PLANTAR PLATE REPAIR

If you need a plantar plate repair, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.

What Is Plantar Plate Repair?

Plantar plate repair is a surgical procedure performed to treat injuries or tears of the plantar plate in the foot. The plantar plate is a thick band of fibrous tissue located on the plantar (bottom) surface of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints, which are the joints connecting the metatarsal bones (foot bones) to the proximal phalanx bones (toe bones). The plantar plate helps stabilize the MTP joints and prevent the toes from deviating or dislocating.

Injuries to the plantar plate can occur due to trauma, overuse, or underlying foot conditions, such as bunions or hammertoes. When the plantar plate is damaged, it can lead to pain, inflammation, instability of the MTP joint, and deformities of the toes.

The plantar plate repair procedure involves the following steps:

1. Anesthesia: The patient is typically given local or regional anesthesia to numb the foot during the surgery.
2. Incision: The surgeon makes an incision over the affected MTP joint to access the damaged plantar plate.
3. Plantar plate repair: The surgeon carefully examines the extent of the plantar plate injury and may use sutures or specialized anchors to repair and reinforce the damaged tissue.
4. Soft tissue adjustments: In some cases, the surgeon may need to make adjustments to the surrounding soft tissues, tendons, or ligaments to achieve proper alignment and stability of the MTP joint.
5. Closure: After the plantar plate repair and any necessary soft tissue adjustments are completed, the incision is closed with sutures, and the surgical site is dressed and bandaged.

Post-operatively, the patient may need to use crutches or a walker for a period of non-weight-bearing on the foot to allow for proper healing of the surgical site. A cast or a specialized boot may also be used to protect the foot during the initial healing phase.

Recovery from plantar plate repair involves rest, elevation, and gradual return to weight-bearing activities under the guidance of a foot and ankle specialist. Physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises may be recommended to aid in the recovery process and restore foot function and mobility.

Plantar plate repair is generally considered an effective treatment for plantar plate injuries and can help alleviate pain, stabilize the MTP joint, and prevent toe deformities. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications, including infection, delayed wound healing, and the possibility of recurrent plantar plate issues.

The decision to undergo plantar plate repair is made after a thorough evaluation and discussion with an orthopedic surgeon or a podiatrist, who will assess the individual’s specific condition, medical history, and overall health to determine if the procedure is the appropriate treatment option.

If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.