The dose effect of continuous passive motion in postoperative rehabilitation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.

Continuous passive motion (CPM) has been utilized in postoperative rehabilitation of many joints of the body. Little has been published regarding its applications in the first metatarsal phalangeal joint or other joints of the foot. A review of the basic science and clinical studies regarding the dose effects on the healing of articular cartilage defects and periarticular tissues has led to possible correlations in treating disorders of the first metatarsal phalangeal joint. Proposed protocols are being presented which may be helpful in future clinical studies to confirm the benefits of CPM in this joint of the foot.