[Study of the sub-transversal intercapitometatarsal serous bursae]

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Podiatry
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Classical anatomical texts do not describe serosis bursae in the forefoot.
• These bursae were recently identified by Bossley in New Zealand.
• Their presence and location in specific intermetatarsal spaces are not well-documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To precisely locate and describe the anatomical characteristics of serosis bursae in the forefoot.
• To investigate the relationship between these bursae and the digital nerve.
• To elucidate the etiology of inflammatory and static foot pain potentially related to these bursae.

Main Methods:

• Conducted approximately twenty-five dissections of the human forefoot.
• Examined the intercapitometatarsal region, focusing on the area superior to the deep transverse intermetatarsal ligament.
• Documented the presence, location, and variability of serosis bursae.

Main Results:

• Identified serosis bursae consistently present in the second and third intermetatarsal spaces.
• Observed that these bursae are variable in the first and fourth spaces.
• Noted the anterior positioning of bursae in the second and third spaces, creating a close connection with the digital nerve at its bifurcation.

Conclusions:

• The study precisely details the anatomical location and characteristics of forefoot serosis bursae.
• These bursae, particularly in the second and third intermetatarsal spaces, have a significant relationship with the digital nerve.
• Clarifying the anatomy of these bursae contributes to understanding the origins of certain foot pains and inflammatory conditions.