Base Of The Metatarsal Bone, Superior View

Description

Metatarsal bases occupy the proximal forefoot, broad and wedge-like where the shafts flare to meet the tarsus at the tarsometatarsal (Lisfranc) joints. From a superior (dorsal) perspective, the first metatarsal base sits medially and stout, while the second metatarsal base is recessed between the medial and lateral cuneiforms, forming a mortise-like configuration that stabilizes the midfoot. Laterally, the fourth and fifth metatarsal bases align with the cuboid, with the fifth base projecting more laterally toward the tuberosity region. Joint margins and dorsal cortical contours guide the eye along the proximal transverse arch. Lisfranc injuries center on this exact anatomy, where disruption between the medial cuneiform and second metatarsal base (often involving the Lisfranc ligament) can create subtle malalignment that is easy to miss on non-weightbearing studies but has major consequences for forefoot mechanics. Dorsal surface detail matters. The fixed superior viewpoint is well suited for teaching the stepped arrangement of the metatarsal bases and their intermetatarsal articulations, which explain why the second metatarsal functions as a keystone and why diastasis between the first and second rays is a red flag. Expect this illustration to support correlation with dorsal surgical approaches for tarsometatarsal arthrodesis and with radiographic landmarks used in AP and oblique foot evaluations. Use this image in gross anatomy and orthopaedic modules covering the midfoot, in podiatry lectures on tarsometatarsal joint stability, and in medical publishing figures discussing Lisfranc fracture-dislocations, dorsal osteophytes, and post-traumatic arthritis patterns. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.