Objective To investigate the anatomical characteristics of the plantar plates of the lesser metatarsophalangeal joints and explore the repairing methods of the plantar plate injury. Methods Nineteen fresh-frozen cadaveric foot specimens were dissected. The plantar plates and surrounding soft tissues were observed andmeasured. The anatomic parameters (length, distal width, proximal width, central thickness and lateral thickness) of the plantar plates of the lesser metatarsophalangeal jointswere measured. Results The planter plate was an attaching point for the surrounding soft tissues of the metatarsophalangeal joint. The male plantar plates of length was(20.05±0.92)mm, (19.80±1.41)mm, (17.45±0.55)mm, (14.91±0.86)mm in less metatarsophalangeal joints, respectively; The male plantar plates of width was (11.63±1.01)mm, (10.72±1.13)mm, (10.34±1.24)mm, (9.26±0.86)mm; The male plantar plates of lateral thickness was (2.04±0.16)mm, (1.97±0.29)mm, (1.69±0.12)mm, (1.47±0.10)mm. The female plantarplates of length was (17.29±0.82)mm, (17.36±0.51)mm, (16.03±1.14)mm, (12.12±1.19)mm in less metatarsophalangeal joints, respectively; The female plantar plates of width was(10.74±0.62)mm, (10.53±0.39)mm, (10.23±0.67)mm, (9.35±0.79)mm; The female plantar plates of lateral thickness was (2.02±0.16)mm, (2.01±0.14)mm, (1.82±0.22)mm, (1.66±0.30)mm. The length, width and thickness of the plantar plates declined in sequence from the second plantar plate to the fifth. The parameter differences were statisticallysignificant (P<0.05). Conclusions The plantar plate maintains the stability of the metatarsophalangeal joint. It's necessary and feasible to repair the tore plantar plates.
Just Accepted