Freiberg Infraction

Freiberg disease is a rare condition in which the metatarsal head undergoes osteonecrosis. In 1914, Dr Alfred Freiberg initially described it after 6 patients presented with a similar infraction pattern affecting the second metatarsal head.[1] Although the second metatarsal head is most commonly affected, Freiberg disease can involve any of the 5 metatarsal heads.

As observed by Dr Freiberg, this pattern results in flattening and collapse of the head, leading to degenerative changes of the metatarsophalangeal joint and progressing to arthritis. Considered an uncommon process, avascular necrosis of the second metatarsal is the fourth most common osteochondrosis.[1]