Flexor tendon transfer for metatarsophalangeal instability of the second toe.

Flexor to extensor transfer was used to treat painful second metatarsophalangeal joint instability in thirteen feet in eleven patients. All patients had their pain reproduced with vertical stress motion of 50% to 100% at the metatarsophalangeal joint. Seven feet had concomitant hallux valgus correction, two feet had no hallux valgus, and four feet underwent no correction for asymptomatic hallux valgus. Results at an average of 33.4 months followup showed that all patients had substantial pain relief, with eight patients becoming pain-free, and five patients experiencing mild pain. All but one were satisfied with their result. Stiffness appeared to be the source of the mild residual pain. All toes, including six toes with preoperative medial crossover toe deformity, were corrected into valgus alignment with adjacent toes. All toes operated on for the first time were able to touch the ground with grasp postoperatively. Flexor to extensor transfer is successful in reducing the second toe and relieving pain caused by instability of the second metatarsophalangeal joint, but may require rapid postoperative mobilization to ensure passive dorsiflexion equal to that of the adjacent toes to reduce postoperative uncomfortable stiffness.