Learning objectives
This pictorial review illustrates the pathologies that cause plantar pain,
evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Know the anatomical structures of bone and soft tissue,
which are usually affected by plantar pain.
To demonstrate the usefulness of MRI as the best imaging modality for the evaluation of plantar pain.
Background
Plantar pain is a common symptom in medical practice that interferes with the daily activities of patients; It is caused by different pathologies of the foot that hinder the clinical diagnosis.
The spectrum of pathologies in the plantar region includes inflammatory processes,
degenerative diseases,
trauma,
tumors,
and infections.
Magnetic resonance imaging is an excellent imaging method that provides an anatomical assessment of all foot structures and allows localization of the pathological process.
Findings and procedure details
Anatomy of the foot
Twenty-six bones of the foot the structural support of the foot,
separated in the three main sections of the foot: forefoot,
midfoot,
hindfoot.
The forefoot consists of five metatarsals and fourteen phalanges,
the bones of each toe being the proximal phalanx,
the middle phalanx and the distal phalanx,
except the first finger that has only proximal and distal phalanges.
Between these bones,
there is a joint that allows the movement of the foot,
and they are the metatarsophalangeal joint,
proximal interphalangeal...
Conclusion
MRI is handy to detect processes that affect soft tissues,
bones,
and joints of the foot,
better than other imaging modalities.
Radiologists must know the differential diagnoses and characteristics of MRI images,
of pathologies that cause plantar pain.
Personal information
Contact details:
Dr.
Víctor Hugo Ramos Pacheco.
Department of Radiology,
Laboratorio Médico Polanco.
Mexico city.
Department of Magnetic Resonance,
Hospital General de México "Dr.
Eduardo Liceaga".Mexico city.
Mail to:
[email protected]
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