Fact-sheet: Baxter neuropathy


Updated on 03/18/2024 at 1:14 PM

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Definition

Compressive neuropathy of the inferior calcaneal nerve, the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve.

Most common causes:

  • repetitive microtrauma
  • plantar fasciopathy
  • foot static disorder

Clinical features

  • Medial plantar pain and pain at the anteromedial aspect of the calcaneus
  • Medial plantar paresthesias
  • Paresis of the fifth toe abductor
  • Absence of cutaneous hypoesthesia

MRI

  • Acute denervation of the abductor digiti minimi muscle: Muscle belly edema with T1 hyposignal - T2 FatSat hypersignal
  • Chronic denervation of the abductor digiti minimi muscle: Amyotrophy and fatty involution with T1 hypersignal. May also involve the flexor digitorum brevis and quadratus plantae muscles.
  • +/- Causal or associated plantar fasciopathy

Differential diagnosis

Fatty degeneration of the abductor digiti minimi muscle in 10% of healthy volunteers.