Turf-toe: An analysis of metatarsophalangeal joint sprains in professional football players

Abstract

Metatarsophalangeal joint injuries of the great toe (turf- toe) are receiving increasing attention in the literature because of the prevalence of synthetic surfaces and lighter, more flexible shoes. Eighty active professional football players were evaluated. The mechanism of injury was hyperextension in 85% of the players. Eighty-three percent reported their initial injury on arti ficial turf ( P < 0.05). Other factors significantly related to the incidence of turf-toe included player age ( P < 0.01), number of years in professional football ( P < 0.01), and range of ankle dorsiflexion ( P < 0.05). Turf- toe injury resulted in significantly decreased range of motion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint ( P < 0.01).