The
metatarsus or
metatarsal bones are a group of five
long bones in the
foot located between the
tarsal bones of the hind- and mid-foot and the
phalanges of the toes. Lacking individual names, the metatarsal bones are numbered from the
medial side (side of big toe): the
first,
second,
third,
fourth, and
fifth metatarsal. The metatarsals are analogous to the
metacarpal bones of the
hand.
Common characteristics
The five metatarsals are dorsally 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
phalangeal 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
ligaments. The head or anterior 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
tendons, and marked on either side by an articular eminence continuous with the terminal articular surface.
[Gray's 1918, 6d. 2. The Metatarsus] Articulations
Bones of the right foot. Dorsal surface.
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 articulates with each others at the
intermetatarsal joints- the second with all three cuneiforms.
- the fourth with the lateral cuneiform and the cuboid.
- The fifth with the cuboid.
Injuries
The metatarsal bones are often broken by
football players. These and other recent cases have been attributed to the modern lightweight design of
football boots, which give less protection to the foot.
Stress fractures are thought to account for 16% of injuries related to sports preparation, and the metatarsals are most often involved. These fractures are commonly called march fractures, as they were commonly diagnosed among 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
oversupinated during locomotion.
Additional images
See also
