FREIBERG DISEASE / SUBCHONDRAL FRACTURE INFRACTION / OSTEOCHONDROSIS

• Extensive oedema in the head of the 2nd metatarsal with slight flattening of the cortical margin is characteristic of what's called Freiberg's Disease in adolescents and Subchondral Fracture in adults.

• Freiberg disease occurs in adolescents with an unfused epiphysis.

• However, the same pathology occurs in adults and is called a subchondral fracture or infraction.

• An Infraction is a non displaced incomplete fracture that results in necrosis of the subchondral bone.

• Frieberg's disease or Infraction most commonly occurs in the 2nd Metatarsal Head.

• Can also occur, but is less common, in the 3rd and 4th metatarsal heads.

• Diffuse bone marrow oedema in the head of the 2nd metatarsal (Pink arrow) with,

• Slight flattening of the 2nd metatarsal head cortical margin (Blue arrow).