Flexor Digitorum Longus

Original Editor - George Prudden

Top Contributors - George Prudden, Kim Jackson, WikiSysop, Abbey Wright, Pinar Kisacik, Patti Cavaleri, 127.0.0.1 and Evan Thomas;

Description

The muscle belly is located at the medial and posterior of the calf where is travels down to form a tendon about 3 fingers breath above the medial malleous. The tendon then passes laterally to tibialis posterior tendon where it then situated deep to the flexor retinaculum lying in its own synovial sheath along the medial aspect of the sustentaculum tali. Beyond this point it is difficult to palpate as it enters the sole of the foot deep to the abductor hallucis where is crosses forwards and laterally on the plantar aspect. Halfway along the sole, on the lateral side the tendon merges with flexor accessorius and divides into 4 individual tendons.

Origin

Medial and posterior surface of the body of the tibia.

Insertion

Plantar surface, base of the distal phalanges of the four lesser digits.

Nerve

Tibial nerve (root L5, S1 and S2).

Cutaneous supply on the medial and posterior aspect of the calf and sole from L4, L5 and S1.

Artery

Posterior tibial artery

Function

Flexes phalanges of second to fifth digits as the foot is raised from the ground. Additionally stabilises the metatarsal heads and keeps distal pads of toes in contact with ground in toe-off and when on tip-toe.

Assessment

Palpation

It is near impossible to locate the origin due to it's depth to the soleus muscle. The insertional tendon is also deep but can be identified as it passes alongside the sustentaculum tali.

Power

Resisted flexion of second to fifth toes with the foot in neutral or dorsiflexion.

Resources

File:FDL4.JPG

See also

• Flexor hallucis longus
• The Os Trigonum Syndrome
• Tarsal Tunnel syndrome
• Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
• Ankle & Foot
• Compartment Syndrome of the Foot
• Ankle Impingement
• Hallux Valgus
• Ankle Joint
• Congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV)

Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)

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