Calcaneal Groove For The Tendon Of The Flexor Hallucis Longus, Medial View

Description

Calcaneus anatomy is emphasized at the medial heel, where the calcaneal groove for the tendon of flexor hallucis longus forms a deep sulcus immediately inferior to the sustentaculum tali. The sustentaculum projects medially from the superior calcaneus, and its undersurface overhangs the groove, creating a fibro-osseous track that guides the flexor hallucis longus tendon as it turns from posterior to plantar. Superior to this region, the talar articular surface on the sustentaculum (middle talocalcaneal facet) sits adjacent to the groove, while the groove itself lies posterior to the plantar surface and medial tubercle of the calcaneal tuberosity. Bone detail dominates the frame. Clinically, this sulcus matters because it is a common site of flexor hallucis longus tenosynovitis in ballet dancers and running athletes, where friction within the tunnel can produce posteromedial ankle pain and triggering of the hallux. The fixed medial perspective makes the relationship between the sustentaculum tali and the tendon groove unambiguous, which is exactly what you want when correlating symptoms with the mechanics of the hindfoot or explaining why an enlarged posterolateral talar process or os trigonum can increase tendon irritation more proximally. Great landmark. Use this illustration in gross anatomy and lower-limb musculoskeletal courses when teaching the tarsal bones and the flexor compartment pathways, or in podiatry and orthopaedic education for subtalar and hindfoot approaches that work around the sustentaculum tali. It also fits operative atlases and radiology teaching files to anchor CT or MRI discussions of hindfoot fractures, medial calcaneal morphology, and flexor hallucis longus tendon pathology. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.