Adductor Hallucis Muscle
Table of Contents
Adductor Hallucis Muscle Anatomy
Adductor hallucis muscle arises by two heads—oblique and transverse and is responsible for adducting the big toe.
Additionally, there are four horizontal layers of foot muscles, ranging from superficial to deep. Adductor hallucis, flexor hallucis brevis, and flexor digiti minimi brevis make up the third layer of plantar foot muscles in that categorization.
Origin:
it arises by two heads:
- the oblique head is large and arises from the bases of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th metatarsals and from the sheath of the tendon of the peroneus longus.
- the transverse head is small and arises from the deep metatarsal ligament and the plantar ligaments of the metatarsophalangeal joints of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th toes.
Insertion:
on the lateral side of the base of the proximal phalanx of the big toe, in common with the lateral tendon of the flexor hallucis brevis.
Nerve supply:
Deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve.
Action:
- Adductor of the big toe.
- Maintain transverse arches of the foot.
Assessment
Testing the adductor hallucis muscle involves restricting the first digit’s flexion and adduction.
Clinical Importance
It provides support for the foot’s longitudinal and transverse arches. It is an essential intrinsic foot muscle.
Hallux valgus abnormalities may be exacerbated by the adductor hallucis because of the drag on the lateral portion of the first finger. According to reports from surgeons, hallux varus can result after a complete surgical release of the adductor hallucis’ distal tendon during bunionectomies.
Although rare, a traumatic rupture of the adductor hallucis can result in abnormalities of the hallux varus. In a case study of a 33-year-old man who suffered a traumatic rupture of his adductor hallucis tendon while rotating barefoot, Barp et al. (2018) found favourable surgical outcomes. There is a lack of evidence about alternative therapies for adductor hallucis.
FAQ
The foot’s intrinsic muscle is the adductor hallucis. It has two heads: oblique and transverse, and it is found in the foot’s third layer of plantar muscle.
Originating from the bases of the second, third, and fourth metatarsals is the oblique head.
The tibial nerve gives rise to the deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve (S2, S3), which innervates the adductor hallucis.
By adducting and flexing the great toe (hallux), the adductor hallucis muscle facilitates walking. Additionally, it helps to preserve the foot’s longitudinal and transverse arches.