[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Anatomy](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/) › [Lower limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/lower-limb/) › Toe joint capsules [Joints and ligaments](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/joints-and-ligaments/) · [Lower limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/lower-limb/) # Toe joint capsules The toe joint capsules are sleeves around the joints of the toes that hold the joint fluid. Official name: Capsules of metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints of foot [See in 3D →](https://durgical.app/?from=durgipedia&lang=en#region=lower_limb&select=toe_capsules&side=r) Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed. ## What it is Thin sleeves of tissue around the joints at the base of the toes and inside the toes. ## What it does Enclose each joint and hold the fluid that lubricates it. ## Key points - The plantar side of each metatarsophalangeal capsule is a thick fibrocartilage, the plantar plate; a torn second-toe plantar plate gives forefoot pain and a toe that drifts or crosses over - At the big toe the two sesamoids sit in the plantar plate within the [flexor hallucis brevis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/flexor-hallucis-brevis/) tendons; turf toe is a hyperextension sprain of this plantar complex - In hallux valgus the medial capsule stretches and the sesamoids drift laterally ## Key facts **Where** Metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints of the toes **Attaches** Articular margins of metatarsal heads and phalanges; reinforced by collateral ligaments and plantar plates **Function** Enclose synovial joints; blend dorsally with extensor expansions ## Relations **Above** [Extensor tendons](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/extensor-digitorum-tendons/) and their hoods (extensor expansions), blended with the dorsal capsule **Below** Plantar plates with the flexor tendons in their fibrous sheaths on them; at the [big toe](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/great-toe/), the two [sesamoids](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/sesamoid-bones-of-foot/) **Lateral** On each side, the collateral ligaments; between neighbouring joints, the deep transverse metatarsal ligament links the plantar plates, with the lumbricals and [digital nerves](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/palmar-digital-nerves/) passing below it ## How to find it The metatarsophalangeal joint lines are felt on the top of the foot just beyond the metatarsal heads when the toes are passively bent down; synovitis makes them boggy and tender. The interphalangeal joints are felt as the knuckles of each toe. ## Examination - Vertical stress (drawer) test of a lesser toe: lifting the proximal phalanx upward on the metatarsal head; excess movement or pain suggests a plantar plate tear - Metatarsophalangeal squeeze test: pain on squeezing the forefoot from side to side suggests MTP synovitis, as in early rheumatoid arthritis ## On imaging Weight-bearing radiographs show joint space, toe alignment, sesamoid position and erosions (punched-out with overhanging edges in gout, marginal in rheumatoid arthritis). Ultrasound shows effusion, synovitis and plantar plate tears; MRI shows occult injuries. ## Common problems - Swelling and pain with arthritis, gout (often the big toe) or injury. ## Clinical notes - Rheumatoid arthritis often begins in the MTP joints; stretched capsules and failed plantar plates lead to clawed, dorsally dislocated toes with prominent metatarsal heads - Hallux valgus surgery often combines a lateral capsular release with tightening of the medial capsule - Hallux rigidus: degenerative disease of the first MTP joint with a thickened capsule and dorsal osteophytes that block toe extension ## Anatomical variants - A bipartite sesamoid, most often the medial (tibial) one, is a common variant that can be mistaken for a fracture ## Development Each capsule forms from the mesenchyme around the gap between neighbouring cartilage models, where the joint cavity opens; thicker parts of the capsule become the collateral ligaments and plantar plates. ## Related conditions - [Chikungunya](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/chikungunya/) - [Rheumatoid arthritis](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/) ## Test yourself Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it. ## What forms the plantar side of each metatarsophalangeal joint capsule? The plantar plate, a thick fibrocartilage; at the big toe it holds the two sesamoids. ## Which arthritis often begins in the MTP joint capsules and leads to clawed, dorsally dislocated toes? Rheumatoid arthritis; the MTP squeeze test is painful in early disease. ## What is hallux rigidus? Degenerative disease of the first MTP joint, with a thickened capsule and dorsal osteophytes that block big-toe extension. [Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/anatomy/capsules-of-metatarsophalangeal-and-interphalangeal-joints-of-foot/) Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional. ## Its names **Official Latin (TA2)** articulationes metatarsophalangeae; articulationes interphalangeae pedis TA2 1964 **Official Spanish (DeCS)** Cápsulas de las articulaciones metatarsofalángicas e interfalángicas del pie DeCS D017746 **English (TA2)** Capsules of metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints of foot **Also called** articuli metatarsophalangici ## Related - [MTP ligaments and plantar plate](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/collateral-metatarsophalangeal-ligaments/) - [Toe ligaments](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/collateral-interphalangeal-ligaments-of-foot/) - [First metatarsal](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/first/) - [Second metatarsal](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/second/) - [Third metatarsal](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/third/) - [Fourth metatarsal](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/fourth/) - [Fifth metatarsal](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/fifth/) - [Big toe](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/great-toe/) Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [DeCS](https://decs.bvsalud.org/es/ths/resource/?id=31377); [Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Foot Joints](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536941/); [9.7 Development of Joints](https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/9-7-development-of-joints) (OpenStax (Rice University), 2022) · adapted, [CC BY 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/); Anatomy of the Human Body (20th ed.): Development of the Joints (Lea & Febiger (Gray's Anatomy, 1918), 1918) · adapted, Public domain. ## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake Representative model, for educational purposes only. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/capsules-of-metatarsophalangeal-and-interphalangeal-joints-of-foot/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/capsules-of-metatarsophalangeal-and-interphalangeal-joints-of-foot/