Dislocated joints due to a plantar plate rupture is a very common problem in the forefoot. This patient had a unique 'splaying' of the fourth toe away from the third due to trauma. Furthermore, she had a large neuroma in-between her second and third toes that was removed. Several conservative treatments over a year failed so surgery was discussed with the patient using the Arthrex plantar plate repair system or 'scorpion' vs. a total MTP joint implant. These unstable joints are very difficult to correct once they deviate from the normal, straight position.
This surgery video demonstrates how using the Arthrex system on one side of the joint can correct this problem without the use of a joint implant. |