Anatomical Study of the Compositions and Internal Connections of the Chiasma Plantare (Master Knot of Henry): Exploring Its Possible Clinical Impact.

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to integrate the types of interconnecting fibers among components of the chiasma plantare and to deduce their flexion actions. The chiasma plantare and the long flexor tendons in 52 cadaveric feet (26 left feet and 25 right feet) were dissected and removed via gross anatomic dissection. The connections among the flexor digitorum longus (FDL), flexor hallucis longus (FHL), and quadratus plantae (QP) were then classified and analyzed. The connection between the FHL and FDL was type I in 43 (86%) cases, type III in 2 (4%) cases, and type V in 5 (10%) cases, with the FHL manipulating the first through third toes and the FDL manipulating the first through the fifth toes. The shape of the QP in 28 (56%) cases exhibited a 2-headed QP, and in 22 (44%) cases, a medial-headed QP. The composition of the chiasma plantare was 2 layers in 28 (56%) cases and 3 layers in 22 (44%) cases: 9 (18%) cases were type a, 2 (4%) cases were type b1, and 1 (2%) case each was classified as type b2 and b3. The FHL controlled the second toe in 10 (20%) cases; both the second and third toes in 27 (54%) cases; and the second, third, and fourth toes in 13 (26%) cases. The QP manipulated the third and fourth toes in all cases, the second toe in 38 (76%) cases, and the fifth toe in 11 (22%) cases. These data suggest that such variations might result from tendon transfer. In conclusion, we considered the FDL to be more advanced for the recovery of both the ankle and the forefoot based on this study.