Return to division ia football following a 1 metatarsophalangeal joint dorsal dislocation

Abstract

BACKGROUND.: Although rare in occurrence, a dorsal dislocation of the 1st metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint has been successfully treated using surgical and/or non-operative treatment. No descriptions of conservative intervention following a dorsal dislocation of the MTP joint in an athlete participating in a high contact sport are present in the literature. OBJECTIVES.: The purpose of this case report is to describe the intervention and clinical reasoning during the rehabilitative process of a collegiate football player diagnosed with a 1st MTP joint dorsal dislocation. The plan of care and return to play criteria used for this athlete are presented. CASE DESCRIPTION.: The case involved a 19-year-old male Division IA football player, who suffered a traumatic dorsal dislocation of the 1st MTP joint during practice. The dislocation was initially treated on-site by closed reduction. Non-operative management included immobilization, therapeutic exercises, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, manual treatment, modalities, prophylactic athletic taping, gait training, and a sport specific progression program for full return to Division IA football. OUTCOMES.: Discharge from physical therapy occurred after six weeks of treatment. At discharge, no significant deviations existed during running, burst, and agility related drills. At a six-month follow-up, the patient reported full return to all football activities including contact drills without restrictions. DISCUSSION.: This case describes an effective six-week rehabilitation intervention for a collegiate football player who sustained a traumatic great toe dorsal dislocation. Further study is suggested to evaluate the intervention strategies and timeframe for return to contact sports.

Keywords: dislocation; football; metatarsophalangeal joint.

Figure 1.

Graphic Representation of the Mechanism of Injury

Figure 2.

Sport Specific Functional Progression for Tight End.

Figure 3.

Scores on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hallux Metatarsophalangeal Interphalangeal Scale, in points (100 possible)

Figure 4.

MTP Joint Range of Motion, in degrees.