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Henry’s Node of the Foot

nodus Henrici — crux tendinum pedis

Henry's node (master knot of Henry) is the crossing point of the flexor hallucis longus and flexor digitorum longus tendons at the plantar medial midfoot. The FHL crosses deep to (dorsal to) the FDL at this point, passing from medial to lateral to supply the great toe and the lumbrical muscles, while the FDL continues to supply the lesser toes. They share a fibrous tunnel at this crossing maintained by a fibrous pulley.

Region: Foot & Ankle

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Henry's node is the site of stenosing tenosynovitis producing trigger toe: the FHL tendon catching at its crossing with FDL produces a snapping or locking of the great toe, similar to trigger finger at the A1 pulley. The condition is common in ballet dancers who work in demi-pointe position. Local injection into the fibrous tunnel at the master knot of Henry provides diagnostic confirmation and therapeutic benefit. Surgical release of the fibrous pulley at the crossing point is required for resistant cases, approached through a medial plantar incision.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Trigger Toe from FHL Nodule at Henry's Node

A nodule or stenosis of the FHL tendon at its crossing with FDL at the master knot of Henry produces great toe triggering during push-off in ballet dancers; injection into the fibrous tunnel at the crossing point under ultrasound guidance provides relief, and surgical release of the pulley at Henry's node resolves resistant triggering.