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Anatomical variations of the flexor hallucis longus muscle and the consequences for tendon transfer. A cadaver study

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of anatomical variations of the musculotendinous junction of the flexor hallucis longus muscle. Eighty cadaver specimens preserved according to Thiel’s method were assessed. Following careful dissection, the distance between the musculotendinous junction and the bone–cartilage border of the distal tibia was determined. Three typical anatomical variations were found: (1) a long lateral and shorter medial muscle belly; (2) equal-length medial and lateral muscle bellies; (3) a long medial and shorter lateral muscle belly. As a special variation in two cases only one lateral muscle belly was found. When planning a flexor hallucis longus transfer, preoperative magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) should be carried out in order to guarantee sufficient coverage of an existing soft tissue defect. These anatomical characteristics have also to be considered when interpreting ultrasonic or MRT findings in this region.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Traumatology, Medical School at the University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 7a, 8036, Graz, Austria

    Wolfgang Pichler, Wolfgang Grechenig, Karin Tanzer & Michael Grasslober

  2. Anatomical Institute, Medical School at the University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21, 8010, Graz, Austria

    Norbert Peter Tesch

Authors
  1. Wolfgang Pichler
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  2. Norbert Peter Tesch
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  3. Wolfgang Grechenig
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  4. Karin Tanzer
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  5. Michael Grasslober
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Correspondence to Wolfgang Pichler.

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Pichler, W., Tesch, N.P., Grechenig, W. et al. Anatomical variations of the flexor hallucis longus muscle and the consequences for tendon transfer. A cadaver study. Surg Radiol Anat 27, 227–231 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-005-0314-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-005-0314-y

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