Base Of The Toe's Proximal Phalanx, Lateral View

Description

Proximal phalanx base of a toe is presented in strict lateral profile, emphasizing the expanded proximal end relative to the narrower shaft distally. The proximal articular surface for the metatarsal head sits centrally, with its dorsal margin positioned superiorly and the plantar margin inferiorly, framing the metatarsophalangeal joint line. Along the lateral aspect, the contour typically includes subtle tubercular roughening where the lateral collateral ligament complex and capsule blend into the periosteum. Bone landmarks read cleanly. This lateral perspective is the one you reach for when teaching or documenting metatarsophalangeal alignment, because it lets you relate the dorsal cortex and plantar base to the expected position of the plantar plate and sesamoid apparatus (when present, most relevant for the hallux) without the visual confusion of overlapping phalanges. It also supports discussion of common injury patterns, including avulsion at capsuloligamentous attachment sites and dorsal dislocation mechanics in hyperextension trauma (classic turf-toe type injury at the first MTP joint). For fracture classification and operative planning, the widened metaphyseal region at the base helps estimate where a break crosses from intra-articular to extra-articular bone. Use this illustration for lower-limb osteology labs, podiatry and orthopaedic teaching files, and surgical or radiology publications describing metatarsophalangeal joint pathology, plantar plate injury, or proximal phalanx base fractures. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.