Introduction. The aim of this study is to better understand the anatomy of the forefoot to minimise surgical complications following minimally invasive forefoot surgery. Methods. The study examines the plantar anatomy of the lesser toes in ten cadaver feet. The tendons, nerves and bony anatomy are recorded. Results. The anatomy of the flexor tendons reveals the short flexor tendon bifurcates to allow the long flexor tendon to pass through it reliably at the level of the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) in the lesser rays. The division of the intermetatarsal nerves to digital nerves relative to the MTPJ is more variable. This nerve division is more consistently related to the skin of the web between the toes. In the first webspace the division is on average 3cm proximal to the skin at the deepest part of the cleft. In the second, third and fourth webspaces this distance is reduced to 1cm. The level of the deepest part of the webspace to the MTPJ is also variable. Discussion.
