Anatomic and clinical significance of the first and most medial deep transverse metatarsal ligament.
A review of the related literature revealed ambiguity and inconsistency as to the location of the first and most medial deep transverse metatarsal ligament in relation to the adjacent soft tissue and osseous structures. Seventy right sided, mid-thigh cadaveric dissections were completed by the investigators. The results consistently identified the ligament as bifurcate, bearing a common stem with the medial aspect of the second metatarsophalangeal joint capsule and a split attachment to the lateral aspect of the first metatarsophalangeal joint capsule and sesamoidal apparatus. The conjoined tendon of the adductor hallucis muscle was consistently identified as passing between this bifurcation. Knowledge of the location of this anatomic structure bears importance in the podiatric surgeon's attempt to restore the alignment of the first metatarsophalangeal joint by means of soft tissue or osseous procedures.
D006801:Humans; D008022:Ligaments / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008683:Metatarsophalangeal Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008684:Metatarsus / Q000033:anatomy & histology*