Sonography in the study of metatarsalgia.

OBJECTIVE

To identify sonographically the changes of the forefoot in patients with metatarsalgia.

METHODS

Sonography of the foot was performed in 112 patients with metatarsalgia and in 50 healthy controls. Metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints, intermetatarsal web spaces, flexor and extensor tendons, and plantar aponeurosis were examined.

RESULTS

Sonography showed intermetatarsophalangeal bursitis in 20.5% of cases, Morton's neuroma in 15.2%, and effusion of MTP joints in 11.7%.

CONCLUSION

Sonography gives useful information about the possible alteration responsible for metatarsalgia.