Metatarsus

The metatarsus is part of the forefoot, which consists of five metatarsal bones. Each metatarsal bone has a proximal base, a shaft and a distal head.

• Proximally, the bases of the metatarsals articulate with the tarsal bones in the midfoot region. Specifically, the 1st metatarsal articulates with medial cuneiform, the 2nd metatarsal with intermediate cuneiform, the 3rd metatarsal with the lateral cuneiform, and the 4th and 5th metatarsals with the cuboid bone. These are plane synovial joints that allow limited sliding movements.

• Laterally, the bases of the 2nd to 5th metatarsals articulate with each other. Additionally, the heads of the metatarsals are interconnected by deep transverse metatarsal ligaments, which enable them to function as a unified structure.

• Distally, the rounded heads of the metatarsals articulate with the proximal phalanges, forming ellipsoid synovial metatarsophalangeal joints. These joints are reinforced by medial and lateral collateral ligaments as well as plantar ligaments. They allow for various movements, including flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, rotation, and circumduction.