Second metatarsophalangeal joint instability in the athlete.

In a group of athletically active patients, second metatarsophalangeal joint instability was diagnosed in nine patients (11 toes). A positive drawer sign was pathognomonic of early second metatarsophalangeal joint instability. A soft tissue realignment procedure was used to stabilize the second metatarsophalangeal joint in seven toes. In five of seven cases (71%), good to excellent results were noted at an average follow-up of 20.4 months.