Flexor retinaculum of foot

Flexor Retinaculum of the Foot

Flexor retinaculum of the foot (highlighted in red)

The Flexor Retinaculum of the Foot is a fibrous band located on the plantar aspect of the foot, which serves to hold down the tendons of the muscles that flex the foot. It is also known as the laciniate ligament or the internal annular ligament.

Anatomy

The flexor retinaculum of the foot is a strong, fibrous band that extends from the medial malleolus to the calcaneus. It forms the roof of the tarsal tunnel, which houses the tendons of the posterior tibial muscle, the flexor digitorum longus, and the flexor hallucis longus, as well as the posterior tibial artery, vein, and nerve.

Function

The primary function of the flexor retinaculum of the foot is to hold down the tendons of the muscles that flex the foot, preventing them from bowstringing during foot movements. It also protects the neurovascular bundle from injury.

Clinical Significance

Compression of the tibial nerve beneath the flexor retinaculum of the foot can lead to a condition known as Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. This condition is characterized by pain, numbness, and tingling in the sole of the foot.

See Also

• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Flexor Retinaculum of the Hand

External Links

• Flexor Retinaculum of the Foot on Wikidata