Fact-sheet: Superficial plantar fibromatosis
Updated on 10/27/2026 at 4:51 PM
View all RADEOS cases associated with this fact-sheet
Definition
Synonym: Ledderhose disease.
Belongs to the superficial fibromatoses (such as Dupuytren's disease and Peyronie's disease, with which it may be associated).
Benign proliferation of fibroblasts: thickening of the plantar fascia.
Clinical features
Patients aged 30 to 50 years.
Nodular thickening at the base of the metatarsals, involving the superficial aspect of the plantar fascia.
- One or more nodules
- Bilateral in 20 to 50% of cases
- Pain uncommon
- No tendon retraction (unlike Dupuytren's disease)
Ultrasound
Heterogeneous hypoechoic nodule:
- From a few mm to 2 cm
- Sagittal long axis
- +/- Doppler hyperemia
MRI
Nodule (1 mm to 2 cm) on the superficial aspect of the plantar fascia
- T1-weighted: low-signal or iso-signal
- T2-weighted: variable
- possible heterogeneous enhancement after gadolinium
Sparing of the deep fascial layer (unlike sarcoma).
N.B.: in the late phase, the deep layer may be involved.
Most often opposite the base of the metatarsals: unlike fascial rupture or plantar fasciitis.
Multiple nodules and/or contralateral involvement: favors the diagnosis
Management
Surgery possible if painful.
Frequent recurrence.
Differential diagnosis
- Sarcoma: involvement of the deep layer of the plantar fascia
- Plantar fasciitis: more proximal region
- Fascial rupture: more proximal region
References
- Oncle Paul
- Imagerie musculo-squelettique : pathologies loco-régionales, A. COTTEN (ISBN 9782294721823)
