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Muscle Foot & Ankle

Second Dorsal Interosseous of the Foot Detail

musculus interosseus dorsalis secundus pedis detail

The second dorsal interosseous abducts the second toe laterally. The dorsal interossei abduct toes 2, 3, and 4 away from the third toe (the axis of the foot).

An expanded entry for Second Dorsal Interosseous of the Foot.

Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

OriginAdjacent sides of the second and third metatarsal shafts
InsertionLateral base of the second toe proximal phalanx, abducts away from the third toe axis
Nerve SupplyLateral plantar nerve, deep branch (S2, S3)
Blood SupplyDorsal metatarsal artery
Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Actions
  • Abducts the second toe laterally from the midline (third toe axis)
  • Flexes the second MTP joint

It moves the second toe toward the lateral side and assists MTP flexion.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Second DI wasting is an early sign of lateral plantar nerve deep branch palsy. In Morton's neuroma surgery, the second dorsal interosseous is identified and protected as the neuroma is excised from the intermetatarsal space.

Palpation

Not individually palpable. Assessed by resisted second toe abduction laterally.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Second DI as Morton's Neuroma Surgery Landmark

Identification of the second dorsal interosseous as the reference for the intermetatarsal space during third web space Morton's neuroma excision.

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