open access

Vol 82, No 2 (2023)
Case report
Submitted: 2021-10-28
Accepted: 2021-11-30
Published online: 2022-02-17
Get Citation

Case report of the double-headed extensor hallucis longus

K. Ruzik1, K. Westrych1, R. S. Tubbs2345, Ł. Olewnik1, P. Łabętowicz6, N. Zielinska1
·
Pubmed: 35187631
·
Folia Morphol 2023;82(2):429-433.
Affiliations
  1. Department of Anatomical Dissection and Donation, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
  2. Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
  3. Department of Neurosurgery and Ochsner Neuroscience Institute, Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, LA, United States
  4. Department of Anatomical Sciences, St. George’s University, Grenada, West Indies
  5. Department of Surgery,Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
  6. Department of Normal and Clinical Anatomy, Chair of Anatomy and Histology, Medical University of Lodz, Poland

open access

Vol 82, No 2 (2023)
CASE REPORTS
Submitted: 2021-10-28
Accepted: 2021-11-30
Published online: 2022-02-17

Abstract

Background: We present a case report of double-headed extensor hallucis longus
(EHL) with potential clinical significance.
Materials and methods: Cadaveric dissection of the right lower limb of a 70-year-
-old at death female was performed for research and teaching purposes at the
Department of Anatomical Dissection and Donation, Medical University of Lodz.
The limb was dissected using standard techniques according to a strictly specified
protocol. Each head and tendon of the muscle was photographed and subjected
to further measurements.
Results: During dissection, an unusual type of EHL muscle was observed. It
consisted of two muscle bellies, a main tendon and an accessory tendon. Both
muscle bellies were located on anterior surface of the fibula and the interosseous
membrane. The main tendon insertion was located on the dorsal aspect of the
base of the distal phalanx of the big toe, while the accessory tendon insertion
was located medially.
Conclusions: The EHL muscle is highly morphologically variable at both the point
of origin and the insertion. Knowledge of its variations is connected to several
pathologies such as foot drop, tendonitis, tendon rupture, and anterior compartment
syndrome.

Abstract

Background: We present a case report of double-headed extensor hallucis longus
(EHL) with potential clinical significance.
Materials and methods: Cadaveric dissection of the right lower limb of a 70-year-
-old at death female was performed for research and teaching purposes at the
Department of Anatomical Dissection and Donation, Medical University of Lodz.
The limb was dissected using standard techniques according to a strictly specified
protocol. Each head and tendon of the muscle was photographed and subjected
to further measurements.
Results: During dissection, an unusual type of EHL muscle was observed. It
consisted of two muscle bellies, a main tendon and an accessory tendon. Both
muscle bellies were located on anterior surface of the fibula and the interosseous
membrane. The main tendon insertion was located on the dorsal aspect of the
base of the distal phalanx of the big toe, while the accessory tendon insertion
was located medially.
Conclusions: The EHL muscle is highly morphologically variable at both the point
of origin and the insertion. Knowledge of its variations is connected to several
pathologies such as foot drop, tendonitis, tendon rupture, and anterior compartment
syndrome.

Get Citation

Keywords

extensor hallucis longus, additional muscle belly, anatomical variations, hallux valgus, embryology

About this article
Title

Case report of the double-headed extensor hallucis longus

Journal

Folia Morphologica

Issue

Vol 82, No 2 (2023)

Article type

Case report

Pages

429-433

Published online

2022-02-17

Page views

2325

Article views/downloads

777

DOI

10.5603/FM.a2022.0018

Pubmed

35187631

Bibliographic record

Folia Morphol 2023;82(2):429-433.

Keywords

extensor hallucis longus
additional muscle belly
anatomical variations
hallux valgus
embryology

Authors

K. Ruzik
K. Westrych
R. S. Tubbs
Ł. Olewnik
P. Łabętowicz
N. Zielinska

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