musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Freiberg Disease
Introduction
Freiberg disease is avascular necrosis of the metatarsal head. Pain is most pronounced with weight bearing. Diagnosis is confirmed with x-rays and MRI. Treatment includes immobilization, orthotics, and sometimes surgery. (See also Overview of Foot and Ankle Disorders .) Freiberg disease is a common cause of Metatarsalgia . Freiberg disease is caused by microtrauma at the metaphysis and growth plate. Avascular necrosis flattens the metatarsal head. The second metatarsal head is most often affected. Freiberg disease is thought to occur more frequently among pubertal females and among people who have a short first metatarsal bone or long second metatarsal bone, which increases stress on the second metatarsal head and joint. The metatarsal joint tends to collapse, and activities that repetitively stress this joint, such as dancing, jogging, or running, may accelerate this process. 