Unraveling the plantar plate in MRI: normal and pathologic findings

Abstract

The plantar plate (PP) is a fibrocartilaginous structure located below the metatarsal head, which plays an important role in the weight bearing transmission and stability of the metatarsophalangeal joints. The injury of PP is the main cause of metatarsalgia. This study shows normal and pathological findings in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggestive of abnormalities of the PP. Abnormalities of the PP in MRI have been described only recently and they are often confused with bursitis or neuroma. The MRI is useful in the diagnosis of the PP injury in the initial stages of the process, helping the early diagnosis and avoiding delays by implementing specific treatment.