Bone
Metatarsals
Five bones of the forefoot
High-yield
The 5th metatarsal base (styloid) is a common avulsion fracture; the 2nd metatarsal is a classic march (stress) fracture site.
Overview
Five miniature long bones forming the forefoot skeleton, numbered 1-5 from the great toe, each with a base, shaft, and head.
Reference facts
- Bone type
- Long (miniature)
- Key landmarks
- Base; Shaft; Head; Tuberosity of the 5th metatarsal
- Articulations
- Tarsal bones (tarsometatarsal joints); Proximal phalanges (metatarsophalangeal joints)
Frequently asked questions
What type of bone is the metatarsals?
The metatarsals is a long (miniature) bone.
What does the metatarsals articulate with?
The metatarsals articulates with the tarsal bones (tarsometatarsal joints); Proximal phalanges (metatarsophalangeal joints).
What are the key landmarks of the metatarsals?
Key landmarks of the metatarsals include the base; Shaft; Head; Tuberosity of the 5th metatarsal.