Not One of the Usual Suspects: MRI Features of Insertional Lateral Cord Plantar Fasciopathy

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2018 Nov;211(5):W252-W256. doi: 10.2214/AJR.17.19218. Epub 2018 Sep 21.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this article is to report MRI findings of insertional lateral cord plantar fasciopathy and review the presenting symptoms of the condition and suspected diagnoses.

Conclusion: Lateral cord plantar fasciopathy presents with pain and swelling at the lateral midfoot, which are typically clinically suspected to be caused by fifth metatarsal (MT) base stress fracture of peroneal tendon abnormalities. The MRI findings are identical to those seen in association with the more commonly occurring central cord plantar fasciopathy, which has a calcaneal origin, but the findings affect the insertion of the lateral cord onto the plantar lateral base of the fifth MT.

Keywords: MRI features; lateral cord plantar fascia; plantar fasciopathy; retrospective case series; ultrasound features.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fasciitis, Plantar / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies