Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb: Medial Longitudinal Arch of the Foot.

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Abstract

Conflict of interest statement: Disclosure: Deepika Babu declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies. Disclosure: Bruno Bordoni declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies. 16. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb: Metatarsal Bones. Lezak B(1), La Rose J(2), Massel DH. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan–. 2026 Jun 4. Author information: (1)NYU Langone Health (2)Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida Metatarsal bones constitute the osseous structures of the forefoot, connecting the distal aspects of the medial, intermediate, and lateral cuneiform bones, as well as the cuboid bone, to the bases of the 5 phalanges of the foot (see Image. Foot Bones). Five metatarsal bones are present, numbered 1 to 5 from the hallux (great toe) to the 5th digit (small toe). These bones serve as key sites for the origin and insertion of multiple lower limb and foot muscles and contribute to the proximal component of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints. Vascular supply to the metatarsal region is derived primarily from branches of the dorsalis pedis and plantar arterial arches, providing an extensive anastomotic network. Innervation is supplied predominantly through branches of the deep fibular (peroneal) nerve on the dorsum and the medial (MPN) and lateral (LPN) plantar nerves on the plantar aspect. Metatarsal pathology is clinically significant due to the high incidence of fractures, stress injuries, Lisfranc injuries, and degenerative or ischemic conditions such as Freiberg disease, all of which commonly present with forefoot pain and weight-bearing dysfunction. Management of metatarsal pathology may involve surgical procedures, such as intramedullary screw fixation for 5th-metatarsal fractures, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or primary arthrodesis for Lisfranc injuries, and corrective osteotomies or arthroplasty in advanced Freiberg disease. Detailed knowledge of metatarsal anatomy and biomechanics supports accurate injury localization, improves interpretation of imaging and physical examination findings, and guides appropriate selection between conservative and operative management strategies. Copyright © 2026, StatPearls Publishing LLC.