Plantar fascia = multilayered fibrous aponeurosis, 1-2 mm thick, with medial, central, and lateral bands
Supports long and short plantar ligaments in maintaining longitudinal arches of foot
Innervated by medial calcaneal nerve and 1st branch lateral plantar nerve
Entrapment of 1st branch lateral plantar nerve (Baxter neuropathy) can simulate plantar fasciitis
Medial band is least significant
Inserts into 1st metatarsophalangeal joint
Central band is largest; originates from medial tuberosity of calcaneum
Divides in forefoot into 5 bands that insert onto plantar plates of metatarsophalangeal joints
Lateral band inserts into base of 5th metatarsal bone
Plantar fasciitis: Degeneration ± fibroblastic proliferation of plantar fascia insertion to medial tuberosity of calcaneus
As there is no clear inflammatory component, plantar fasciopathy may be more favorable term
Plantar fibromatosis: Nodular fibroblastic proliferation of plantar fascia separate from calcaneus
IMAGING
General Features
Radiographic Findings
MR Findings
Ultrasonographic Findings
Imaging Recommendations
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
PATHOLOGY
General Features
Gross Pathologic & Surgical Features
Microscopic Features
CLINICAL ISSUES
Presentation
Demographics
Natural History & Prognosis
Treatment
DIAGNOSTIC CHECKLIST
Consider
Image Interpretation Pearls
Selected References
Draghi F et al: Imaging of plantar fascia disorders: findings on plain radiography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. Insights Imaging. 8(1):69-78, 2017
Plantar fascia = multilayered fibrous aponeurosis, 1-2 mm thick, with medial, central, and lateral bands
Supports long and short plantar ligaments in maintaining longitudinal arches of foot
Innervated by medial calcaneal nerve and 1st branch lateral plantar nerve
Entrapment of 1st branch lateral plantar nerve (Baxter neuropathy) can simulate plantar fasciitis
Medial band is least significant
Inserts into 1st metatarsophalangeal joint
Central band is largest; originates from medial tuberosity of calcaneum
Divides in forefoot into 5 bands that insert onto plantar plates of metatarsophalangeal joints
Lateral band inserts into base of 5th metatarsal bone
Plantar fasciitis: Degeneration ± fibroblastic proliferation of plantar fascia insertion to medial tuberosity of calcaneus
As there is no clear inflammatory component, plantar fasciopathy may be more favorable term
Plantar fibromatosis: Nodular fibroblastic proliferation of plantar fascia separate from calcaneus
IMAGING
General Features
Radiographic Findings
MR Findings
Ultrasonographic Findings
Imaging Recommendations
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
PATHOLOGY
General Features
Gross Pathologic & Surgical Features
Microscopic Features
CLINICAL ISSUES
Presentation
Demographics
Natural History & Prognosis
Treatment
DIAGNOSTIC CHECKLIST
Consider
Image Interpretation Pearls
Selected References
Draghi F et al: Imaging of plantar fascia disorders: findings on plain radiography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. Insights Imaging. 8(1):69-78, 2017
STATdx includes over 200,000 searchable images, including x-ray, CT, MR, and ultrasound images. To access all images, please log in or subscribe.