Metatarsophalangeal joint of the great toe: normal MR, MR arthrographic, and MR bursographic findings in cadavers.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate the normal anatomy of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint of the great toe with MR imaging, MR arthrography, and MR bursography.


METHODS
MR images of 12 cadaveric MTP joints of the great toe were obtained before and after arthrography, busography, or both. The MR appearances of all articular and periarticular structures were analyzed and correlated with those seen on anatomic sections.


RESULTS
The sesamoid bones and ligaments, the deep transverse metatarsal ligament, and the tendon attachments of the abductor and adductor hallucis muscles were seen best in the coronal plane. The sagittal plane was best for evaluating the plantar plate, the articular cartilage, and the tendon attachments of the flexor and extensor hallucis brevis muscles. The main collateral ligaments were evaluated best in the axial plane. MR arthrography improved the visualization of all articular and periarticular structures except the collateral ligament complexes. MR bursography did not enhance the visualization of these structures.


CONCLUSIONS
MR imaging and MR arthrography allow accurate visualization of the important anatomic structures in and about the MTP joint of the great toe.
Theumann
Nicolas H
NH
Department of Radiology, Veterans Administration Medical Center, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161, USA.
Pfirrmann
Christian W A
CW
Mohana Borges
Aurea V R
AV
Trudell
Debra J
DJ
Resnick
Donald
D
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001175:Arthrography / Q000379:methods*; D002061:Bursa, Synovial / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008683:Metatarsophalangeal Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D013710:Tendons / Q000033:anatomy & histology