Abstract
Septic arthritis of the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint (MTPJ) is rare. Such a case is reported in a 14-year-old female ballerina who presented with a one-week history of big toe pain and being systematically unwell. Radioisotope bone scan showed increased activity localised to the first MTPJ. The patient was treated with urgent incision and drainage and intravenous antibiotics. She was able to return to full training eight weeks later. This case highlights the difficulty in diagnosis and management.
References
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