Morphometric analysis of the plantar plate apparatus of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.

Reliable and reproducible radiographic assessment of plantar plate integrity of the great toe is possible with standard radiographic techniques. Normal values in 100 pairs of feet (200 feet) are defined for comparison of one foot to the other and absolute values emerge if comparison is not possible. Bipartite sesamoids occurred in 13.5% of 200 feet with a 37% bilaterality.