Annular pulleys of the toes

NewsBot · Jul 21, 2022

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Magnetic resonance imaging of the pulleys of the flexor tendons of the toes at 11.7 T
Monica Tafur et al
Skeletal Radiol. 2015 Jan;44(1):87-95

Objective: We obtained high-resolution 11.7-T MR images of the pulleys of the flexor tendons in cadaveric toe specimens. A detailed understanding of toe pulley anatomy as seen with MR is likely to be of benefit in recognizing disease and the effects of trauma.

Material and methods: Six cadaveric toes were imaged with an 11.7-T small-bore MR imaging system using optimized coils. Two-dimensional dual-echo SE scans were obtained in three planes (40 × 40 × 400-μm(3) voxel size, TE = 7/14 ms, TR = 3,500 ms, fat saturation). Three-dimensional spoiled gradient echo scans were obtained (90-150 μm(3) isotropic voxel size, TE = 6 ms, TR = 25 ms, with and without fat saturation). Specimen orientation was with the long axis of the toe either parallel or perpendicular to B0.

Results: All the annular (A) pulleys were demonstrated in the great and lesser toes. The A2 pulley in the great and lesser toes and the A4 pulley in the lesser toes were the most substantial pulleys. The A5 pulley, which has not previously been described in the toes, was demonstrated. The cruciform pulleys were also seen and were smaller and thinner. Three tissue layers were seen, and there was evidence of different fiber directions in annular pulleys producing different magic angle effects.

Conclusion: Detailed anatomy of the pulley system of the flexor tendons was seen on the 11.7-T MR images showing new features and providing a basis for image interpretation. Similarities and differences between the pulley systems in the toes and the fingers were identified.
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NewsBot · Jul 21, 2022

Annular Pulley Rupture of the Toes: Expanding the Differential Diagnosis for Forefoot Pain with Novel MR Findings: A Case Report
Paul R Wojack et al
JBJS Case Connect. 2022 Jul 18;12(3)

Case: Herein is presented a case of rupture of the A2/A3 annular pulleys of the left second toe in a 33-year-old male patient after a snowboarding injury. The injury was detected on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 7 weeks after the initial trauma. The patient was treated conservatively, including toe splinting, with the patient returning to his asymptomatic preinjury baseline after 6 months.

Conclusion: Annular pulley rupture of the toes is a novel cause of prolonged forefoot pain. Clinician awareness of this unique injury and its often subtle MRI findings may help avoid delays in appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
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NewsBot · Jul 21, 2022

old paper:

Triggering of the lesser toes at a previously undescribed distal pulley system
M G Martin, V R Masear
Foot Ankle Int. 1998 Feb;19(2):113-7

We have treated five patients with metatarsalgia and triggering of the lesser toes. This paper describes a mechanism of triggering that involves a previously undescribed flexor pulley system in the toes that is very similar to the pulley system in the fingers. The specific anatomy of the toe flexor pulleys is described based upon the dissections of 50 fresh-frozen cadaver toes. These pulleys were composed of transverse to obliquely oriented fibrous bands within the flexor sheaths from the metatarsal heads to the distal phalanges. We found a system of pulleys in the lesser toes and the great toe, analogous to that found in the hand. Trigger toe is a rare entity and is only briefly described in the literature. We believe it is more common than is now recognized and may be an important underdiagnosed cause of metatarsalgia. The diagnosis is made when active plantarflexion causes the toes to catch in flexion and the patient is then unable to extend them. Nonsurgical therapy consisting of steroid injection, NSAIDs, or changing footwear may be effective, otherwise surgical release of the A1 pulley may be required.
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