High-Resolution Imaging of the Plantar Plate of the Foot: Ultrasound and 3D MR Imaging Evaluation

Plantar plate tears are a significant cause of forefoot pain and functional disability, frequently underdiagnosed due to their nonspecific clinical presentation and overlap with other causes of metatarsalgia. As the primary static stabilizers of the lesser metatarsophalangeal joints, plantar plates are subject to degenerative and traumatic injuries, particularly in specific at-risk populations. Accurate diagnosis necessitates high-resolution imaging modalities, with ultrasound offering a cost-effective, dynamic option, and MR imaging, particularly 3D isotropic sequences, providing superior anatomic detail for precise assessment.