Atypical Presentation of Acute Freiberg Disease

Abstract

Freiberg disease is a chronic progressive condition that results in pain and loss of normal function of the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ). We describe a case of acute Freiberg disease secondary to a short course of oral steroids. The patient presented with an acute metatarsal head fracture that was managed successfully with open reduction and internal fixation. Although a rare complication of corticosteroid use, physicians having patients start taking steroids must remember the risk of osteonecrosis.

Keywords: Freiberg disease; acute pathologic fracture; avascular necrosis; corticosteroids; metatarsal; osteonecrosis.