Articular Chondral Damage of the First Metatarsal Head and Sesamoids

Abstract

Operative intervention to realign the first metatarsophalangeal joint may correct malalignment and relieve pressure on the widened forefoot, but residual pain within the joint may emanate from preexisting articular cartilaginous lesions. These findings support the concept that earlier intervention with operative realignment of a hallux valgus deformity and specifically the sesamoid complex may diminish degenerative changes.