Metatarsal bones

anatomy

The metatarsals are too Metatarsals or Metatarsal bone I-V called, because a person has five metatarsal bones on each foot, which are numbered from the inside to the outside with the numbers I to V.

These each consist of:

• the base
• the corpus (middle piece) and
• the caput (head)

In the field of Base form the metatarsal bones along with certain Tarsus (3 ossa cuneiforme = 3 cuneiform bones, os cuboideum = cuboid bone) the so-called Metatarsal joints.
However, there is hardly any movement possible in this joint tight ligaments prevent this, one speaks of one Amphiarthrosis. The joint space is as Lisfranc amputation line known because here the Metatarsus can be severed (amputated).

The head the Metatarsal bones forms together with the Base the Toe bones the Metatarsophalangeal joints.
In this joint, the toes can be stretched upwards by approx. 50 ° and bent downwards by approx. 40 °. In addition, a slight movement of the toes outwards and inwards is possible.

The Metatarsal bones are with the Formation of the arch of the foot involved, which is between the Tarsus- and Metatarsal bones trains. The metatarsals are included arched arranged. The arch of the foot is through Muscles and Tapes secured and serves the stability of the foot. One still differentiates between one Along- and one Transverse vault.

If this vault is insufficiently developed, so-called Foot deformities, such as. Flat foot, Arches foot, splayfoot, etc.

At the splayfoot they are about Metatarsal bones Not more arched arranged, but lying in a row next to each other, resulting in a Broadening of the forefoot leads.

Broken bones (metatarsal fractures)

Arrives Blow or similar directly on the Forefoot can it to one fracture one or more metatarsals come.
Often, however, such a fracture also occurs as a Fatigue fracture on (=March fracture). If there is such an injury, it happens Pain, swelling and Hematoma formation.
It should absolutely X-rays be made. Often these fractures can be achieved without surgery by wearing one Lower leg cast For 6 weeks to heal. At more complicated fractures however, is one operative care necessary to ensure the correct position of the metatarsals.

Other illnesses

Hallux valgus (wry toe, balls of frost)

This condition is a deformity of first metatarsal (the head deviates inwards) and the first toe (this is kinked to the side of the little toe). This occurs frequently with the so-called splayfoot and is caused by tight footwear With high heels favored.

It comes to Cornifications and Inflammation the skin over that Bony prominence, this is accompanied by swelling and pain.

In early stages there is the possibility through rails and Shoe upholstery to prevent progress at chronic complaints but should be a operative correction should be considered. A distinction is made between over a hundred different surgical techniques.

Further information on this topic is available at: hallux valgus

Köhler-II-Freiberg disease

This is one Downfall of the head one of the Metatarsal bones II-IV, which one without infection runs from the outside.
There are mainly young girls affected. It is assumed that one in the meantime insufficient blood flow this bone plays a role in this, but this has not been conclusively clarified.

The patients complain about Pain and Swelling in the affected joint area, which would increase sharply with stress. It will be a X-ray image made to the Extent of bone destruction to be able to assess.

At the beginning of the disease can be tried through insoles and measures to promote blood circulation to enable healing. If this does not succeed, the affected bones must be removed operational to supply. A connection of the Metatarsus- with the Toe bones by metal made what a ossification leads and thus to Healing should lead.

Metatarsal fatigue fracture

The metatarsus can break due to fatigue, especially after excessive jogging. This break is gradual and we call it a fatigue break.
Read more on this topic at: Fatigue fracture in the metatarsus

Illustration metatarsal pain

Pain
in the metatarsal bones

1. Metatarsal I -
   Os metatarsi I
2. Metatarsal V -
   Os metatarsi V.
3. Metatarsal phalanx -
   Phalanx proximalis
4. Inner sphenoid bone -
   Medial cuneiform bone
5. Middle sphenoid bone -
   Os cuneiform intermedium
6. Scaphoid bone - Navicular bone
7. External sphenoid bone -
   Os cuneiform laterale
8. Lead on the 5th
   metatarsal bones -
   Ossismatic tuberosity
   tarsalis quinti
9. Cuboid - Os cuboideum
   I-I - metatarsophalangeal joints -
   Articulationes
   metatarsophalangeae
   II-II - tarsus metatarsal
   Joints -
   Articulationes
   tarsometatarsales
   Possible causes:
   A - broken bone (Fracture)
   B. - Morton's neuralgia
   (Compression of the nerves)
   C. - hallux valgus

You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations