Metatarsophalangeal joint

construction

The metatarsophalangeal joints (Metatarsophalangeal joints, Articulationes metatarsophalangeales) are those joints that are located between the heads of the metatarsal bones and the corresponding base of the first phalanx of the toe bones (proximal phalanx, Basal phalanx) are located.
Since we have five toes on each foot, there are also five metatarsophalangeal joints on each foot, which in anatomy are numbered from I to V with Roman numerals.

The Socket from the metatarsophalangeal joint forms the proximal phalanx. This is reinforced on the underside of the foot by a fibrous cartilaginous band called Plantar ligament. The joint head, which is the head of the metatarsal bone, is located in this joint socket. However, since this head is larger than the intended socket, it protrudes over the joint socket towards the sole of the foot.
In the direction of the back of the foot, the metatarsophalangeal joint is of the so-called Dorsal aponeurosis covered, a structure made up of strands of fibers that come from the tendons of the extensor muscles of the foot. Each metatarsophalangeal joint is joined by one on both sides Collateral ligament supported.

Figure ankle

Figure left foot: Skeleton from the right side (A) and from above (B)
  1. Toe phalanx -
    Phalanx distalis
  2. Middle toe -
    Phalanx media
  3. Metatarsal phalanx -
    Phal. proximalis
    (1st - 3rd toe bones -
    Phalanges)
  4. Metatarsal bones -
    Os metatarsi
  5. Inner sphenoid bone -
    Medial cuneiform bone
  6. Middle sphenoid bone -
    Os cuneiform intermedium
  7. External sphenoid bone -
    Os cuneiform laterale
  8. Cuboid - Os cuboideum
  9. Scaphoid bone - Navicular bone
  10. Ankle bone - Talus
  11. Ankle roll - Trochlea tali
  12. Heel bone - Calcaneus
  13. Protrusion on 5th metatarsal -
    Tuberositas ossis metatarsalis quinti (V)

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Athletes (joggers, soccer players, etc.) are particularly often affected by diseases of the foot. In some cases, the cause of the foot discomfort cannot be identified at first.
Therefore, the treatment of the foot (e.g. Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs, etc.) requires a lot of experience.
I focus on a wide variety of foot diseases.
The aim of every treatment is treatment without an operation with a complete restoration of performance.

Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.

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function

The Metatarsophalangeal joints belong to the group of Ball jointswhat actually means they 6 Have degrees of freedom, i.e. can move and rotate in any direction. However, the metatarsophalangeal joints of the toes are limited in their range of motion, especially due to the good security with the help of the various ligaments.
So is a "to pull up“ (Dorsiflexion) of the foot only active up to an angle of 70°, passive for many at least up to an angle of 90° possible.
The movement in the opposite direction, so the "stretching forward and down“ (Extension) of the foot can normally be both active and passive only up to an angle of 50° be performed. Lateral movements of a metatarsophalangeal joint are initially still possible in childhood, but then decrease in size in the course of life until they are ultimately hardly manageable in adulthood. In the relaxed position when standing, the joint is usually in a light one Dorsiflexion.

Diseases

One often finds at the Big toe a malalignment of the metatarsophalangeal joint, which is called Hallux valgus designated. Here the base joint bends outwards, which is often through wrong footwear caused or at least promoted. In most cases, however, this clinical picture is associated with only minor symptoms and pain.