Learning objectives
1) In this pictorial poster,
we show different causes of foot pain.
2) Review image modalities used to assess foot.
3) Understand important imaging features that aid in correct diagnosis of the given pathology.
Background
It is worthwhile for a radiologist to have some knowledge of the potential causes of foot pain and their imaging features.
Thesecan be broadly divided as follows:
Trauma: radiographically occult fracture,
sesamoiditis-AVN,
stress fracture,
plantar plate disruption.
Infection: osteomyelitis,
septic arthritis.
Joint disorders: osteoarthritis,
gout,
rheumatoid arthritis,
neuropathic osteoarthropathy.
Tendon disorders: tendinosis,
tenosynovitis,
tendon rupture.
Non-neoplastic soft-tissue masses: Morton neuroma,
plantar fibromatosis,
ganglia,
bursitis,
haemangioma.
Neoplastic masses: bone tumoours,
benign soft-tissue tumours,
malignant soft-tissue tumours.
Imaging findings OR Procedure Details
Multimodality imaging is used for different purposes such as:
Plain radiograph for osseous lesions.
Ultrasound forpreliminary evaluation of the soft tissue such as fascia,
muscles,
tendons,
ligaments and bursa.
CT has great value in evaluation of osseous lesions and trauma.
MRI has superior soft tissue contrast resolution and therefore remains the modality of choice for foot investigation.
We discuss the spectrum of pathologies that can occur in the foot region and their imaging characteristics to aid in the diagnosis.
Morton Neuromas
Morton neuromas are not...
Conclusion
Certain populations appear to be at increased risk of developing foot pain.
These include: older adults,
the obese,
active adults who participate in sports that involve running and jumping,
active military personnel,
and those engaged in certain occupations.
Foot pain can be produced by wide range of pathology,
which makes it challenging for both clinicians and radiologists to find a correct diagnosis.
Musculoskeletal radiologists must therefore be aware of the differential diagnosesa simple foot pain may represent.
References
REFERENCE:
1. Quinn TJ,
Jacobson JA,
Craig JG et-al.
Sonography of Morton's neuromas.
AJR Am J Roentgenol.
2000;174 (6): 1723-8.
2. Griffith JF,
Wong TY,
Wong SM et-al.
Sonography of plantar fibromatosis.
AJR Am J Roentgenol.
2002;179 (5): 1167-72.
AJR Am J Roentgenol (full text) - Pubmed citation
3. Narváez JA,
Narváez J,
Ortega R et-al.
Painful heel: MR imaging findings.
Radiographics.
20 (2): 333-52.
Radiographics (full text) - Pubmed citation
4. Theodorou DJ,
Theodorou SJ,
Farooki S et-al.
Disorders of the plantar aponeurosis: a...
Personal Information
Daliborka Maric,
MD
University Clinical Center of the Republic of Srpska; Banja Luka ,
B&H
[email protected]