Flexor hallucis longus

Original Editor - George Prudden

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

Description

Flexor hallucis longus is a powerful muscle located on the posterior aspect of the fibular below the deep fascia of the calf. In its own synovial sheath, the tendon passes downwards, deep to the flexor retinaculum, crossing the posterior ankle joint, lateral to flexor digitorum longus.

Origin

Lower two-thirds of posterior fibula.

Insertion

Plantar surface at the base of the first distal phalanx 

Nerve

Branch of the tibial nerve (root S1 and S2).

Cutaneous supply from root S2.

Artery

Peroneal artery

Function

Flexes the phalanx of the great toe as the foot is raised from the ground. Additionally stabilises the first metatarsal head and keeps distal pad of the great toe 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.

Resources

File:FDL4.JPG

See also

• Flexor digitorum 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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