High-Resolution Ultrasound of the Forefoot and Common Pathologies

Abstract

Forefoot pain is common in clinical practice. Careful history taking and routine physical examination are initially performed for diagnosis, but imaging can confirm the clinical suspicion and play a key role in management. Ultrasound (US) can provide a visualization of the fine anatomy of the forefoot and is a useful method for evaluating various lesions causing forefoot pain. In this review, we provide the detailed anatomical structures of the forefoot and their normal appearances on US. We also focus on the most common pathologies affecting the forefoot, including plantar plate tear, sesamoiditis, bone fracture, synovitis, tenosynovitis, bursitis, Morton’s neuromas, and foreign bodies.

Keywords

• forefoot ultrasound
• plantar plate tear
• sesamoiditis
• bone fracture
• synovitis
• tenosynovitis