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Updated: Jun 29, 2026

An Anatomical Study of Nerves at Risk During Minimally Invasive Hallux Valgus Surgery
Published on: February 17, 2018
Variation of nerve to flexor hallucis brevis
Loretta B Chou1, Lisa E Choi, Tara Ramachandra
1Stanford University Medical Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, 300 Pasteur Drive, Room R111, MC 5343, Stanford, CA 94305-5343, USA. lchou@stanford.edu
Background:
Hallopeau's nerve is a branch of the lateral plantar nerve that supplies the flexor hallucis brevis muscle while also forming an anastomosis with the medial plantar nerve. In this study, the presence of this neural anastomosis was determined through dissection of cadaveric specimens.
Materials And Methods:
Twenty-six fresh-frozen adult feet (13 matched pairs) were dissected to assess the presence or absence of Hallopeau's nerve.
Results:
Dissections revealed four out of 26 specimens had this anastomosis.
Conclusion:
This study confirms this anatomic variation.
Clinical Relevance:
The clinical significance of these anastomoses remains unknown. These anastomoses are analogous to some in the hand and forearm.
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