Microanatomy of the capsuloligamentous complex around the first metatarsophalangeal joint and three-dimensional digital reconstruction

WANG Jian-wei, LIU Hai-cun, CHENG Quan-cheng, FANG Xuan, CHEN Chun-hua, ZHANG Wei-guang

Acta Anatomica Sinica ›› 2026, Vol. 57 ›› Issue (4) : 496-500.

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Acta Anatomica Sinica ›› 2026, Vol. 57 ›› Issue (4) : 496-500. DOI: 10.16098/j.issn.0529-1356.2026.04.013
Technology and Metholigy

Microanatomy of the capsuloligamentous complex around the first metatarsophalangeal joint and three-dimensional digital reconstruction

  • WANG Jian-wei, LIU Hai-cun, CHENG Quan-cheng, FANG Xuan, CHEN Chun-hua, ZHANG Wei-guang*
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Abstract

Objective To conduct a detailed anatomical investigation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP1) capsule-ligament complex and perform three-dimensional(3D) digital reconstruction based on these findings, providing intuitive and stereoscopic morphological evidence for the clinical diagnosis, surgical planning, and treatment of hallux valgus. Methods Six adult foot specimens fixed in 4% formaldehyde were selected. A step-by-step dissection method from superficial to deep layers was employed, using microsurgical instruments for meticulous separation. The morphology, attachment points, and adjacent relationships of the joint capsule, collateral ligament system, plantar plate, deep transverse metatarsal ligament, and surrounding tendons were preserved intact. Based on the spatial data obtained from the dissection, a high-precision digital reconstruction of the bones and 10 major ligaments was performed using 3D modeling software (Blender 4.5), achieving structural visualization through differential rendering. Results A microanatomical specimen of the capsule ligament complex around MTP1 was successfully produced, which clearly displayed the morphology, course, and spatial position relationship of each structure. Multi view three-dimensional anatomical images of the 10 main ligaments around MTP1 were produced, and the structural characteristics and spatial position relationship of each ligament were clearly displayed through visual enhancement technology. A 3D digital image of the microscopic and complex ligament system of MTP1 was reconstructed. Conclusion The microanatomical specimens of the capsule ligament complex produced in this study provide anatomical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of eversion. The constructed 3D digital model not only deepens the understanding of the three-dimensional spatial structure of the complex, but also enhances its generalizability and has the potential to be transformed into 3D printing and surgical simulation.

Key words

First metatarsophalangeal joint
/ Hallux valgus / Capsuloligamentous complex / Microanatomy / Three-dimensional reconstruction / Human

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WANG Jian-wei, LIU Hai-cun, CHENG Quan-cheng, FANG Xuan, CHEN Chun-hua, ZHANG Wei-guang.
Microanatomy of the capsuloligamentous complex around the first metatarsophalangeal joint and three-dimensional digital reconstruction
[J]. Acta Anatomica Sinica. 2026, 57(4): 496-500 https://doi.org/10.16098/j.issn.0529-1356.2026.04.013

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Microanatomy of the capsuloligamentous complex around the first metatarsophalangeal joint and three-dimensional digital reconstruction
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