Image Interpretation: The right second metatarsophalangeal joint recess is distended. Several hyperechoic, irregularly shaped bodies are noted which likely represent osteophytic changes. In the presence of prior trauma, these findings are suggestive of osteoarthritis.
Teaching Pearl: Ultrasound can be useful for detecting arthritic changes in small joints of the foot, including MTP joint recess distension, synovitis, osteophytes, cortical irregularity, and loose bodies. These findings can be clinically important even when radiographs do not fully explain the patient's focal pain.
Conservative care often remains first-line, including footwear modification, activity modification, offloading, orthoses, and symptom-guided rehabilitation. Ultrasound can also guide injection when the joint is confirmed as the pain generator.
References:
1. Molyneux P, Bowen C, Ellis R, et al. Development of an ultrasound imaging atlas for grading osteoarthritis in the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2024;76(11):1501-1510. doi:10.1002/acr.25407
2. Roukis TS, Piraino JA, Hollawell S, et al. ACFAS clinical consensus statements: hallux rigidus. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2024;63(6):624-630. doi:10.1053/j.jfas.2024.07.006
3. Ruiz Santiago F, Moraleda Cabrera B, Láinez Ramos-Bossini AJ. Ultrasound guided injections in ankle and foot. J Ultrasound. 2024;27(1):153-159. doi:10.1007/s40477-023-00808-1