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Muscle Foot & Ankle

Third Dorsal Interosseous of the Foot Detail

musculus interosseus dorsalis tertius pedis detail

The third dorsal interosseous abducts the third toe away from the midline axis. The third and fourth web spaces are the most common sites of Morton's neuromas, making this and the fourth DI the muscles adjacent to the typical neuromas.

An expanded entry for Third Dorsal Interosseous of the Foot.

Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

OriginAdjacent sides of the third and fourth metatarsal shafts
InsertionLateral base of the third toe proximal phalanx
Nerve SupplyLateral plantar nerve (S2, S3)
Blood SupplyDorsal metatarsal artery
Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Actions
  • Abducts the third toe laterally
  • Flexes the third MTP joint

It abducts the third toe away from the second toe and assists MTP flexion.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The third DI is the lateral border of the third intermetatarsal space, the most common site for Morton's neuroma. Its identification during neuroma surgery prevents inadvertent injury.

Palpation

Not individually palpable.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Third DI Anatomy in Third Web Space Morton's Neuroma

Third dorsal interosseous forming the lateral reference for third intermetatarsal space neuroma excision in Morton's neuroma surgery.

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