Freddy A. Escobar, 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
Edith A. Miranda, Departamento de Diagnóstico por Imágenes, Clínica Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
Esteban J. Giannini, Servicio de Radiología, Diagnóstico por Imágenes, Clínica Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
The pathology of the lesser toes metatarsophalangeal joint has become a source of interest due to the current possibilities of making a more precise diagnosis with the imaging methods available today. In the same way, the interest of orthopedic surgeons to take on their therapeutic challenge is growing thanks to the surgical repair techniques that exist today. The pathology of the hallux metatarsophalangeal joint is predominantly the product of acute and traumatic injuries; however, the pathology of the lesser toes is the result of degenerative injuries that produce plantar plate tears, which can sometimes be associated with injuries of the metatarsalphalangeal joint capsulo-ligamentary complex. Magnetic resonance imaging is the most useful tool in dealing with this pathology, but it requires the radiologist to be familiar with the anatomy and biomechanics of the plantar plate, as well as with the typical patterns of injury and their classification for an adequate characterization of the imaging findings that will be useful for the traumatologist in the management of these patients.
Keywords: Toes; Plantar plate; Metatarsophalangeal joint instability; Metatarsalgia; Lesser toes deformities; Forefoot