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Freiburgs disease

Freiberg's disease is a condition that affects growing bone. Interruption of the blood supply to the bone (osteochondritis) causes death of a small area beneath the cartilage which lines the joint. This is termed avascular necrosis and commonly affects the second metatarsal head although it can affect the other metatarsal heads.

In time, the affected area of bone shrinks causing the overlying cartilage to collapse, predisposing to arthritis in the joint.

Avascular necrosis can also occur in an adult.