[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Anatomy](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/) › [Lower limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/lower-limb/) › Toe extensor tendon [Muscular system](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/muscular-system/) · [Lower limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/lower-limb/) # 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 [See in 3D →](https://durgical.app/?from=durgipedia&lang=en#region=lower_limb&select=ext_digitorum_longus_tendon&side=r) Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed. ## 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 points - The [dorsalis pedis artery](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/dorsalis-pedis-artery/) pulse is felt on the top of the foot between the extensor hallucis longus and the [extensor digitorum longus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/extensor-digitorum-longus/) tendons, just lateral to the former - With weak foot intrinsics, the unopposed pull of the extensor digitorum longus overextends the toe base joints while the long flexors bend the others: the claw toe - The deep fibular nerve can be compressed under the inferior [extensor retinaculum](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/extensor-retinaculum-of-the-wrist/), where these tendons pass (anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome) ## 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](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/extensor-hallucis-longus/) tendon, with the [anterior tibial artery](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/anterior-tibial-artery/) (dorsalis pedis on the foot) and the [deep fibular nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/deep-fibular-nerve/) between them **Lateral** [Fibularis tertius](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/fibularis-tertius-muscle/), in the same sheath **Deep** Front of the ankle capsule and the [talus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/talus/) at the ankle; the [extensor digitorum brevis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/extensor-digitorum-brevis/) on the top of the foot **Superficial** [Extensor retinacula](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/superior-extensor-retinaculum-of-ankle/), whose lower band loops around it; branches of the [superficial fibular nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/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](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/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](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/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](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/articular-capsule-of-knee-joint/) ## 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. [Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/anatomy/tendon-of-extensor-digitorum-longus/) 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 - [Extensor retinacula](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/superior-extensor-retinaculum-of-ankle/) - [Toe extensor tendons](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tendons-of-extensor-digitorum-longus/) - [Extensor digitorum longus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/extensor-digitorum-longus/) - [Fibula](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/fibula/) - [Tibia](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tibia/) Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [DeCS](https://decs.bvsalud.org/es/ths/resource/?id=14088); [Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb: Leg Anterior Compartment](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539725/). ## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake Representative model, for educational purposes only. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tendon-of-extensor-digitorum-longus/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tendon-of-extensor-digitorum-longus/