Use of an external metatarsal bar in the treatment of limited first metatarsophalangeal joint extension. A case report

The purpose of this report is to demonstrate the effectiveness of an external metatarsal bar (EMB) in a patient with first metatarsophalangeal joint pain and limited motion. The patient was a 24-year-old woman with severe pain and limited motion in her right first metatarsophalangeal joint following surgical correction of a hallus abductovalgus deformity 4 years earlier. The application of the EMB resulted in a decrease of the force-time integral values under the lateral aspect of the foot and an increase under the central foot. In addition, the patient reported a significant reduction in her foot pain, which allowed her to return to a previous activity level. The results of this case report demonstrate that an EMB can be used for those individuals with limited and/or painful first metatarsal phalangeal joints.