Table 3 Detailed overview of articles regarding plantar plate anatomy

Johnston, et al. (1994) ¹⁰

Describing macro- and microscopic anatomy of the PP of the MTP- and PIP joints, and correlate with spontaneous lesser toe instability.

5 FF

NR

Medical history checked^a

Metric ruler for dimensions

Microscopic examination

Biochemical analysis

Dissection (using 2.5x loupes)

Paraffin embedded (on a microtome to 4 μm), stained with trichrome, hematoxylin and eosin, and elastin.

L: 2^nd MTP joint 16–23 mm (mean 19 mm)

W: 2^nd MTP joint

8–13 mm (mean 11 mm proximally to 9 mm distally)

T: 2–5 mm

Deland, et al. (1995) ⁶

Detailed description about the PP, including dimensions, attachments and histology.

30 FF lesser MTP joints of 6 cadavers

Median age 46 y;

range: 25–79 y

Sex: NR

X-ray + macroscopic inspection

Micrometer for dimensions

Microscopic examination

Immunohisto-

chemical analysis

Dissection, removing entire ray en bloc.

Separate feet were sliced in transverse and sagittal planes.

Formalin fixed, paraffin embedded (cut at 5 μm thickness), stained with eosin and hematoxylin.

L: 18.8 mm mean

(2^nd, 3^rd MTP joint: 20 mm mean)

(4^th, 5^th MTP joint: 17 mm mean)

W: NR

T: 2–4 mm

Deland and Sung (2000) ⁷

Dissecting a full crossover toe for a better understanding of the pathologic anatomy of a medial crossover toe.

8 FF lesser MTP joints of 1 cadaver

(with hallux valgus and second medial crossover toe)

68 y, female

X-ray + macroscopic inspection

Medical history checked^b

Micrometer for dimensions

Layer by layer dissection and comparing with opposite foot (with normally aligned 2^nd MTP joint).

NR

Gregg, et al. (2007) ⁹

Develop a more complete understanding of the morphology of the PP and the junction between fibrocartilage and bone.

8 FF lesser MTP joints of 1 cadaver

&

8 soft-embalmed lesser MTP joints

of 3 cadavers

(2^nd MTP joints: 5; 3^rd MTP joint: 1;

4^th MTP joints: 2)

19 y, female

&

2 male, 1 female (range 74–92 y)

Magnification: x1.2; x20

Bright-field and Polarized light microscopy

Dorsal soft tissues were removed adjacent to the MTP Joints and the extensor tendons severed. PP attachments were carefully severed.

10 % Formalin fixed, decalcified with EDTA and formic acid, paraffin (10 μm) embedded, stained with Masson’s trichrome, haematoxylin, eosin and alcian blue.

NR (Referring to Johnston)

Coughlin, et al. (2012) ⁵

Document the presence and pattern of PP tears

16 fresh-frozen

(below-knee) cadaveric specimens with clinical diagnosis

2^nd crossover toe

4 specimen gender unknown;

10/12 was female

(range 70–95 y)

Demographics

Simulated weight bearing

Radiographs: obtained prior to dissection

Extirpation of the 2^nd MT head, careful inspection of the PP and collateral ligaments of each joint.

NR