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Book

Freiberg Infraction

Kevin R. Carter  1 , Aaron R. Chambers  2 , Mark A. Dreyer  3
In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan.
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Book

Freiberg Infraction

Kevin R. Carter et al.
Free Books & Documents

Excerpt

Freiberg disease is a rare condition in which the metatarsal head undergoes osteonecrosis. In 1914, Dr Alfred Freiberg initially described it after 6 patients presented with a similar infraction pattern affecting the second metatarsal head.[1] Although the second metatarsal head is most commonly affected, Freiberg disease can involve any of the 5 metatarsal heads.

As observed by Dr Freiberg, this pattern results in flattening and collapse of the head, leading to degenerative changes of the metatarsophalangeal joint and progressing to arthritis. Considered an uncommon process, avascular necrosis of the second metatarsal is the fourth most common osteochondrosis.[1]

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: Kevin Carter declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Aaron Chambers declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Mark Dreyer declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

References

    1. Alhadhoud MA, Alsiri NF, Daniels TR, Glazebrook MA. Surgical interventions of Freiberg's disease: A systematic review. Foot Ankle Surg. 2021 Aug;27(6):606-614. - PubMed
    1. Wax A, Leland R. Freiberg Disease and Avascular Necrosis of the Metatarsal Heads. Foot Ankle Clin. 2019 Mar;24(1):69-82. - PubMed
    1. Okutan AE, Ayas MS, Öner K, Turhan AU. Metatarsal Head Restoration With Tendon Autograft in Freiberg's Disease: A Case Report. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2020 Sep-Oct;59(5):1109-1112. - PubMed
    1. Trnka HJ, Lara JS. Freiberg's Infraction: Surgical Options. Foot Ankle Clin. 2019 Dec;24(4):669-676. - PubMed
    1. Beito SB, Lavery LA. Freiberg's disease and dislocation of the second metatarsophalangeal joint: etiology and treatment. Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 1990 Oct;7(4):619-31. - PubMed

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