Incarcerated Plantar Dislocation of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint: Reduction Using Intra-articular Saline Injection

Abstract

Plantar dislocation of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint is exceedingly rare, and in prior reported cases, simple closed manipulation easily enabled reduction. We present here the first reported plantar dislocation that failed closed manipulation. We also report a technique involving injection of saline into the joint to facilitate reduction. The saline insufflation likely relieves buttonholing of the metatarsal head through the dorsal joint capsule. For first MTP joint plantar dislocations that fail reduction with manipulation, we recommend attempting injection of the joint with saline prior to subjecting the patient to open reduction.

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV: Case report