A Three-dimensional Analysis of the Tibialis Anterior Tendon: Emphasizing Tendon Insertion Patterns for Effective Repair and Understanding Hallux Valgus Development

Overview

Journal Surg Radiol Anat

Specialties Anatomy & Histology
General Surgery
Radiology

Date 2023 Jul 8

PMID 37421479

Authors

Hyung-Jin Lee

You-Jin Choi

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose: The present study aimed to evaluate the insertion site of the tibialis anterior tendon three-dimensionally.

Methods: Seventy lower limbs were dissected. The tibialis anterior tendon was dissected to verify the insertion site to the medial cuneiform and the base of the first metatarsal bone. The three-dimensional (3D) territory of the tibialis anterior tendon insertion on the medial cuneiform and the first metatarsal bones was measured on a reconstructed 3D model.

Results: The insertion pattern of the tibialis anterior tendon was classified into three types, the most common being Type I: a single tibialis anterior tendon dividing into two equal-sized bands to the medial cuneiform and base of the first metatarsal bone (57.1%, 40/70 of cases). The 3D territory of the tibialis anterior tendon was larger in the plantar aspect than in the medial side of both the medial cuneiform and the base of the first metatarsal bone. The width of the tendon inserted into the medial cuneiform was wider than that inserted into the first metatarsal bone.

Conclusion: The tibialis anterior tendon was more commonly attached to the plantar part than the medial part in both the medial cuneiform and the base of the first metatarsal bone. This anatomical information will help surgeons perform anatomical reconstruction of the tibialis anterior tendon, reduce further tendon damage in the first metatarsocuneiform joint area and also provide valuable knowledge to improve understanding of hallux valgus pathogenesis.

Citing Articles

Relationship between insertions of the tibialis anterior and peroneus longus and first tarsometatarsal joint degeneration.

Sakamoto K, Edama M, Hirai T, Yokota H, Hirabayashi R, Sekine C BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2025; 26(1):82.

PMID: 39849446 PMC: 11756020. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-025-08319-2.

The effect of hallux valgus on the anatomy of the nerves around the first metatarsal bone.

Cicek F, Kurtoglu Olgunus Z, Koc T Surg Radiol Anat. 2024; 46(4):433-441.

PMID: 38492026 DOI: 10.1007/s00276-024-03318-9.

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