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Anatomical study of the medial plantar proper digital nerve using ultrasound

  • Musculoskeletal
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Abstract

Purpose

To determine whether ultrasound allows precise assessment of the course and relations of the medial plantar proper digital nerve (MPPDN).

Materials and methods

This work was initially undertaken in six cadaveric specimens and followed by a high-resolution ultrasound study in 17 healthy adult volunteers (34 nerves) by two musculoskeletal radiologists in consensus. Location and course of the MPPDN and its relationship to adjacent anatomical structures were analysed.

Results

The MPPDN was consistently identified by ultrasound along its entire course. Mean cross-sectional area of the nerve was 0.8 mm2 (range 0.4–1.4). The MPPDN after it branches from the medial plantar nerve was located a mean of 22 mm (range 19–27) lateral to the medial border of the medial cuneiform. More distally, at the level of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, mean direct distances between the nerve and the first metatarsal head and the medial hallux sesamoid were respectively 3 mm (range 1–8) and 4 mm (range 2–9).

Conclusion

The MPPDN can be depicted by ultrasonography. Useful bony landmarks for its detection could be defined. Precise mapping of its anatomical course may have important clinical applications.

Key Points

• The medial plantar proper digital nerve (MPPDN) rises from the medial plantar nerve to the medial side of the hallux.

• Because of its particularly long course and superficial position, the MPPDN may be subject to trauma, resulting in a condition known as Joplin’s neuroma.

• The MPPDN can be clearly depicted by ultrasound along its entire course. Precise mapping of its anatomical course may have important clinical applications.

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Abbreviations

MPPDN:

Medial plantar proper digital nerve

MR:

Magnetic resonance

MTPJ:

Metatarsophalangeal joint

US:

Ultrasound

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Funding

The authors state that this work has not received any funding.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Radiology Department, APHM, Marseille, France

    Thomas Le Corroller, Elodie Santiago & Pierre Champsaur

  2. Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, ISM UMR 7287, Marseille, France

    Thomas Le Corroller, Elodie Santiago & Pierre Champsaur

  3. Service de Radiologie, Hôpital Sud du CHU de Rennes, 16 Boulevard de Bulgarie, 35000, Rennes, France

    Arnaud Deniel, Anne Causeret & Raphaël Guillin

Authors
  1. Thomas Le Corroller
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  2. Elodie Santiago
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  3. Arnaud Deniel
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  4. Anne Causeret
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  5. Pierre Champsaur
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  6. Raphaël Guillin
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Thomas Le Corroller.

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Guarantor

The scientific guarantor of this publication is Le Corroller Thomas.

Conflict of interest

The authors of this article declare no relationships with any companies whose products or services may be related to the subject matter of the article.

Statistics and biometry

No complex statistical methods were necessary for this paper.

Informed consent

Written informed consent was obtained from all subjects (patients) in this study.

Ethical approval

Institutional Review Board approval was not required because the study only involved anatomical specimens and volunteers who were recruited from the Department of Radiology.

Methodology

• prospective

• experimental

• performed at one institution

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Cite this article

Le Corroller, T., Santiago, E., Deniel, A. et al. Anatomical study of the medial plantar proper digital nerve using ultrasound. Eur Radiol 29, 40–45 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-018-5536-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-018-5536-6

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