Plantar plate of the foot:​ findings on conventional arthrography and MR imaging

Yao, Lawrence; Do, Huy M.; Cracchiolo, Andrea; Farahani, Keyvan

Affiliations

¹Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Center for the Health Sciences, 10833 Le Conte Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90024-1721

²Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, Center for the Health Sciences, Los Angeles, CA 20024-1721

Abstract

The plantar plate of the foot is formed by the plantar aponeurosis and plantar capsule. The plantar plate arises from the distal plantar aspect of the metatarsal neck and inserts on the plantar aspect of the proximal phalangeal base. This thick plate supports the undersurface of the metatarsal head and resists hyperextension of the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) [1]. Plantar plate rupture may present as lesser metatarsalgia (the lesser metatarsals are the second through fifth), occasionally with exuberant synovitis. Plantar plate derangement also plays a central role in the genesis of the common hammertoe [2, 3]. Rupture or degeneration of the plantar plate destabilizes the MTPJ, allowing dorsal subluxation of the proximal phalanx. The resulting "cock-up" deformity at the MTPJ shortens and compromises the action of the extensor digitorum longus tendon, contributing over time to a flexion deformity at the interphalangeal joints.

Links

DOI: 10.2214/ajr.163.3.8079860

PubMed: 8079860

WoS: A1994PF50400030

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Year	Entry
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Cited By (8)

Year	Entry
2015	Schein AJ, Skalski MR, Patel DB, White EA, Lundquist R, Gottsegen CJ, Forrester DM, Matcuk GR Jr. Turf toe and sesamoiditis: what the radiologist needs to know. Clin Imgaging. May–June 2015;39(3):380-389.
2012	Frimenko RE, Lievers WB, Coughlin MJ, Anderson RB, Crandall JR, Kent RW. Etiology and biomechanics of first metatarsophalangeal joint sprains (turf toe) in athletes. Crit Rev Biomed Eng. 2012;40(1):43-61.
2000	Rand T, Frank L, Pretterklieber M, Muhle C, Resnick D. Intertarsal ligaments: high resolution MRI and anatomic correlation. J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2000;24(4):584-593.
2002	Theumann NH, Pfirrmann CWA, Mohana Borges AVR, Trudell DJ, Resnick D. Metatarsophalangeal joint of the great toe: normal MR, MR arthrographic, and MR bursographic findings in cadavers. J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2002;26(5):829-838.
2008	Crain JM, Phancao J-P, Stidham K. MR imaging of turf toe. Mag Reson Imaging Clin N Am. 2008;16(1):93-103.
2010	Bancroft LW, Anderson RB. Traumatic dislocation of the tibial sesamoid of the hallux. Orthopedics. 2010;33(9):690-693.
2001	Ashman CJ, Klecker RJ, Yu JS. Forefoot pain involving the metatarsal region: differential diagnosis with MR imaging. RadioGraphics. 2001;21(6):1425-1440.
2012	Burge AJ, Gold SL, Potter HG. Imaging of sports-related midfoot and forefoot injuries. Sports Health. November–December 2012;4(6):518-534.