Motion
The metatarsophalangeal joints are ellipsoid type synovial joints formed between the sphere shaped heads of the metatarsal bones and the bases of the proximal phalanges of the toes.The joints allow flexion and extension with restricted abduction, adduction, rotation and circumduction.
Stability
The fibrous capsule surrounding the joint plays a role in its stability.
Ligaments that are closely related to the capsule provide further support to the joints.
-Medial collateral ligament
-Lateral collateral ligament
-Plantar ligament (continuous with the deep transverse metatarsal ligaments which join the metatarsals to each other).
Muscles
1st phalanx (Hallux):
Extension:
Extensor hallucis longus
Extensor hallucis brevis
Flexion:
Flexor hallucis longus
Flexor hallucis brevis
Abductor hallucis
Abduction:
Abductor hallucis
Adduction:
Adductor hallucis
2nd, 3rd, and 4th phalanx:
Extension:
Extensor digitorum brevis
Extensor digitorum longus
Flexion:
Flexor digitorum brevis
Flexor digitorum longus
Flexor digitorum accessorius
Abduction:
Dorsal interossei
Adduction:
Plantar Interossei
5th phalanx:
Extension:
Extensor digitorum longus
Flexion:
Flexor digitorum longus
Flexor digiti minimi brevis
Flexor digitorum brevis
Flexor digitorum accessorius
Lumbricals
Abduction:
Abductor digiti minimi.
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