Lower limb

Capsules, collateral ligaments, and plantar plates of toes (MTP, PIP, DIP)

Capsulae, ligamenta collateralia et plantaria digitorum pedis (MTP, PIP, DIP)

Origin

Heads of metatarsals and toe phalanges I–V

Insertion

Bases of adjacent phalanges and dense plantar fibrocartilage plates

Function

Stabilizes toe joints against sagittal and transverse deviation; plantar plate resists hyperextension and absorbs tremendous toe-off loads

Innervation

Digital nerves of medial and lateral plantar nerves (L5–S2)

Movement & chain

Dorsiflexion (requires 65°–90° at 1st MTP for normal gait propulsion) and plantarflexion

Palpation

Palpable over MTP joints and ball of the foot

Clinical

Plantar plate tear of 2nd MTP (leading to crossover toe deformity); Turf toe (traumatic hyperextension sprain of 1st MTP plantar plate); Hallux rigidus; hammer/claw toes.

Segmental innervation

L5–S2

In clinical practice

Modified Lachman drawer test of 2nd MTP, turf toe taping, and stiff rocker-bottom shoe modifications

Region in the model

Lower limb