Imaging of Turf Toe

Abstract

During the advent of artificial turf and flexible footwear in football, turf toe was initially coined and described as a 1st metatarsophalangeal joint sprain injury. In the classic setting of hyperextension of the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint, turf toe is an injury to its plantar capsuloligamentous complex. Advances in MR imaging and knowledge of the complex 1st metatarsophalangeal joint help pinpoint the injured plantar structures as well as assess severity and chronicity of the injury. Detailed analysis of turf toe should highlight the best conservative and surgical options for injured athletes to reach optimal recovery.

Keywords: First metatarsophalangeal joint; MR imaging; Plantar capsuloligamentous complex; Plantar plate; Sesamoid; Turf toe.