lesser toes AND anatomy

OBJECTIVE: We obtained high-resolution 11.7-T MR images of the pulleys of the flexor tendons in cadaveric toe specimens. A detailed understanding of toe pulley anatomy as seen with MR is likely to be of benefit in recognizing disease and the effects of trauma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six cadaveric toes were imaged with an 11.7-T small-bore MR imaging system using optimized coils. Two-dimensional dual-echo SE scans were obtained in three planes (40 × 40 × 400-μm(3) voxel size, TE = 7/14 ms, TR = 3,500 ms, fat saturation)...

UNLABELLED: Lesser toe deformities are one of the most common conditions faced by orthopedic surgeons. Knowledge of the anatomy of the lesser toes is important for ensuring correct diagnosis and treatment of deformities, which are caused by factors such as muscle imbalance between the extensor apparatus and flexor tendons. However, this apparatus has not received sufficient attention in the literature. In addition, the large number of inaccurate and erroneous descriptions means that gaining an understanding of these structures is problematic...

The plantar plate of the first metatarsophalangeal (MP) joint is a critical structure of the forefoot that has been identified as a major stabilizer within the capsuloligamentous complex. Many studies have clarified and documented the anatomy of the lesser toe MP plantar plates, but few have looked closely at the anatomy of the first MP joint. Ten cadaveric specimens were examined to identify and document the objective anatomic relationship of the plantar plate, tibial sesamoid, and surrounding osseus structures...

The forefoot has been reported as the most frequent location of osteomyelitis in the feet of patients with diabetes. The forefoot includes toes and metatarsal heads as common locations of bone infections, but the anatomy of these bones is quite different. As a result, such differences in anatomy may have an impact on the outcomes. The aim of the present study was to determine whether different locations of osteomyelitis in the forefoot have any influence on time to healing after undergoing surgery in a prospective series including 195 patients without peripheral arterial disease and osteomyelitis confirmed by histopathology...

BACKGROUND: The flexor hallucis longus (FHL) and flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendon are routinely used in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. The tendons cross in the chiasma plantare and show variable interconnections. This can complicate harvesting of the tendons. Previous anatomical studies were inconclusive and did not reference the connections to surgically relevant landmarks. The purpose of this study was to integrate these conflicting results, introduce a thorough classification system, and analyze the position of the interconnections relative to the surgically relevant bone landmarks...

Plantar plate rupture is a common cause of forefoot pain, multiplanar malalignment, subluxation, or dislocation of the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ). The treatments that have been described for MTPJ instability of lesser toes include amputation, lengthening and/or tendon transfer, periarticular soft-tissue release (capsule, collateral ligaments, and plantar plate), colateral ligament reconstruction, metatarsal shortening osteotomy, and suture of plantar plate lesion. This article outlines the anatomy, pathogenesis, and diagnosis of plantar plate rupture, and describes a new technique that combines joint decompression by Weil osteotomy with a plantar plate repair using a pull-out technique...

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to compare the anatomy of rheumatoid hallux valgus with that of idiopathic hallux valgus from the standpoint of joint-preserving surgery. METHODS: One hundred forty-eight feet of 81 rheumatoid patients were included. Feet with idiopathic hallux valgus and normal feet were compared as controls. Weight-bearing dorsoplantar radiographs of the feet were taken of each patient. A two-dimensional coordinate system was defined on the radiographic image, and 19 anatomic points of the forefoot were measured...

Lesser toe deformities are caused by alterations in normal anatomy that create an imbalance between the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles. Causes include improper shoe wear, trauma, genetics, inflammatory arthritis, and neuromuscular and metabolic diseases. Typical deformities include mallet toe, hammer toe, claw toe, curly toe, and crossover toe. Abnormalities associated with the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints include hallux valgus of the first MTP joint and instability of the lesser MTP joints, especially the second toe...

Hallux valgus is a complex progressive deformity affecting the forefoot. The main pathologic anatomy concerns the first metatarsophalangeal joint, including a varus or medial deviation of the first metatarsal and pronation deformity in the longitudinal axis. The goal of this study was to evaluate a series of consecutive patients over a 2-year period after a scarf osteotomy of the first metatarsal. A scarf osteotomy was performed on 31 consecutive patients with moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity (intermetatarsal angle, 13-22°; hallux valgus angle, 20-44°)...

BACKGROUND: The flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendon is harvested for use in the reconstruction of dysfunctional adjacent tendons such as the posterior tibial and the Achilles tendons. The approach to harvest the FDL tendon in the midfoot region is through an incision along the medial border of the foot. This approach involves dissection quite deep in the foot across neurovascular structures in the vicinity placing them at risk. The purpose of this cadaver study was to test the feasibility and safety of a minimally invasive technique, and also to define the relevant topographical surface and deeper surgical anatomy...

This article reviews the normal anatomy of the plantar plate and surrounding support structures at the lesser metatarsophalangeal joints, and demonstrates degenerative change and rupture using high resolution MR imaging of the forefoot. The etiology of plantar plate and collateral ligament degeneration and rupture, most commonly occurring at the second metatarsophalangeal joint, is discussed as it relates to chronic synovitis and instability. Both conservative and surgical treatment options are discussed.

At first, scarf osteotomy can be technically demanding. The aim of the author has been to develop an efficient technique, make it easier and more accurate, and to achieve immediate reproducibility of results. Neither the skin incision nor the length of the osteotomy result in postoperative edema, whereas the strong fixation enables very early functional recovery. Complications are rare and avoidable. The sum of the scarf's advantages results in a reliable surgical procedure. The scarf osteotomy is extremely versatile, because it allows a wide range of fragment displacement...

UNLABELLED: The development of a medial crossover second toe (second toe crossing over the first toe) is not a rare clinical condition. It often occurs in the setting of hallux valgus, although not exclusively so. The resulting displacement of the second toe can cause pain in shoes, with surgical correction being problematic. The pathologic anatomy of this condition has not been fully described. In an effort to better understand it, dissection of a cadaveric specimen with a full crossover toe is presented...

Pain in the region of the lesser metatarsophalangeal joints (often termed metatarsalgia) is a common complaint. It can be due to a variety of causes, and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Understanding the anatomy and functions of the extrinsic and intrinsic musculature and the plantar plate, ligaments, and fat pad is important in evaluating metatarsophalangeal joint disorders. Claw toe is a hyperextension deformity of the metatarsophalangeal joint in combination with a hammer toe. Pathologic changes involving an isolated metatarsophalangeal joint may be due to monarticular synovitis...

Successful free tissue transfer requires detailed knowledge of the pertinent microvascular anatomy of the donor site. The lesser toe proximal interphalangeal joints are a source of vascularized autologous tissue. In 20 adult cadaver feet, the arterial anatomy of the second, third, and fourth toes was studied using colored latex and India ink injection. The second, third, and fourth dorsal metatarsal arteries produced small or absent dorsal digital arteries in 72.5% of distal dissections. The proper digital arteries were 0...

We have treated five patients with metatarsalgia and triggering of the lesser toes. This paper describes a mechanism of triggering that involves a previously undescribed flexor pulley system in the toes that is very similar to the pulley system in the fingers. The specific anatomy of the toe flexor pulleys is described based upon the dissections of 50 fresh-frozen cadaver toes. These pulleys were composed of transverse to obliquely oriented fibrous bands within the flexor sheaths from the metatarsal heads to the distal phalanges...

This article discusses anatomy and normal biomechanics of the lesser digits. The pathomechanics that may lead to digital deformities or the hammered digit syndrome are discussed also. The importance of identifying the causes of the hammered digit syndrome prior to surgical correction is emphasized. Knowing the causes can help determine effective postoperative control that can neutralize the deforming forces.

The plantar plate is a rarely seen, yet central structure to the lesser metatarsal phalangeal (MP) joint. Thirty cadaver lesser MP joints were studied to obtain a detailed description of the plate, including its dimensions, connections, and histology. The plate was found to be made of fibrocartilage with fiber orientation which suggests that it withstands tensile loads in line with the plantar fascia as well as the compressive loads from the metatarsal head. The plantar plate was the most substantial distal insertion of the plantar fascia...

The functional anatomy of the hindlimb of 12 species of viverrids was studied with relation to locomotion. The animals were allocated to primary locomotor categories on the basis of their anatomy and locomotion. The climbing, arboreal walking category (Nandinia binotata) is characterized by a small sacroiliac articulation, the iliopsoas inserts onto a medially located lesser trochanter and the femoral condyles are not posteriorly placed. The hindfoot is plantigrade and its structure permits considerable movement...