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Home › Body Atlas › Muscles › Flexor Digitorum Brevis Detail
Muscle Foot & Ankle

Flexor Digitorum Brevis Detail

musculus flexor digitorum brevis detail

FDB is the most superficial of the three plantar intrinsic muscle layers. Its tendons split to allow FDL to pass through, analogous to FDS and FDP in the hand.

An expanded entry for Flexor Digitorum Brevis.

Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

OriginMedial calcaneal tuberosity and plantar fascia
InsertionMiddle phalanges of toes 2-5, two slips split by FDL tendon
Nerve SupplyMedial plantar nerve (S1, S2)
Blood SupplyMedial plantar artery
Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Actions
  • Flexes the PIP joints of the lesser toes
  • Supports the medial longitudinal arch

It flexes the lateral four toes at the PIP joints and supports the longitudinal arch during stance and push-off.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Careful plantar fascia release must preserve the FDB origin. In clawtoe deformity, FDB is addressed when PIP contracture is fixed. FDB harvesting for plantar digital nerve coverage has been described.

Palpation

Not individually palpable through the plantar fascia layer.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

FDB Origin Anatomy in Plantar Fascia Release

Plantar fascia release must identify the FDB origin to avoid disrupting plantar arch support.

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