The anatomical location of the flexor hallucis brevis as it pertains to implant arthroplasty.

Background: Hallux limitus/rigidus is a painful arthritic condition affecting the first metatarsophalangeal joint that can be treated by implant arthroplasty, which, ultimately, may cause loss of the anatomical insertion points of the flexor hallucis brevis muscle. Preparation of the base involves resection of bone, thus compromising the insertion of the flexor hallucis brevis muscle.

Methods: We dissected 54 fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens and quantitatively measured the distalmost insertion point of the medial and lateral heads of the flexor hallucis brevis muscle.