Second Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthropathy

Forefoot pain involving the lesser metatarsophalangeal joints (MTPJ) is a common complaint presenting to the foot specialist.1 Pain affecting these articulations are often referred to as “metatarsalgia”;2 a generalized term referring to a variety of different forefoot problems involving bone, articular, and soft tissue structures of the forefoot. To avoid confusion and to be more specific, pathology affecting the lesser MTPJs is referred to in this chapter generically as “arthropathy.” Due to unique structural and functional anatomy, lesser MTPJ arthropathy most commonly affects the second MTPJ which is the focus of this chapter.