Lisfranc Ligaments of a Human Male as, Plantar View

Description

Plantar midfoot anatomy is presented with the tarsometatarsal (Lisfranc) complex centered between the distal tarsal row and the bases of the metatarsals. The medial cuneiform lies proximal to the first metatarsal base, while the intermediate and lateral cuneiforms and cuboid articulate with the second through fifth metatarsal bases in a stepped arrangement, with the second metatarsal base recessed proximally as a mortise. Fibrous Lisfranc ligament bundles are shown spanning from the medial cuneiform toward the base of the second metatarsal, with additional plantar tarsometatarsal bands fanning laterally; the plantar aponeurosis and adjacent flexor tendons may be suggested superficially depending on crop and level of dissection. Short and stout. Plantar visualization matters because the plantar Lisfranc ligaments resist dorsal translation of the metatarsal bases and support the transverse and longitudinal arches under load. Midfoot sprains and fracture dislocations classically disrupt the ligament from the medial cuneiform to the second metatarsal base, producing diastasis between the first and second rays and instability that can be missed on non weight-bearing radiographs. This perspective also maps directly to operative planning for open reduction and internal fixation or primary arthrodesis, where restoring the second metatarsal mortise relationship and reducing intercuneiform widening determine long-term function and risk of post-traumatic arthrosis. Use this artwork in gross anatomy and lower-limb musculoskeletal teaching to clarify why the second metatarsal base is the keystone of the tarsometatarsal joint line. It also fits podiatry and orthopaedic trauma texts, radiology teaching files on weight-bearing AP foot alignment, and patient-education materials explaining Lisfranc injury mechanisms in athletes. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.