Arthroscopic accessibility of the first metatarsophalangeal joint for osteochondral defects of the metatarsal head by two-portal technique - comparing joint distraction and plantarflexion.

Background: Several techniques and approaches for first metatarsophalangeal (MTP1) joint arthroscopy have been reported, where joint accessibility plays a key role. This study aimed to evaluate differences in arthroscopic accessibility of the first metatarsal head (MTH1) comparing non-invasive distraction and maximum plantarflexion in a two-portal approach.

Methods: Forty fresh-frozen lower leg specimens were included and divided into a distraction group (D-group) and a plantarflexion group (PF-group).