Toe flexion movement with tendon excursion based on anatomical variation: A cadaver study.

Background/Purpose: To investigate the relationship between anatomical variation of the toe flexor muscles and the resulting variation of toe flexion angle from tendon excursion. Methods: Six cadaveric lower extremities preserved by Thiel's embalming method were evaluated. The toe flexor muscles were distracted individually and toe flexion angles measured. The anatomic variation were observed by gross anatomical dissection. Results: The toes with tendinous slips of flexor hallucis longus (FHL) showed similar flexion angles between the FHL and flexor digitorum longus. However, there were differences observed regarding toe flexion and tendon excursion of the flexor digitorum muscle and quadratus plantae due to the anatomic variations. Conclusion: The anatomical variation of the toe flexor muscles should be taken into account when evaluating toe function and applying exercise therapy for foot disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Orthopaedics, Trauma & Rehabilitation is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)