Acute calcific periarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint in young female patient: A case report

Acute calcific periarthritis (ACP) is a rare condition when observed in the lower extremities, particularly in younger demographics. We outline and discuss the identification, treatment, and management of ACP in the foot of a 19-year-old female student who presented with severe atraumatic right foot pain in the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. Clinical examination and imaging confirmed acute calcific periarthritis of the first MTP joint, demonstrating periarticular calcification at the medial aspect, with joint aspiration negative for urate and calcium pyrophosphate crystals. A corticosteroid injection was administered, and Patient-Reported American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (PR-AOFAS) scores were taken prior to the injection, and at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year post injection. The PR-AOFAS scores of 62/100 preinjection and 0/100 at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year post injection demonstrated complete symptom resolution and patient satisfaction with the treatment, demonstrating the effectiveness of corticosteroid injections in the management of ACP. The use of corticosteroid injection is a treatment option that can resolve symptoms and allow patients to return to normal function, while PR-AOFAS scoring is a useful approach to understanding the effectiveness of this treatment modality by demonstrating patient-reported satisfaction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4, Case Report.