable/reliable pain relief of all options; Outcomes MTP arthrodesis: Best evidence of salvage options (multiple case series, most Level III-IV), pain relief: 80-90% achieve significant pain relief (higher than resection arthroplasty), most describe toe as 'pain-free' vs 'improved', fusion rate: 85-95% achieve solid bony union at 3-4 months with plate fixation (lower with screw-only fixation 75-85%), function: Most return to normal daily activities including walking, standing, light exercise, some return to high-impact sports (running, gym) though toe rigidity may limit certain movements, patient satisfaction: Generally high 75-85% (trade-off of losing motion for pain relief acceptable to most); Complications: Nonunion (10-15% MOST COMMON COMPLICATION) - failure to achieve bony fusion despite adequate fixation and technique, risk factors include smoking, diabetes, osteoporosis, NSAIDs, inadequate fixation, if symptomatic nonunion occurs (painful motion at fusion site) requires revision surgery (bone grafting, exchange to more rigid fixation like plate if screws used initially); Transfer metatarsalalgia (20-30%) - fusing second MTP in slight dorsiflexion shifts load to adjacent third/fourth metatarsals (relatively common but usually manageable with metatarsal pad/orthotic, rarely requires surgical offloading of adjacent MTs); Malunion (10-15%) - fusion heals in non-optimal position (too much dorsiflexion = floating toe and transfer metatarsalgia, too much plantarflexion = toe hits ground first and painful, rotational = toe crosses over or deviates), may require revision osteotomy if severe; Hardware irritation (10-15%) - dorsal plate palpable under skin, may cause shoe irritation, occasionally requires plate removal after fusion heals (minimum 6 months); Stiffness IP joint (5-10%) - compensatory increased stress on interphalangeal joint may cause arthritis over years; Infection (less than 5%); Pros of arthrodesis: MOST RELIABLE pain relief (80-90% significant improvement), highest fusion rate with modern plate fixation (85-95%), durable long-term solution (once fused remains fused, no implant to wear out), suitable for active patients including young age 24; Cons: LOSS OF MOTION (toe rigid, loses all MTP motion), may affect certain activities (running may feel different with rigid toe, some athletes notice difference), transfer metatarsalgia 20-30% (though usually manageable), nonunion risk 10-15% requiring revision; Position critical: Fusion position determines function - neutral dorsiflexion 10-15° (allows toe to touch ground in stance phase but not excessive plantarflexion), neutral medial-lateral (no rotation/deviation), get this wrong and patient very unhappy (too much dorsiflexion = floating toe, too much plantarflexion = painful pressure); My recommendation for this patient: Arthrodesis is gold standard for Stage 5 Freiberg disease, most predictable pain relief, she's young (24) so needs durable solution - fusion lasts lifetime, loss of motion at second MTP usually well-tolerated (patients adapt, other toes compensate), much more reliable outcomes than resection arthroplasty
Salvage option 3: MTP arthroplasty with implant - attempting to preserve motion but higher complication rate: Implant options: Silicone implant (Swanson-type): Flexible silicone spacer replaces metatarsal head, maintains space/length and allows some motion, used since 1970s; Metal/ceramic implant: Hemiarthroplasty (replace metatarsal head only) or total joint replacement (replace both metatarsal and phalangeal surfaces), various designs available but limited use in forefoot; Technique (silicone implant most common for lesser MTP): Dorsal incision, expose joint, resect metatarsal head (similar to resection arthroplasty), prepare medullary canal of metatarsal and proximal phalanx (ream to fit implant), insert appropriately sized silicone implant (typically 2-3mm diameter), implant has stems that fit into both bones (metatarsal and phalanx), maintain space and allow hinge motion, close capsule and skin; Rationale: Preserve motion (unlike arthrodesis), maintain toe length and alignment (unlike resection arthroplasty which shortens), act as spacer preventing bone-on-bone contact; Outcomes MTP arthroplasty: LIMITED evidence (small case series, mostly Level IV), generally INFERIOR outcomes compared to arthrodesis; Pain relief: 50-70% achieve significant improvement (lower than arthrodesis 80-90%), many have residual pain (implant-bone interface can be painful, synovitis from implant wear debris); Function: Variable, some regain reasonable motion (20-40°), others develop stiffness from scarring; Durability: POOR long-term (major concern) - silicone implants degrade over time (silicone synovitis from particulate debris, immune response to silicone particles), fracture of implant stems (flexion/extension cycles fatigue silicone material, stems break), subsidence/migration (implant sinks into bone or migrates out of position), osteolysis (bone resorption around implant from wear debris); Complications: Implant failure (30-50% at 5-10 years VERY HIGH) - fracture, migration, subsidence, requires revision surgery (usually conversion to arthrodesis after removing implant); Silicone synovitis (20-30%) - inflammatory reaction to silicone wear particles, causes pain, swelling, erosion of bone, treatment requires implant removal; Transfer metatarsalgia (similar to other options 20-30%); Infection (5-10% HIGHER than arthrodesis) - any implant carries infection risk, infected MTP implant requires removal (becomes resection arthroplasty); Stiffness (paradoxically 20-30%) - scar tissue despite implant; Recurrent deformity (10-20%); Pros of implant arthroplasty: Preserves some motion (better than arthrodesis in theory), maintains toe length (better than resection), may allow return to some activities that require toe flexibility; Cons: HIGH complication rate (implant failure 30-50% at 5-10 years), silicone synovitis risk, infection risk higher than arthrodesis, less reliable pain relief than arthrodesis, poor long-term durability, NOT recommended for young active patients (this patient age 24 would likely outlive the implant by decades); Expert opinion: Most foot & ankle surgeons do NOT recommend implant arthroplasty for lesser MTP joints (especially second MTP), silicone implants have fallen out of favor due to high failure rate and silicone synovitis, metal/ceramic implants for lesser MTP joints experimental with limited adoption; My opinion: Would NOT recommend implant arthroplasty for this 24-year-old patient - high risk of implant failure requiring revision within 10 years, poor long-term durability, less reliable outcomes than arthrodesis, preserve motion is not worth the trade-off of high complication risk
Shared decision-making for salvage surgery - presenting options and trade-offs: I would counsel the patient: 'You have three main surgical options for your end-stage Freiberg disease. Let me explain each and the trade-offs so you can make an informed decision:'; Option 1 - Resection arthroplasty (remove metatarsal head): 'We remove the arthritic metatarsal head which should relieve your pain. Your toe will have some motion (10-20°) from a fibrous scar that forms. The recovery is relatively quick (6-8 weeks). However, results are unpredictable - about 30-40% of patients develop new pain in the adjacent third toe from transfer of pressure (called transfer metatarsalgia), and your second toe may gradually drift upward over time becoming a 'floating toe' which can be cosmetically concerning. Pain relief is modest - about 60-75% get significant improvement but rarely pain-free. This is the simplest surgery but the least predictable results.'; Option 2 - MTP arthrodesis (fusion): 'We fuse your second MTP joint making it completely rigid. This means you will have NO motion at that joint - your toe will be stiff. However, this gives the most reliable pain relief - 80-90% of patients achieve significant pain relief, most describe the toe as pain-free. The fusion usually heals in 3-4 months with a 85-95% success rate using plate fixation. Most patients return to all normal activities including walking, standing, and even light sports. The downside is loss of motion - your toe will be rigid permanently. Also, 20-30% develop some transfer pressure to the adjacent toes which usually can be managed with a pad in your shoe. This is my RECOMMENDED option for you because it's the most reliable, most durable (once fused it stays fused for life), and you're young (24) so you need a solution that will last decades. Most patients adapt very well to having a rigid second toe - the other toes compensate and people generally don't notice functionally, though some athletes doing very specific movements (like sprinting) may notice a difference.'; Option 3 - Implant arthroplasty: 'We could replace your joint with an artificial implant (typically silicone) which attempts to preserve motion while relieving pain. However, I do NOT recommend this option for you because implants in the lesser toes (especially second toe) have poor long-term durability. Studies show 30-50% of implants fail within 5-10 years requiring revision surgery, often due to implant fracture, migration, or inflammatory reaction to the silicone material. You're only 24 years old - an implant would likely fail and need revision surgery within the next 10-15 years. The pain relief is also less predictable (only 50-70% improvement). For these reasons, I would not recommend implant arthroplasty.'; My recommendation: 'Based on your age (24), your end-stage disease (Stage 5 with destroyed joint), and your high motivation for reliable pain relief, I recommend MTP arthrodesis (fusion). This gives you the best chance of being pain-free and returning to normal activities. Yes, you will lose motion at that MTP joint, but in my experience most patients adapt very well and the trade-off of losing motion for gaining pain relief is acceptable. The fusion is durable - once it heals it should last your lifetime without needing revision. The alternative of preserving motion (resection or implant) comes with much less predictable results and you may still have significant pain.'; Patient's values: 'Ultimately this is your decision. Some patients prioritize preserving any motion even if outcomes less predictable (might choose resection), others prioritize most reliable pain relief (would choose fusion). What's most important to you - having some motion in the toe even if unpredictable, or having the most reliable pain relief even if it means the toe is rigid?'; Shared decision-making: Listen to patient's priorities, if she values reliability and pain relief above all (which she stated 'can't live the rest of my life with this pain'), recommend fusion, if she has strong preference to preserve any motion despite risks, could discuss resection but counsel extensively about unpredictability
Post-operative expectations and long-term management after MTP arthrodesis (assuming patient chooses fusion): Pre-operative counseling (set realistic expectations): Pain relief: 80-90% achieve significant improvement but NOT guaranteed pain-free (some residual discomfort common, especially in early months), Time to fusion: 3-4 months for bony union (must be patient, cannot rush healing), Return to activities: Gradual over 3-4 months, may take 6 months to feel 'normal', Transfer metatarsalgia: 20-30% chance of developing new pain in adjacent third toe (usually manageable with metatarsal pad but may need additional treatment), Toe appearance: Will be straight but rigid, may look slightly different from other toes, Footwear: Can wear normal shoes once healed but very tight/narrow shoes may be uncomfortable, athletic shoes generally well-tolerated, Revision risk: 10-15% may need additional surgery (if nonunion, malunion, or hardware removal); Surgical technique details (to ensure optimal outcomes): Approach: Dorsal longitudinal incision incorporating previous scar (minimize new scars), dissection carefully to preserve digital neurovascular bundles, Joint preparation: Resect ALL remaining cartilage until bleeding subchondral bone (critical for fusion), use rongeur/burr to create flat congruent surfaces (metatarsal head and phalangeal base must match perfectly), consider 'fish-scale' technique (multiple small perforations with drill to enhance bleeding and healing), Position: Neutral dorsiflexion 10-15° (place foot flat on table, align second toe to touch table at same level as first/third toes, slight dorsiflexion acceptable but NOT excessive), neutral rotation (no crossing over or deviation), check position clinically and fluoroscopically before final fixation, Fixation: Dorsal MTP fusion plate preferred (most rigid construct, highest fusion rate 90-95%), typically 4-hole plate with 2 screws in metatarsal and 2 in phalanx, ensure screws purchase both cortices (maximum stability), alternative: Lag screw technique (2-3 screws from phalanx into metatarsal, compression across fusion site) but lower fusion rate 80-85%, Adjuncts: Consider bone graft if poor bone quality (rare in 24-year-old), some surgeons add biologic (DBM, autograft from resected bone) though probably not necessary in young healthy patient; Post-operative protocol: Immediate post-op (weeks 0-2): Non-weight-bearing in CAM boot (protect fusion), elevation to minimize swelling, pain control (opioids short-term then transition to NSAIDs but AVOID NSAIDs after week 2 as may impair fusion), dressing changes, suture removal at 2 weeks; Protected weight-bearing (weeks 2-6): Transition to weight-bearing as tolerated in CAM boot (gradual progression, start 25% weight-bearing week 2, 50% week 3-4, full weight-bearing weeks 5-6), radiographs at 6 weeks to assess early healing (look for bridging bone, no lucency at fusion site); Progressive mobilization (weeks 6-12): Transition out of boot into supportive shoe (stiff-soled with metatarsal pad), physiotherapy for gait re-training and IP joint mobilization (IP joint may stiffen from boot immobilization), radiographs at 12 weeks to confirm fusion (should see solid bony bridging across fusion site, no lucency); Return to activities (months 3-6): Gradual return to normal activities (walking unlimited by 3 months, light exercise 3-4 months, high-impact 4-6 months if desired), most patients feel 'normal' by 6 months though some ongoing adaptation to rigid toe; Long-term management: Annual radiographs first 2 years (ensure fusion remains solid, monitor for adjacent joint arthritis), orthotic with metatarsal pad (offload second/third MTs, redistribute pressure), footwear counseling (supportive athletic shoes best, avoid high heels and narrow toe boxes), monitor for transfer metatarsalgia (if develops may need adjustment of orthotic or rarely surgical offloading of adjacent MT); Complications management: Nonunion (if diagnosed on 3-month X-ray): Trial further immobilization 6-8 weeks (some delayed unions eventually heal), if persistent nonunion with pain at 6 months = revision surgery (bone graft, exchange fixation to plate if screws used, consider bone stimulator); Malunion (if fusion heals in poor position): Assess functional impact (some malunions asymptomatic and do not require revision), if symptomatic (floating toe with transfer metatarsalgia, or plantarflexed toe hitting ground first) = revision osteotomy to correct position; Hardware irritation: If plate prominent and bothering patient in shoes = plate removal after fusion solid (minimum 6 months post-op, preferably 9-12 months); Transfer metatarsalgia: First-line metatarsal pad and orthotic (80% respond), if refractory consider shortening osteotomy of adjacent third MT (offload surgically) though rarely needed; Realistic timeline to 'normal': Most patients 6-9 months post-op before feeling fully adapted and comfortable, some continue to improve up to 12 months, long-term satisfaction generally high if fusion position good and fusion heals
COMMON TRAPS
✗Attempting another debridement for end-stage (Stage 5) disease: This is THE TRAP - debridement is NOT appropriate for Stage 5 disease with destroyed joint; Debridement role: Stage 3-4 disease with loose bodies or dorsal impingement where some functional cartilage remains; Stage 5 definition: Joint space less than 1mm, severe osteophytes, subchondral sclerosis/cysts = end-stage arthritis with essentially no functional cartilage remaining; If examiner asks 'Could we just clean it out again since that worked before?': Do NOT say 'Yes, we could try another debridement'; Correct answer: 'No, another debridement would NOT be appropriate. Her first debridement age 17 was reasonable for Stage 3-4 disease and gave her 2 years of relief. However, she has now progressed to Stage 5 end-stage arthritis with a destroyed joint - radiographs show less than 1mm joint space and severe degenerative changes. There is no functional cartilage left to preserve and no loose bodies or osteophytes to remove that would provide meaningful benefit. Debridement at this stage would provide minimal if any pain relief and would not address the underlying problem of a destroyed arthritic joint. She needs definitive salvage surgery - either resection arthroplasty, arthrodesis, or implant arthroplasty'; Consequences of inappropriate debridement: Patient undergoes surgery with recovery and risks (infection, nerve injury, stiffness), achieves minimal pain relief (maybe 10-20% improvement at best, short-lived), disease continues to progress, patient loses trust and becomes more difficult to treat later, ultimately still needs salvage surgery but now with more scar tissue and worse soft tissue envelope
✗Recommending implant arthroplasty for a 24-year-old active patient: This is A MAJOR TRAP - implant arthroplasty has very poor long-term durability in lesser MTP joints and should generally be avoided, especially in young patients; Evidence against implants: 30-50% failure rate at 5-10 years (silicone implant fracture, migration, subsidence, synovitis), young patient age 24 would almost certainly outlive the implant (likely failure within 10-15 years requiring revision), poor outcomes after implant failure/revision (usually convert to arthrodesis but with more bone loss and scar tissue making revision technically difficult); If examiner asks 'What about putting in an implant to preserve motion?': Do NOT say 'Yes, implant would preserve motion and might be good option'; Correct answer: 'Implant arthroplasty is NOT a good option for this patient. While preserving motion is theoretically appealing, the reality is that implants in lesser MTP joints (especially second toe) have very poor long-term durability. Studies show 30-50% of silicone implants fail within 5-10 years due to fracture, migration, or silicone synovitis (inflammatory reaction to wear debris). This patient is only 24 years old - an implant would almost certainly fail within the next 10-20 years requiring revision surgery. When implants fail, the revision usually requires conversion to arthrodesis anyway, but now with bone loss and scar tissue making it technically more difficult and with worse outcomes than primary arthrodesis. Additionally, implants provide less reliable pain relief (50-70% vs 80-90% for arthrodesis). For these reasons, most foot and ankle surgeons do NOT recommend implant arthroplasty for lesser MTP joints in young patients. Arthrodesis is a much better option - more reliable pain relief, durable (lasts lifetime once fused), and while motion is lost, most patients adapt well'; Expert consensus: Lesser MTP implants largely abandoned by foot and ankle community due to poor results
✗Promising she will be 'pain-free' after any salvage surgery: This is A TRAP - must set realistic expectations, no salvage surgery guarantees complete pain relief; Reality: Arthrodesis gives 80-90% SIGNIFICANT improvement (not 100%), many patients have some residual discomfort especially in first 6-12 months, transfer metatarsalgia occurs in 20-30% (new pain in adjacent toe), some patients dissatisfied despite objectively successful fusion; If examiner asks 'Will she be pain-free after fusion?': Do NOT say 'Yes, fusion will eliminate all her pain'; Correct answer: 'Fusion gives the MOST reliable pain relief of all salvage options, with 80-90% of patients achieving significant improvement. However, I cannot promise she will be completely pain-free. Some patients have residual discomfort at the fusion site, especially in the first 6-12 months as they adapt to the rigid toe. Additionally, 20-30% develop transfer metatarsalgia (new pain in the adjacent third metatarsal from shifted pressure), though this is usually manageable with a metatarsal pad or orthotic. I would counsel her that fusion offers the best chance of major pain relief and return to normal activities, but she should expect an adaptation period and the possibility of some ongoing discomfort. Most patients find this trade-off acceptable - significant pain reduction in exchange for losing motion at one toe - but she needs to know the outcomes are not guaranteed perfect'; Expectation management critical: Under-promise and over-deliver better than vice versa, patient who expects 'pain-free' and gets '80% better' will be dissatisfied, patient who expects '80% better' and achieves that or more will be satisfied
✗Not addressing transfer metatarsalgia risk and prevention: This is A TRAP - transfer metatarsalgia occurs in 20-30% of patients after any salvage surgery (resection, arthrodesis, implant) and must be discussed pre-operatively; Mechanism: Any surgery that shortens or offloads second metatarsal shifts pressure to adjacent third/fourth metatarsals, resection arthroplasty directly shortens second MT (removes head), arthrodesis fuses second MTP in slight dorsiflexion (lifts second MT off ground slightly, transfers load), implant arthroplasty can subside/migrate (same effect); If examiner asks 'What about the other toes?': Do NOT say 'Shouldn't be a problem'; Correct answer: 'Transfer metatarsalgia is a known risk with any salvage surgery affecting the second metatarsal, occurring in 20-30% of patients. This happens because offloading or shortening the second metatarsal shifts pressure to the adjacent third and fourth metatarsals, which may not be accustomed to bearing that load. Most cases are mild and manageable with a metatarsal pad or custom orthotic that redistributes pressure across the forefoot. I would discuss this with her pre-operatively so she understands it's a possibility. Prevention strategies include: (1) Careful fusion positioning in neutral dorsiflexion (not excessive which would create more transfer), (2) Prophylactic metatarsal pad starting immediately post-op (offload second AND third MTs), (3) Custom orthotic once healed (long-term pressure redistribution). If transfer metatarsalgia develops despite these measures and is severe and refractory to conservative management, surgical options exist including shortening osteotomy of the adjacent third metatarsal to offload it, though this is rarely needed'; Plan: All patients getting MTP arthrodesis should receive metatarsal pad and orthotic as standard post-operative care (not just if symptoms develop)
✗Not considering patient age and activity level when choosing salvage surgery: This is A TRAP - a 24-year-old has different needs than a 70-year-old, must consider durability and longevity of solution; This patient: Age 24, administrative assistant (standing/walking requirements), motivated to return to normal activities including exercise/fitness, long life expectancy (potentially 60+ more years), needs DURABLE solution that will last decades; If examiner asks 'Does her age affect your recommendation?': Do NOT say 'Age doesn't matter, all options are the same'; Correct answer: 'Her age is a CRITICAL factor in my recommendation. At 24 years old, she has a long life ahead of her (potentially 60+ more years) and needs a durable solution that will last decades without requiring multiple revisions. This is why I strongly recommend arthrodesis over other options: (1) Arthrodesis is most durable - once fused remains fused for life (no implant to wear out, no progressive deformity like resection arthroplasty), (2) Resection arthroplasty has unpredictable long-term outcomes - may develop progressive floating toe deformity or transfer metatarsalgia over years/decades, potentially requiring conversion to fusion later anyway, (3) Implant arthroplasty very poor choice for 24-year-old - implants fail within 10-20 years requiring revision, she would almost certainly need one or more revision surgeries in her lifetime if we choose implant now. Additionally, at age 24 she is active and wants to exercise/fitness - fusion allows return to these activities reliably, whereas resection and implant have more functional limitations. While losing motion at one MTP joint is a trade-off, young patients generally adapt very well and the durability of fusion is worth it. If she were 75 years old with low activity demands, I might consider resection as a simpler option knowing she likely won't outlive it, but at age 24 fusion is clearly the best choice'; Analogy: Would you put a Band-Aid on a 24-year-old or fix the problem definitively? Fusion is the definitive fix
✗Not discussing the failed debridement and natural history of Freiberg disease: This is A TRAP - must address why her previous surgery 'failed' and counsel about progressive nature of disease; Patient likely questions: 'Why didn't my last surgery work?', 'Did my surgeon make a mistake?', 'Will this surgery fail too?'; If examiner asks 'She asks why her previous surgery failed': Do NOT say 'The previous surgeon did a poor job' or 'Don't know why it failed'; Correct answer: 'I want to be clear that your previous surgery did NOT fail - in fact, it achieved its intended goal. Debridement surgery (removing loose bodies and cleaning the joint) is designed to provide temporary symptom relief, typically 2-5 years, which you got (2 years of good relief). However, debridement is not curative - it does not regenerate the damaged cartilage or stop the underlying disease process. Freiberg disease is a progressive condition - it tends to worsen over time as the damaged metatarsal head continues to degenerate. Your disease has progressed from Stage 3-4 at age 17 (when loose bodies formed and debridement was appropriate) to Stage 5 now at age 24 (end-stage arthritis with destroyed joint). This progression is the natural history of Freiberg disease, not a failure of your previous surgery. Now that you have Stage 5 disease, you need a more definitive salvage procedure - either fusion, resection, or implant. I am recommending fusion because it is the most durable and reliable option, and once the joint is fused the progressive degeneration stops (no more arthritis can develop in a fused joint). The fusion should last your lifetime without needing further surgery in the vast majority of cases (85-90% fusion rate, low revision rate)'; Reassurance: Previous surgeon did appropriate procedure for disease stage at that time, natural progression not surgical failure, definitive fusion now will stop progression
LIKELY FOLLOW-UPS
"What is the expected timeline for return to work and activities after MTP arthrodesis, and what limitations should she expect long-term?: Return to work timeline: Desk job (sedentary): 2-3 weeks post-op (can work from home with foot elevated), return to office 4-6 weeks (once transitioned to weight-bearing in boot), full unrestricted work 8-12 weeks (out of boot, normal shoe); Standing/walking job (administrative assistant with some standing): 6-8 weeks (limited standing in boot), 12 weeks before full standing/walking duties (need fusion healing before prolonged weight-bearing); Return to activities of daily living: Light activities (showering with cast cover, cooking sitting): Immediate (week 1-2), household activities (light cleaning, laundry): 4-6 weeks, grocery shopping: 6-8 weeks (once weight-bearing in boot), driving: 6-8 weeks (must be able to brake safely, right foot fusion may delay driving clearance); Return to exercise/fitness: Walking: 8-12 weeks (start with short distances, progressive increase), swimming: 6-8 weeks (once wound healed and sutures out, good non-impact exercise), cycling: 8-12 weeks (stationary bike acceptable, road cycling need good fusion healing), gym/weights: 12-16 weeks (upper body earlier, lower body wait for fusion), elliptical/low-impact: 12-16 weeks, running/jogging: 16-24 weeks (some patients never return to running due to rigid toe, others run without issue - variable), high-impact (jumping, plyometrics): 4-6 months minimum, may not be possible or comfortable with rigid toe; Long-term activity limitations: Most daily activities: NO limitations (walking, standing, stairs, driving, work - all normal), low-impact exercise: NO limitations (walking, swimming, cycling, gym, elliptical - all well-tolerated), high-impact/running: VARIABLE (some patients run without problems, others find rigid toe uncomfortable for running, majority can jog short distances but may not return to marathon-level running), sports requiring toe flexibility: LIMITATIONS (ballet/dance requiring extreme toe flexibility not possible, soccer may be difficult due to rigid toe affecting ball control, tennis/basketball usually well-tolerated), footwear: Minor limitations (athletic shoes and flat supportive shoes no problem, very narrow or pointed-toe shoes may be uncomfortable due to rigid toe, high heels generally tolerable up to 2-3 inch heel); Adaptation period: Most patients adapt to rigid toe within 6-9 months, brain learns to compensate by using other toes and adjusting gait pattern, many patients report they 'forget' about the rigid toe in daily life after first year, athletes may be more aware of limitation but most adapt and return to recreational sports; Realistic expectations: 'You should expect to be back to normal daily activities and work by 3 months. By 6 months you can return to most exercise and fitness activities. Your toe will be permanently rigid - you will have no motion at the second MTP joint - but most patients adapt very well and this does not significantly limit their daily function. The trade-off is that losing this motion gives you the best chance of being pain-free and active long-term'; Comparison to current state: Patient currently has severe pain limiting work, ADLs, and all exercise - fusion will dramatically improve quality of life despite rigid toe"
"If she has bilateral Freiberg disease (10% of cases are bilateral), how would that affect your management plan?: Bilateral Freiberg disease epidemiology: Occurs in approximately 10% of cases, typically both sides affected but often asymmetric (one side more advanced than other), risk factors same as unilateral (Morton's foot bilateral, female, adolescence); Management considerations bilateral disease: Staging: Must stage each side independently (right may be Stage 5, left may be Stage 2), treat based on individual side staging not as a 'bilateral' entity; Treatment sequencing: If BOTH sides symptomatic and Stage 5 requiring fusion: DO NOT fuse both sides simultaneously (too much morbidity, patient cannot weight-bear on either foot for 6 weeks), stage surgeries 4-6 months apart (fuse more symptomatic side first, allow healing and return to function, then address contralateral side if still symptomatic), some patients find after fusing one side they can tolerate the other side conservatively (shifted weight to 'good' side pre-op, now both feet available reduces load on unfused side); If one side Stage 5 (this patient, right side) and other side early disease (Stage 1-2): Fuse symptomatic Stage 5 side (this case right), treat early-stage contralateral side conservatively (offloading, activity modification, monitoring), serial imaging contralateral side (X-ray every 6-12 months to detect progression), intervene surgically on contralateral side only if symptomatic and progressive despite conservative; Implications of bilateral fusion: Fusing second MTP bilateral is acceptable and done when necessary (both sides Stage 5), patients adapt to bilateral rigid second toes, function generally good (walking, ADLs, most sports tolerable), HOWEVER bilateral fusion may limit certain high-level activities more than unilateral (sprinting may be affected more, ballet/dance impossible, some runners struggle more with bilateral vs unilateral); Biomechanical considerations: Patient with Morton's foot bilateral by definition (long second MT both sides), bilateral disease confirms this is biomechanical problem not random (excessive loading both second MTs), even after fusion, need bilateral orthotic offloading (metatarsal pad both feet lifelong to prevent transfer metatarsalgia and protect fusion); Prevention contralateral progression: If this patient only has right-sided disease currently, should provide bilateral orthotics (offload both second MTs even though left asymptomatic) to reduce risk of developing left-sided disease; Counseling bilateral disease: 'Freiberg disease occurs in both feet in about 10% of cases. If you develop symptoms in your left foot in the future, we would manage it based on the stage - if it's early Stage 1-2 we would try conservative treatment with offloading, if it progresses to Stage 5 like your right side, you may eventually need fusion of the left second toe as well. Having both second toes fused is not ideal but is acceptable and many patients function well with bilateral fusions. We would stage the surgeries several months apart so you're not non-weight-bearing on both feet simultaneously. The key is to use bilateral orthotics lifelong to offload both second metatarsals and reduce the risk of the left side progressing'; This case: No mention of left foot symptoms, assume unilateral for now, but should examine left foot and provide bilateral orthotic as prevention"
"What are your criteria for fusion success, and what is your management if the fusion fails to heal (nonunion)?: Fusion success criteria (clinical and radiographic): Clinical success: Significant pain relief (reduction in pain scores by 50% or more), able to return to desired activities (work, ADLs, exercise), patient satisfaction with outcome, toe alignment maintained (no malunion or deformity), no complications requiring intervention (infection, hardware issues); Radiographic success (assessed at 12 weeks post-op): Bony bridging across fusion site on at least 2 views (AP and oblique radiographs), trabecular bone crossing fusion site (indicates solid union), no lucency at fusion interface (lucency indicates persistent motion/nonunion), hardware position maintained (no loosening, migration, or breakage); Gold standard: CT scan at 12 weeks (more sensitive than X-ray for assessing fusion, can visualize bridging bone in multiple planes, typically reserve for questionable X-ray findings or if considering hardware removal); Nonunion diagnosis: Clinical: Persistent pain at fusion site with palpable motion (can feel toe moving at fusion site when stressing), pain with passive motion of toe at fusion site; Radiographic: No bony bridging at 3-4 months, persistent lucency at fusion interface, hardware loosening or breakage (indicates motion at fusion site); CT confirmation: If X-ray equivocal, CT scan shows no bridging bone in any plane; Nonunion incidence: Plate fixation: 10-15% (most common complication of MTP fusion), screw-only fixation: 15-25% (higher than plate), risk factors: Smoking (MAJOR - increases nonunion risk 3-fold), diabetes (impaired healing), osteoporosis/poor bone quality, NSAIDs (controversial - some avoid for 3 months post-op), inadequate fixation, malposition (poor bone contact); Nonunion management algorithm: Asymptomatic nonunion (patient pain-free despite radiographic nonunion - fibrous union stable): Observation, no intervention needed (if it's not hurting patient don't fix it), counsel patient fusion not healed but stable, monitor clinically; Symptomatic nonunion (patient has pain, palpable motion at fusion site): Revision surgery indicated; Revision nonunion surgery technique: Remove existing hardware, debride fusion site (remove fibrous tissue, get back to bleeding bone), re-prepare fusion surfaces (ensure congruent flat surfaces with good bone contact), bone graft (autograft from calcaneus or iliac crest, or allograft), stronger fixation (if had screws upgrade to plate, if had plate consider larger plate or supplemental screws), consider biologics (DBM, bone marrow aspirate) especially if bone quality poor, smoking cessation mandatory pre-op (will not fuse if continues smoking); Revision success rate: 80-90% achieve fusion with revision surgery (assuming address underlying issues like smoking), second revision (if first revision fails): 60-70% success, diminishing returns with each attempt; Alternative if revision fails: Resection arthroplasty (remove nonunion bone and remaining metatarsal head), accept fibrous nonunion (if low demand patient may tolerate stable fibrous union), rarely amputation (if chronic infection or intractable pain, very rare); Prevention strategies: Optimize patient factors pre-op (smoking cessation minimum 6 weeks pre-op ideally 12 weeks, optimize diabetes control HbA1c less than 7%, vitamin D repletion, stop NSAIDs), meticulous surgical technique (ensure bleeding subchondral bone, congruent surfaces, rigid fixation), post-operative compliance (non-weight-bearing first 6 weeks, no NSAIDs, no smoking), consider bone graft or biologics in high-risk patients (smokers, diabetics, osteoporotic); My practice: Counsel all patients pre-operatively about 10-15% nonunion risk, emphasize smoking cessation critical (will not operate on active smokers for elective fusion), use plate fixation for all MTP fusions (higher fusion rate than screws alone), avoid NSAIDs post-op for 3 months (use acetaminophen and opioids short-term instead), radiographs at 6 weeks and 12 weeks (assess healing), CT scan at 12 weeks if any concern about fusion on X-ray, if nonunion diagnosed offer revision surgery with bone graft and address risk factors"
MCQ Practice Points
Location
Q: Which metatarsal head is most commonly affected in Freiberg disease? A: Second metatarsal (68%). Third metatarsal is second most common (27%).
Demographics
Q: What is the typical patient with Freiberg disease? A: Adolescent female (4:1 F:M ratio). Peak age 13-18 years. May be associated with long second metatarsal.
Australian Context
Clinical Practice: Freiberg disease is recognized and managed by foot and ankle surgeons in Australia. Conservative treatment first, surgical options for refractory cases.
FREIBERG DISEASE
High-Yield Exam Summary
Key Facts
- •Second metatarsal head (68%)
- •Adolescent females (4:1)
- •Osteonecrosis mechanism
- •Smillie classification (1-5)
Smillie Stages
- •1: Fissure fracture
- •2: Absorption
- •3: Central depression
- •4: Loose bodies
- •5: Arthritis
Treatment
- •Conservative: Offload, stiff shoe, metatarsal pad
- •Debridement for loose bodies
- •Dorsal wedge osteotomy for Stage 3
- •Arthroplasty for end-stage