Full-thickness plantar plate tear

Case contributed by Dai Roberts
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Metatarsalgia. Pain on 2nd toe extension.

Patient Data

Age: 60 years
Gender: Female

Full-thickness tear of the 2nd toe lateral accessory collateral ligament and lateral proper collateral ligament, which extends into the central plantar plate.  Surrounding edema which extends into the adventitia, and a small 2nd MTPJ effusion.  Distended 2nd webspace bursa. 

Case Discussion

Plantar plate tears of the lesser metatarsals, toes 2-5, are usually referred to as plantar plate tears, whereas those affecting the hallux/1st toe, tend to be referred to as a turf toe.  The diagnosis of a complete tear is made when there is complete discontinuity of a portion of the plantar plate, whether the central aspect or the collateral ligaments. 

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