Plantar fasciitis and fascial rupture: MR imaging findings in 26 patients supplemented with anatomic data in cadavers

Understanding of the normal anatomy of the plantar aponeurosis (PA) and fam iliarity with pathologic conditions are required for an accurate evaluation of the patient with subcalcaneal heel pain. In this study, we evaluated th e diagnostic capabilities of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the assessm ent of the PA with close anatomic correlation. Herein, we describe the MR i maging features of plantar fasciitis and fascial rupture in 26 patients. Hi gh-spatial-resolution MR imaging was performed in four cadaveric feet, and a prescribed imaging plane was used for depiction of the peroneal component of the PA. MR imaging delineated the anatomy of the PA and perifascial sof t tissues. The peroneal component was best visualized in prescribed sagitta l oblique images. Perifascial edema was the most common finding of plantar fasciitis, and it was remarkable in those cases with acute fascial rupture. MR imaging reliably delineated the anatomy of the PA and may allow precise localization and definition of the extent of involvement in disease proces ses.