Evidence-Based Treatment Algorithm for Freiberg Disease

Abstract

Freiberg disease is a type of osteonecrosis of the metatarsal head that predominantly occurs in young females and adolescents, although it may occur at any age. The pathophysiology is multifactorial and may involve trauma, altered foot biomechanics, systemic disorders, and arterial insufficiency. The most typical location is the second metatarsal head, but Freiberg disease may also occur in other lesser toes. Nonoperative treatment is best applied in the early stage of the disease; if this is ineffective, surgical treatment is recommended. Currently available surgical procedures include debridement, osteotomy, osteochondral grafting, microfracture, interposition arthroplasty, implant arthroplasty, and metatarsal shortening arthroplasty. In this article, we propose a treatment algorithm for Freiberg disease based on the current literature and expert opinion.