Anatomical Terminology for the Internal Lateral Foot on the Big Toe Side
The internal lateral foot on the big toe side is called the medial aspect of the foot or the medial compartment.
Anatomical Terminology and Significance
The medial aspect of the foot refers to the inner side of the foot where the great toe (hallux) is located. This area has several important anatomical features:
- It forms part of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot, which is more arcuated and elastic than the lateral arch 1
- The medial longitudinal arch consists of the calcaneus, talus, navicular, three cuneiform bones, and the first three metatarsal bones 1
- Infections arising from the great toe and first metatarsal head typically spread through this medial compartment 2
Clinical Relevance
Understanding the medial aspect of the foot is crucial for several clinical applications:
Infection Pathways
- Infections originating from the great toe and first metatarsal head usually spread through the medial compartment 2
- This compartmental understanding is essential for surgical treatment of diabetic foot infections 2
Vascular Supply
- The medial plantar artery is a small artery terminating on the medial edge of the big toe 3
- The first dorsal metatarsal artery (78%) and first plantar metatarsal artery (22%) provide the principal arterial blood supply to the great toe 4
Pulse Assessment
- The dorsalis pedis pulse can be palpated on the dorsum of the foot just lateral to the extensor tendon of the big toe 2
- The posterior tibial pulse can be palpated as it passes behind the medial malleolus of the ankle 2
Surgical Considerations
- When performing hallux valgus correction, the medial capsule of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is an important structure 5
- The medial aspect of the foot is a critical consideration in foot deformity corrections 6
Biomechanical Importance
The medial aspect of the foot plays a crucial role in:
- Supporting body weight during standing (static foot function)
- Acting as a lever to propel the body forward during walking and running (dynamic foot function) 1
- Maintaining the medial longitudinal arch, which is essential for proper foot mechanics 1
Diagnostic Approaches
When evaluating the medial aspect of the foot:
- Radiographs are the mainstay of initial imaging for acute trauma 2
- MRI and ultrasound can provide detailed assessment of soft tissue structures 2
- For diabetic foot assessment, thorough evaluation of the medial compartment is essential 2
Understanding the proper terminology and anatomy of the medial aspect of the foot is crucial for accurate communication among healthcare professionals and for proper diagnosis and treatment of foot conditions.