Lower limb
Digital tendon sheaths of foot
Vaginae tendinum digitorum pedis
- Origin
- Osteofibrous and synovial digital sheaths originating at the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints of digits 1-5
- Insertion
- Enclose the flexor tendons along the plantar aspects of phalanges to their distal insertions
- Function
- Prevent bowstringing of the toe flexors and provide synovial lubrication during digit flexion
- Innervation
- Digital sensory branches of medial and lateral plantar nerves
- Movement & chain
- Accommodate vigorous toe flexion and gripping motions during gait push-off
- Palpation
- Palpable along the plantar digital sulci
- Clinical
- Infectious flexor tenosynovitis (Kanavel's signs) from puncture wounds or diabetic foot ulcers; hammer toe / claw toe deformities
- Segmental innervation
- L5–S2 spinal segments
- In clinical practice
- Emergency surgical debridement for purulent tenosynovitis; silicon toe orthoses and toe alignment therapies in diabetic podiatry
- Region in the model
- Lower limb