Base Of The Metatarsal Bone, Medial View

Description

Base of the first metatarsal is presented in medial profile, emphasizing the proximal metaphysis and articular surface that meets the medial cuneiform at the first tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint. The medial cortex curves from the plantar aspect toward the dorsum, outlining the bony buttress that supports the medial longitudinal arch, while the shaft extends distally and laterally out of frame. Plantar to the base, the insertional footprint for fibularis (peroneus) longus lies opposite the more dorsal-medial insertion region for tibialis anterior, helping orient the viewer to plantar versus dorsal surfaces. Joint geometry reads well from this angle. Arthrodesis planning and fracture pattern teaching both benefit from a strict medial look at the first TMT region, where subtle changes in alignment translate into arch collapse or forefoot varus. Lisfranc complex injury is often discussed around the second metatarsal “keystone,” but first-ray instability and post-traumatic arthritis at the first TMT joint drive pain and loss of push-off, and the medial base is the bony reference for assessing sagittal plane gapping and dorsal bossing. Crisp surface shading along the medial border helps discriminate cortical contour from the articular margin, a frequent source of confusion when correlating with oblique radiographs or CT bone windows. Landmarks are unambiguous. Use this illustration in gross anatomy labs covering the pedal skeleton, in podiatry and orthopaedic teaching on first-ray biomechanics, or in surgical publications describing Lapidus-type fusion, dorsal plating trajectories, and tendon insertion preservation at the metatarsal base. It also supports clinical handouts on midfoot arthritis and arch mechanics without relying on cross-sectional imaging. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.