The metatarsal bones or metatarsus (: metatarsi) are a group of five in the midfoot, located between the tarsal bones (which form the heel and the ankle) and the phalanges (). Lacking individual names, the metatarsal bones are numbered from the medial side (the side of the great toe): the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth metatarsal (often depicted with Roman numerals). The metatarsals are analogous to the metacarpus bones of the hand. The lengths of the metatarsal bones in humans are, in descending order, second, third, fourth, fifth, and first.
Structure
The five metatarsals are dorsal convex
long bones consisting of a shaft or body, a base (
), and a head (
).
[Platzer 2004, p. 220] The body is prismoid in form, tapers gradually from the tarsal to the
Phalanx bones extremity, and is curved longitudinally, so as to be concave below, slightly convex above. The base or posterior extremity is wedge-shaped, articulating proximally with the tarsal bones, and by its sides with the contiguous metatarsal bones: its dorsal and plantar surfaces are rough for the attachment of
. The head or distal extremity presents a convex articular surface, oblong from above downward, and extending farther backward below than above. Its sides are flattened, and on each is a depression, surmounted by a tubercle, for ligamentous attachment. Its
plantar surface is grooved antero-posteriorly for the passage of the flexor
, and marked on either side by an articular eminence continuous with the terminal articular surface.
[Gray's 1918, 6d. 2. The Metatarsus]
During growth, the epiphyseal plate are located distally on the metatarsals, except on the first metatarsal where it is located proximally. Yet it is quite common to have an accessory growth plate on the distal first metatarsal.
Articulations
The base of each metatarsal bone articulates with one or more of the tarsal bones at the tarsometatarsal joints, and the head with one of the first row of phalanges at the metatarsophalangeal joints. Their bases also articulate with each other at the intermetatarsal joints
-
The first metatarsal articulates with the medial cuneiform, and to a small extent to the intermediate cuneiform.
[Platzer 2004, p. 218]
-
the second with all three cuneiforms.
-
the third with the lateral cuneiform.
-
the fourth with the lateral cuneiform and the Cuboid bone.
-
The fifth with the cuboid.
Muscle attachments
Attachment |
| Basis of first metatarsal
|
| | Dorsal side basis of fifth metatarsal |
| | Tuberosity of first metatarsal |
| | Tuberosity of fifth metatarsal |
| | Deep transverse metatarsal ligament |
| | Basis of fifth metatarsal |
| | Medial side of third, fourth and fifth metatarsal |
| | First to fifth metatarsal |
| |
Clinical significance
Injuries
The metatarsal bones are often broken by association football (soccer) players. These and other recent cases have been attributed to the lightweight design of modern
, which provide less protection to the foot. In 2010 some football players began testing a new sock that incorporated a rubber silicone pad over the foot to provide protection to the top of the foot.
Stress fractures are thought to account for 16% of injuries related to sports participation, and the metatarsals are the bones most often involved. These fractures are sometimes called
, based on their traditional association with military recruits after long marches. The second and third metatarsals are fixed while walking, thus these metatarsals are common sites of injury. The fifth metatarsal may be fractured if the foot is
supination during locomotion.
Protection from injuries can be given by the use of Steel-toe boot which can use built-in or removable metatarsal guards.
==Additional images==
See also
Notes
External links
