The findings of this article correlate well to the rigid/stable rearfoot/flexible forefoot FFT's that has been previously published ( http://www.zimbio.com/The stock mar...tional Foot Type Closed Chain Characteristics ) as the most common foot types presenting with single 2nd ray pathology and the flexible rearfoot/flexible forefoot FFT as the most common foot type presenting FFT presenting multiple ray pathology but always including the 2nd.
This peer reviewed article reinforces foot centering theory.
The advantage of utilizing functional foot typing to make diagnostic predictions that allow for preventive care is reinforced by this article.
What if the plantar plate was simply stretched or lengthened but not injured?
Wouldn't this elongated and distorted lever arm cause instability and the same clinical impact as a transection?
I suggest that is the more common problem in lesser toe dysfunction than an actual "injury" or transection.
If my suspicions are correct, then wouldn't a positional change in the architecture of the lesser MP Joints in the direction of reducing M-P Joint prominence cause Davis's Law to stabilize the plantar plate over time?
Current concepts in the treatment of metatarsophalangeal joint instability of the lesser toes: Review, surgical technique, and early outcomes
James R. Jastifer et al Fuß & Sprunggelenk;
17 August 2017
Biomechanical Evaluation of Suture Configurations in Lesser Toe Plantar Plate Repairs
Fred T. Finney, MD, Simon Lee, MD, MPH, Jaron Scott, MSE, ... Foot & Ankle International February 20, 2018
Kentaro Amaha et al 2020 present an interesting paper and conclude -
"Toe function and metatarsalgia is improved by toe exercises, suggesting that they are closely related."
The authors use a toe press device to measure toe flexor strength ( good ! ) but also talk about toe grip strength .
Studies concerning the toe flexors would be more precise if a clear distinction could be made between the toe curl action and the toe press action since these are clearly different ,especially in terms of intrinsic involvement .
Objectification of indications for surgical restoration of the plantar plate in the treatment of multiplanar static foot deformities accompanied by hammertoe deformity of the lesser toes using ultrasound
Cherevtsov V.N., Blazhenko A.N., Bogdanov S.B., Ketov M.S. Source
Ultrasonography-Based Quantitative Evaluation of Second Metatarsophalangeal Joint Instability in Female Patients With Hallux Valgus
Hiroaki Shima et al Foot Ankle Int. 2024 Apr 2