title: Role of the plantar fascia in digital stabilization. A case report.
abstract: The plantar aponeurosis is a ligamentous structure that extends from the calcaneus to the proximal phalanges. Under tension, it functions to support the longitudinal arch, supinate the rearfoot, and stabilize the digits against the ground. The anatomy and biomechanics of the plantar fascia and plantar aponeurosis, particularly their role in digital stabilization, are reviewed. A case is presented showing a patient who developed hammer toes as a postoperative complication after having a portion of the plantar aponeurosis removed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine, Philadelphia 19107, USA.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pontious
authors.forename: K P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Flanigan
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Hillstrom
mesh_terms: D005205:Fascia / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005350:Fibroma / Q000601:surgery; D005528:Foot; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D014034:Toes / Q000502:physiology*