Incidence and management of first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis in Dutch general practice estimates from the Rijnmond Primary Care Database
Authors' conclusion
The incidence of 1st MTP joint OA has been estimated for the first time in general practice. Most patients are diagnosed after referral to radiology or orthopedic surgeon consultation. From diagnosis, half of 1st MTP joint OA patients are referred, mostly for orthopedic surgeon consultation and podiatry.
Study context
- Population
- Patients consulting general practice (GPs) for symptomatic first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint osteoarthritis (OA), Rijnmond Primary Care Database, Netherlands, 2013–2022
- Outcome
- Incidence of GP consultations for symptomatic first MTP joint OA
Methodological detailselectronic health records of GPs, algorithm based on free text and codified data
- Electronic health records of GPs
- Algorithm based on free text and codified data
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
First MTP joint OA incidence, patients ≥35 years
Overall incidence rate
0.74/1000 person-years
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Management initiated by GPs
- Explanation/reassurance
- 360/672 (53.6 %)
- Referral to podiatry
- 171/672 (25.4 %)
- Orthopedic surgeon consultation
- 162/672 (24.1 %)
Referrals in the year before diagnosis among 823 patients consulting GP with foot/toe problems
- Referred to radiology
- 491 (47.1 %)
- Orthopedic surgeon consultation
- 271 (26 %)
Original publication
Incidence and management of first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis in Dutch general practice estimates from the Rijnmond Primary Care Database. Semin Arthritis Rheum. Published 11 December 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →