Metatarsophalangeal joint

Changed by Maciej Debowski, 8 Oct 2018

Updates to Article Attributes

Body was changed:

The metatarsophalangeal joints (MTPJ) are the articulations in the forefoot between the heads of the metatarsals and the proximal phalanges 1.

Gross anatomy

The joint is formed by the articulation of the metatarsals with their adjacent proximal phalanges. They are condyloid synovial joints which allow for flexion, extension and limited adduction and abduction 2

First toe

The metatarsophalangeal joint of the first toe is stabilised by a capsuloligamentous complex and collection of tendons. The capsuloligamentous complex is comprised of:

  • fibrous capsule
  • collateral ligamentous complex
  • sesamoid-phalangeal ligaments (medial and lateral)
  • intersesamoid ligament
  • plantar plate
  • extensor hood

Additional supporting structures:

LessLesser metatarsophalangeal joints

The lesser (second-to-fourth) metatarsophalangeal joints also have a capsuloligamentous complex which is comprised of 3:

  • fibrous capsule
  • collateral ligamentous complexcomplexes (proper and accessory)
  • plantar plate

Additional supporting structures:

Related pathology

  • -<p>The <strong>metatarsophalangeal joints</strong> (MTPJ) are the articulations in the <a title="Forefoot" href="/articles/forefoot">forefoot</a> between the heads of the <a title="Metatarsals" href="/articles/metatarsals">metatarsals</a> and the proximal <a title="Phalanges of the feet" href="/articles/phalanges-of-the-feet">phalanges</a> <sup>1</sup>.</p><h4>Gross anatomy</h4><p>The joint is formed by the articulation of the metatarsals with their adjacent proximal phalanges. They are condyloid synovial joints which allow for flexion, extension and limited adduction and abduction <sup>2</sup>. </p><h5>First toe</h5><p>The metatarsophalangeal joint of the first toe is stabilised by a capsuloligamentous complex and collection of tendons. The capsuloligamentous complex is comprised of:</p><ul>
  • +<p>The <strong>metatarsophalangeal joints</strong> (MTPJ) are the articulations in the <a href="/articles/forefoot">forefoot</a> between the heads of the <a href="/articles/metatarsals">metatarsals</a> and the proximal <a href="/articles/phalanges-of-the-feet">phalanges</a> <sup>1</sup>.</p><h4>Gross anatomy</h4><p>The joint is formed by the articulation of the metatarsals with their adjacent proximal phalanges. They are condyloid synovial joints which allow for flexion, extension and limited adduction and abduction <sup>2</sup>. </p><h5>First toe</h5><p>The metatarsophalangeal joint of the first toe is stabilised by a capsuloligamentous complex and collection of tendons. The capsuloligamentous complex is comprised of:</p><ul>
  • -</ul><h5>Less metatarsophalangeal joints</h5><p>The lesser (second-to-fourth) metatarsophalangeal joints also have a capsuloligamentous complex which is comprised of <sup>3</sup>:</p><ul>
  • +</ul><h5>Lesser metatarsophalangeal joints</h5><p>The lesser (second-to-fourth) metatarsophalangeal joints also have a capsuloligamentous complex which is comprised of <sup>3</sup>:</p><ul>
  • -<li>collateral ligamentous complex (proper and accessory)</li>
  • +<li>collateral ligamentous complexes (proper and accessory)</li>
  • -<li><a title="Plantar plate tears" href="/articles/plantar-plate-tear">plantar plate tears</a></li>
  • +<li><a href="/articles/plantar-plate-tear">plantar plate tears</a></li>

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