Vincula tendinum of foot

The vincula tendinum of the foot are thin, flat bands of connective tissue associated with the flexor digitorum longus (FDL) and flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendons as they pass through the digital sheath on the plantar aspect of the toes. These vincula are divided into two types:

• Vincula longa: These are longer, more proximal bands that connect the tendon to the phalanges or to the fibrous sheath, allowing passage of blood vessels from the digital arteries to the tendons.

• Vincula brevia: These are shorter, more distal bands that connect the tendon directly to the phalanges, also serving as conduits for vascular supply.

The vincula system is essential for maintaining tendon nutrition and viability, especially in the avascular zones of the tendons. In the foot, the FDL and FHL tendons may have intertendinous connections and vincular attachments, particularly at the level of the proximal and middle phalanges, analogous to the hand. MR imaging and cadaveric studies have demonstrated these connections, with the FDL and FHL showing tendinous and vascular links that are best visualized in the coronal plane.