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.