Presentation
Metatarsalgia. Pain on 2nd toe extension.
Patient Data
Age: 60 years
Gender: Female
From the case:
Full-thickness plantar plate tear
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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.