3. Freiberg's Disease

Freiberg's Disease

This PatientPlus article is written for healthcare professionals so the language may be more technical than the condition leaflets. You may find the abbreviations list helpful.

Synonyms: Freiberg's infraction

This is defined as anterior metatarsalgia that involves the head of the second metatarsal. It was first described in 1914 by Alfred H. Freiberg.[1]

It is difficult to ascertain the true incidence of Freiberg's disease, as many cases may resolve spontaneously before seeking treatment. Most series in the literature have small numbers.

It occurs during the growth spurt at puberty. Most commonly it is found in young females with a ratio of 1:5 - male:female.[2] It is also more common in patients whose first metatarsal is shorter than the second metatarsal, which increases the weight on the second metatarsal head.

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The initial injury, as described by Freiberg, was thought to be repetitive stress with microfractures at the junction of the metaphysis and the growth plate. The fractures deprive the epiphysis of adequate circulation, and there is avascular necrosis of the metatarsal head.
However, despite much subsequent research, the true aetiology remains elusive and it is now thought to belong to a group of related diseases involving growth disturbances of the epiphysis or apophysis, collectively termed the osteochondroses.[3]
Other osteochondroses include:

  • Pain in the forefoot, usually localised to the head of the second metatarsal.
  • Usually this is associated with physical activity.
  • Wearing high-heeled shoes makes it worse.
  • There may also be localised swelling and stiffness in the metatarsophalangeal joint.
  • A limp may be visible.

A small effusion may be palpable and a callus may be seen underneath the affected metatarsal head.

Plain X-ray appearance

Oblique views may be useful to appreciate subtle changes early in the disease.[3]

  • Initially the joint space is widened.
  • Much later it narrows and irregular bony surfaces, sclerosis, and bone spurs at margins give the appearance of osteoarthritis.
  • The metatarsal head becomes irregular, widened, and flattened at the articular surface.

Magnetic resonance imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning has been advocated as useful for preoperative evaluation, especially if an osteotomy is planned.

  • Stage I - the earliest sign is fissuring of the epiphysis. X-ray changes at this stage may be so subtle that they are missed with routine pictures.
  • Stage II - later, central depression of the articular surface becomes evident as subchondral cancellous bone is resorbed. The articular cartilage hinges on an intact plantar bridge.
  • Stage III - the central depression is seen to be resulting in medial and lateral projections at the margins. The plantar hinge remains intact at its plantar isthmus.
  • Stage IV - this stage demonstrates that the central portion has sunk below the surface and is free of the plantar hinge, thus becoming a loose body. Fractures of the medial and lateral projections are present, with folding of the projections over the central loose body.
  • Stage V - the final stage shows marked flattening and deformity of the metatarsal head with secondary degenerative changes. The central loose body may have been resorbed at this stage. The shaft of the metatarsal becomes thickened and dense.

Although originally described over 85 years ago, Freiberg's disease remains controversial as to the most appropriate treatment. Most would advocate an initial period of conservative measures.

General measures

  • Supportive footwear with a metatarsal bar or pad placed beneath the involved bone.[6]
  • Reduce weight-bearing activities for four to six weeks.
  • If symptoms are severe, consider immobilising the foot in a short leg walking cast until the symptoms subside - usually within 3-4 weeks.

Surgical

This is rarely used, but the most usual indication is failure of conservative treatment. Options include:

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Further reading & references

  1. Freiberg AH. Infraction of the second metatarsal bone, a typical injury. Surg Gyn Ob. 1914;19:191.
  2. Katcherian DA; Treatment of Freiberg's disease. Orthop Clin North Am. 1994 Jan;25(1):69-81.
  3. Boyer M, DeOrio JK, Freiberg Infraction eMedicine Feb 2010
  4. Panner's Disease, Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics
  5. Smillie IS; Treatment of Freiberg's infraction. Proc R Soc Med. 1967 Jan;60(1):29-31.
  6. Freiberg's Disease, Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics
  7. Lee SK, Chung MS, Baek GH, et al; Treatment of Freiberg disease with intra-articular dorsal wedge osteotomy and absorbable pin fixation. Foot Ankle Int. 2007 Jan;28(1):43-8.
  8. Lui TH; Arthroscopic interpositional arthroplasty for Freiberg's disease. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2007 May;15(5):555-9. Epub 2006 Aug 15.
Original Author: Dr Hayley Willacy Current Version:
Last Checked: 19/02/2010 Document ID: 8595  Version: 2 © EMIS

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.

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