Differential Diagnosis of Metatarsalgia

Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2023; 27: 337-350 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1764388Lesser (or central) metatarsalgia is defined as pain in the forefoot under or around the lesser metatarsals and their respective metatarsophalangeal joints. Two common causes of central metatarsalgia are Morton's neuroma (MN) and plantar plate (PP) injury. Because both clinical and imaging features overlap, establishing the correct differential diagnosis may be challenging. Imaging has a pivotal role in the detection and characterization of metatarsalgia. Different radiologic modalities are available to assess the common causes of forefoot pain, so the strengths and weakness of these imaging tools should be kept in mind. It is crucial to be aware of the pitfalls that can be encountered in daily clinical practice when dealing with these disorders. This review describes two main causes of lesser metatarsalgia, MN and PP injury, and their differential diagnoses. [...] Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USAArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text

Source: Seminars in Musculoskeletal Radiology - May 25, 2023 Category: Radiology Authors: Afonso, P. Diana Britto, Sabrina Veras Spritzer, Charles E. Martins e Souza, Patr ícia Tags: Review Article Source Type: research