Flexor hallucis longus. A cadaveric study of its distal insertion

Abstract

Objective: Describe flexor hallucis longus (FHL) distal insertion.
Methods: Ten cadaver feet were dissected to evaluate FHL distal insertion, the width of insertion, and the distance between insertion borders and medial-lateral phalangeal borders.
Results: All specimens showed a lateral tendon fascicle inserted more lateral and distal than the main insertion. The mean lateral and medial insertion distance to the phalangeal border was 3 mm and 5.2 mm. The FHL long axis was 12.36% laterally deviated at the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint and 14.07% at the interphalangeal (IP) joint.
Conclusion: The FHL has a closer insertion to the lateral phalanx border, and its long-axis midpoint is laterally located in relation to the IP and MTP joint. The detailed knowledge of the FHL true anatomy. The discovery of a lateral deviated axis, a lateral fascicle, and a lateral footprint.