Published in:
01-03-2010 | Case Report
Osteochondral lesion of the fifth metatarsal head in a triathlete
Authors:
P. F. O’Loughlin, T. I. Carter, C. W. Hodgkins, J. G. Kennedy
Published in:
Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -)
|
Issue 1/2010
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Abstract
Osteochondral lesions (OCLs) are rare joint disorders, typically found in the larger joints of the body and less so in smaller joints (J Bone Joint Surg Am 41-A:988–1020, 1959; Arthroscopy 6(3):190–197, 1990; Clin Orthop Relat Res 148:245–253, 1980). Although their specific cause is subject to frequent debate, they are often caused by trauma with subsequent compromise of the articular cartilage (Arthroscopy 6(3):190–197, 1990; J Bone Joint Surg Am 78(3):439–456, 1996). Symptoms are typically attributable to a mechanical defect, either of the bony defect or a flap of cartilage. The current case report describes an osteochondral lesion of the head of the fifth metatarsal which is a heretofore unreported location. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lesion revealed a notable subchondral bone signal change, indicating a possible synovial fluid pressure phenomenon rather than a mechanical defect.