Patients will present with pain and swelling localized to the involved metatarsal head region of the forefoot. They will describe the sensation they are walking on something hard such as a stone. The onset of symptoms is typically gradual, with no specific acute event. The patients will describe their symptoms worse with walking, especially when barefoot or wearing shoes with an elevated heel.[1]

On physical exam, the affected toe may have a swollen appearance, especially near the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint.[6] Elevation (dorsiflexion) of the toe may be present. In the more chronic or advanced stages, sagittal or coronal plane malalignment may develop, such as hammertoes or crossover deformities. The range of motion at the MTP joint is reduced, and crepitation may be palpated. At the plantar fat pad, a callus may develop under the involved metatarsal head. Digital Lachman testing can be performed, which evaluates joint instability and is graded based on the amount of dorsal translation of the proximal phalanx relative to the metatarsal head and compared to the contralateral foot. The test is abnormal when the joint subluxes dorsally, which will typically reproduce the patient’s pain.[5]

The diagnosis of Freiberg disease can be confirmed following the clinical exam with radiographs. On weight-bearing foot radiographs, there may be subtle changes early in the disease presentation, characterized by joint space widening due to effusion, that may be present for 3 to 6 weeks following the onset of symptoms. As the disease process progresses, there is increased bone density at the subchondral region and flattening of the metatarsal head. Oblique radiographs assist in the evaluation of the dorsal aspect of the metatarsal head, allowing for a full evaluation in the identification of flattening metatarsal head in subtle cases. As the disease progresses, later findings include central joint depression, loose bodies, and sclerosis of the metatarsal head. There may be reactive thickening of the metatarsal shaft as a late response due to abnormal stress. The final stages of this disease include joint space narrowing and arthrosis.[6]

Although classically described inter-operatively through observed structural changes to the metatarsal head by Smillie,[7] these same findings are evident radiographically and have been adapted on a nonoperative basis. This staging system includes:

• Stage 1: A fissure fracture in the ischemic epiphysis. The cancellous bone at the fracture appears sclerotic. Compared with the adjacent metaphysis, the epiphysis shows the absence of blood supply.
• Stage 2: Absorption of cancellous bone occurs proximally. The central cartilage sinks into the head while the margins and plantar cartilage remain intact. This process results in an altered contour of the articular surface.
• Stage 3: Further absorption occurs, and the central portion sinks deeper, creating larger projections on either side. The plantar cartilage remains intact.
• Stage 4: The central portion continues to sink such that the plantar hinge gives way. The peripheral projections fracture and fold over the central portion. Restoration of the anatomy is no longer possible. 
• Stage 5: The final stage showing arthrosis with flattening and deformity of the metatarsal head. Only the plantar portion of the metatarsal cartilage retains the original contour of the head. Loose bodies have reduced in size, and the shaft of the metatarsal is thickened and dense.

MRI can also be used in the evaluation of these patients and may assist in the early detection of Freiberg disease when radiographs are normal. The MRI will reflect changes in the marrow signal with an edema-like signal localized to the affected metatarsal head. As the process progresses, changes similar to osteonecrosis seen in other parts of the body will occur. These changes include a hypointense signal on T1-weighted images and mixed hypointense and hyperintense signals on T2-weighted images with flattening of the affected metatarsal head, best appreciated on the sagittal images.[6]

Nuclear medicine bone scans can also be used in the evaluation of these patients in the setting of early presentation or if there are no appreciable changes on radiographs. Early changes on bone scan include a photopenic area surrounded by increased radiotracer uptake, the typical pattern for early avascular necrosis. In later stages, these will be diffuse hyperactivity secondary to revascularization, osseous repair, and progression to arthritic involvement of the MTP joint.[6]

Initially, nonoperative management is attempted with the goal to alleviate symptoms and minimize epiphyseal deformity to limit the progression to arthritis regardless of the severity of the disease. Activity modification, protected weight-bearing (stiff-soled shoe, fracture boot, or cast), shoe wear modifications, and oral anti-inflammatory medications are utilized in this early treatment. Shoe wear modifications may include orthoses with metatarsal bars designed to offload the painful metatarsal head have been shown to help patients respond without long-term disability. Most patients with Smillie stage 1 through 3 respond to conservative treatment and obtain long-term success.[6] 

There is a large number of surgical procedures proposed for the treatment of Freiberg disease when conservative measures have failed, largely reserved for patients with Smillie stage 4 and stage 5 disease.[5] There is little consensus among surgeons as to which procedure should be primarily performed. In a review by Carmont et al., surgical options were divided into two categories, either altering the abnormal physiology and biomechanics or restoring articular congruency/arthritic sequelae encountered in the later stages of the disease. Those procedures aimed at altering the abnormal physiology include core decompression and corrective osteotomies. Those procedures aim at restoring articular congruency include debridement, osteotomy, grafting, and arthroplasty.[8]

The differential diagnosis for these patients based on clinical presentation would include a stress fracture, neuroma, plantar plate tear, or other inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout. Radiographs assist in narrowing the differential diagnosis and exclude these entities. The classic finding of flattening of the metatarsal heads on the radiograph will confirm the clinical suspicion.

Most patients with Smillie stage 1 through 3 respond to conservative treatment and obtain long-term success. Patients presenting at high grades typically have to undergo surgery with the goals to restore articular congruency and limit the progression to arthritis.

Complications include progression to advanced arthritis with the associated pain and limited range of motion.

There is nothing that the patient can do to prevent this condition.

If this develops, the most important things to do is to seek medical attention to identify the cause of the patient's pain, if determined to be due to a Frieberg infarction and early stage the patient will need to undergo conservative therapy to assist in healing and to limit progression to arthritis of the affected joint.

• Caused by osseous infarction at the head of a metatarsal, exact etiology is unknown
• More common in females and athletes
• The goals of treatment are early identification to place the patient in conservative therapy to allow healing and prevent progression to advanced arthritis.

Freiberg disease is an uncommon condition that may severely affect patients in regards to the quality of life and their level of activities, especially due to the young age of onset during the second or third decades of life. The etiology exact etiology is unknown but felt to be related to a multitude of factors. The diagnosis is made on clinical exam and confirmed with imaging, most commonly being radiographs.

An interprofessional team approach can be helpful for accurate and timely diagnosis, especially in the early stages. Most patients will initially seek care from primary care and be referred to a podiatrist or an orthopedic surgeon. Foot and nail care and orthopedic nurses provide education and assist in the coordination of care. They report changes in status to the team. Radiologists can assist with the interpretation of radiographs, MRI, or bone scans. Conservative therapy is the first line of treatment, and if the patient does not respond, then operative intervention may be considered. In the operative setting, anesthesiologists and registered nurses will also play a role in the patient's care. Ultimately, the goals of therapy are to prevent or slow progression to arthritis and clinical disability. [Level 5]