Second Metatarsal Length

NewsBot · Jan 29, 2018

Members do not see these Ads. Sign Up.
Association Between Second Metatarsal Length and Forefoot Loading Under the Second Metatarsophalangeal Joint
Adam E. Fleischer, DPM, MPH, Shenche Hshieh, MD, Ryan T. Crews, MS, ...
Foot & Ankle International January 27, 2018

Background:
Metatarsal length is believed to play a role in plantar plate dysfunction, although the mechanism through which progressive injury occurs is still uncertain. We aimed to clarify whether length of the second metatarsal was associated with increased plantar pressure measurements in the forefoot while walking.

Methods:
Weightbearing radiographs and corresponding pedobarographic data from 100 patients in our practice walking without a limp were retrospectively reviewed. Radiographs were assessed for several anatomic relationships, including metatarsal length, by a single rater. Pearson correlation analyses and multiple linear regression models were used to determine whether metatarsal length was associated with forefoot loading parameters.

Results:
The relative length of the second to first metatarsal was positively associated with the ratio of peak pressure beneath the respective metatarsophalangeal joints (r = 0.243, P = .015). The relative length of the second to third metatarsal was positively associated with the ratios of peak pressure (r = 0.292, P = .003), pressure-time integral (r = 0.249, P = .013), and force-time integral (r = 0.221, P = .028) beneath the respective metatarsophalangeal joints. Although the variability in loading predicted by the various regression analyses was not large (4%-14%), the relative length of the second metatarsal (to the first and to the third) was maintained in each of the multiple regression models and remained the strongest predictor (highest standardized β-coefficient) in each of the models.

Conclusions:
Patients with longer second metatarsals exhibited relatively higher loads beneath the second metatarsophalangeal joint during barefoot walking. These findings provide a mechanism through which elongated second metatarsals may contribute to plantar plate injuries.
Click to expand...

Craig Payne · Jan 29, 2018

Odd claim:

NewsBot said: ↑

These findings provide a mechanism through which elongated second metatarsals may contribute to plantar plate injuries.
Click to expand...

That is based on the assumption that higher plantar pressures are a risk factor for plantar plate injuries. I do not think that has been demonstrated.

NewsBot The Admin that posts the news.

Craig Payne Moderator

Second intermetatarsal space syndrome

Transverse forces between the first and second metatarsals

Short Second Metatarsal

Synovitis of First and Second Metatarsals

Proximal vs Distal Oblique Second Metatarsal Osteotomies

Big Toe, First and Second Metatarsal Pain

Second Metatarsal Head Surgery---Anyone have this surgery???

Share This Page