TENDONS OF THE FLEXOR METATARSI MUSCLE 135 



the patella is let down to relax the ligament and ease the pressure on 

 the bursa. 



In the acute stages there is heat in the part and evidence of pain 

 on manipulation. Cold applications should be utilised, followed by 

 a mild liniment, when there will usually be observed a marked 

 diminution in the size of the swelling. Should the condition become 

 chronic, a powerful blister may be applied or the method of treatment 

 described in treating bog spavin adopted. 



THE TENDONS OF THE FLEXOR METATARSI MUSCLE 



This muscle is in two divisions, namely, superficial and deep. The 

 superficial portion is almost wholly tendinous and arises in common 

 with the extensor pedis from the pit between the outer lip of the 

 trochlea and the external femoral condyle. It rests on the deep 

 division, which is muscular and lies on the outer and anterior aspects 

 of the tibia. 



The arrangement of the tendons of insertion of these two divisions 

 is somewhat peculiar. At the front of the tarsus the tendon of the 

 superficial portion is pierced from within outwards by that of the deep 

 division. This latter then splits into two parts one of which runs 

 downwards to be attached to the anterior aspect of the upper extremity 

 of the large metatarsal bone, whilst the other runs downwards and 

 inwards across the scaphoid to be attached to the cuneiform parvum. 



The tendon of the superficial portion also subdivides, one subdivision 

 being attached to the upper end of the large metatarsal bone with 

 the corresponding tendon of the deep portion of the muscle, whilst the 

 other subdivision runs downwards and outwards to become inserted 

 into the cuboid. 



The superficial or tendinous portion is in the form of a long but 

 powerful band which acts in antagonism to the gastrocnemius. This 



