Plantar Plate Tears

The plantar plate is made of a 2 - 5 mm thick layer of connective tissue originating on the plantar aspect of the distal metatarsals and inserting on the plantar base of the proximal phalanx. This stout structure serves as the main stabilizer supporting the MTP joints. Through chronic microtrauma or dynamic imbalance, this tissue can become inflamed, attenuated, tear or rupture. This results in pain, MTP joint instability, crossover toes, or dislocations.

Plantar Plate Repair

The majority of plantar plate injuries are treated with traditional lesser MTPJ rebalancing procedures, including sequential release of soft tissue, tendon transfers, metatarsal osteotomies, and temporary MTPJ pinning. These approaches, while quick and inexpensive, do not address the underlying issues of loss of toe purchase and the high incidence of reoccurrence often associated with performing an indirect repair. Direct repair of the plantar plate with Arthrex’s family of solutions delivers improved patient outcomes and higher patient satisfaction scores.