Tendon of extensor digitorum longus

The tendon of the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) originates from the muscle belly of of extensor digitorum longus in the anterior compartment of the leg and passes beneath the superior and inferior extensor retinacula at the ankle. Distally, the tendon of the extensor digitorum longus divides into four slips, each inserting onto the dorsal aspects of the middle and distal phalanges of the lateral four toes via the extensor expansion of foot (dorsal digital expansions).

The tendons of extensor digitorum longus to the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th toes are each joined on their lateral side by a slip from the extensor digitorum brevis. While, each extensor hood (dorsal digital expansion) receives attachments from the tendons of the lumbrical and interosseous muscles. All of these contribute to the formation of the extensor apparatus on the dorsum of the foot.