Edith A. Miranda, Departamento de Diagnóstico por Imágenes, Clínica Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
Sara R. Muñoz-Chiamil, Departamento de Radiología, Clínica Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
Claudia A. Astudillo, Servicio de Radiología, Diagnóstico por Imágenes, Clínica Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
Freddy A. Escobar, Departamento de Diagnóstico por Imágenes, Clínica Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
Esteban J. Giannini, Servicio de Radiología, Diagnóstico por Imágenes, Clínica Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
Gonzalo Bastías-Bedoya, Servicio de Radiología, Diagnóstico por Imágenes, Clínica Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
Natalio Cuchacovic-Mikenberg, Servicio de Radiología, Diagnóstico por Imágenes, Clínica Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
Jorge Filippi-Nussbaum, Servicio de Radiología, Diagnóstico por Imágenes, Clínica Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
“Turf toe” is a term used to describe a variety of lesions of the hallux plantar sesamoid ligament capsule complex, which occur due to a forced dorsiflexion mechanism of the foot associated with the introduction of the use of artificial turf surfaces in some sports. It corresponds to a pathology that, if not properly diagnosed and treated, determines chronic pain and mobility alterations of great relevance for professional athletes. Currently the imaging study mainly includes plain radiography, fluoroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging. The existing literature is reviewed and a dynamic study with ultrasound is proposed as a complement or replacement of fluoroscopy for patients with suspected turf toe, which also allows visualizing the anatomical structures involved, both bone and soft tissue, and their characteristics during dynamic maneuvers. Proper diagnosis and grading of the lesion of the hallux plantar sesamoid ligament complex is essential for its treatment and thus, reduce long-term complications and accelerate the athlete’s recovery.
Keywords: Turf toe; Plantar plaque injury; Phalangeal sesamoid ligament; Sesamoiditis