Toe extensor tendon !
The toe extensor tendon crosses the front of the ankle and splits into four tendons that lift the four smaller toes.
Official name: Tendon of extensor digitorum longus
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What it is
The tendon of the long toe extensor. It crosses the front of the ankle and splits into four tendons to the smaller toes.
What it does
Lifts the four smaller toes and helps lift the foot.
Key facts
- Attaches
- Single tendon in front of the ankle under the extensor retinacula (shares a compartment with fibularis tertius), dividing into four slips to the dorsal expansions of toes 2–5
- Function
- Extends toes 2–5 and helps dorsiflex the ankle; at the ankle it lies lateral to the extensor hallucis longus tendon and the anterior tibial artery and deep fibular nerve
- Tight in
- Ankle plantarflexion with toe flexion
Relations
- Medial
- Extensor hallucis longus tendon, with the anterior tibial artery (dorsalis pedis on the foot) and the deep fibular nerve between them
- Lateral
- Fibularis tertius, in the same sheath
- Deep
- Front of the ankle capsule and the talus at the ankle; the extensor digitorum brevis on the top of the foot
- Superficial
- Extensor retinacula, whose lower band loops around it; branches of the superficial fibular nerve
How to find it
Lifting the toes makes its four slips fan out on the top of the foot toward toes 2–5; at the ankle it is the cord lateral to the extensor hallucis longus.
Examination
- Resisted extension of the lesser toes: weakness, together with a weak extensor hallucis longus, points to the deep fibular nerve or the L5 root
On imaging
Ultrasound is the usual first test: in short axis at the ankle its tendons lie lateral to the extensor hallucis longus, with the dorsalis pedis artery and deep fibular nerve between them. It shows tenosynovitis (fluid around the tendon) and cut or torn slips after a wound on the top of the foot. MRI is chosen when a ganglion or bony spur in the anterior tarsal tunnel is suspected.
Clinical notes
- Cuts on the top of the foot often divide these superficial tendons; loss of extension of one or more toes is the clue
- Branches of the superficial fibular nerve cross over these tendons in front of the ankle and can be injured when the anterolateral arthroscopy portal is made; the nerve can often be seen under the skin with the toes and ankle flexed down
- In fixed claw toes the tendon slip to the affected toe is lengthened or cut, together with release of the toe base joint capsule
Anatomical variants
- The fibularis tertius, which shares its sheath, may be small or absent
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Where is the dorsalis pedis pulse felt?
On the top of the foot between the extensor hallucis longus and the extensor digitorum longus tendons.
How does the extensor digitorum longus produce a claw toe?
With weak foot intrinsics, its unopposed pull overextends the toe base joints while the long flexors bend the others.
What is anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome?
Compression of the deep fibular nerve under the inferior extensor retinaculum, where the extensor tendons pass.
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Its names
- Official Latin (TA2)
- extensor longus digitorum TA2 2645
- Official Spanish (DeCS)
- Tendón del extensor largo de los dedos DeCS D013710
- English (TA2)
- Tendon of extensor digitorum longus
- Also called
- extensor digitorum longus muscle
Related
Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); DeCS; Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb: Leg Anterior Compartment.
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.
