MRI of the metatarsophalangeal joints: improved assessment with toe traction and MR arthrography.

This study evaluates the impact of toe traction and direct MR arthrography on the assessment of articular cartilage and plantar plates of the first and second metatarsophalangeal joints. MRI of five cadaveric feet was obtained utilizing four techniques: before arthrography without and with traction and after arthrography without and with traction. The combination of toe traction and MR arthrography is perceived to be superior in the articular cartilage and plantar plate evaluation.