Topics

Topic

design image
Intermetatarsal joints

The intermetatarsal joints are the articulations between the bases of the metatarsal bones of the foot. They contribute to the stability, flexibility, and load distribution of the forefoot and play an important role in maintaining the transverse arch during weight bearing and gait.

They are essential landmarks in foot anatomy, orthopedic assessment, and imaging evaluation of forefoot disorders.

Synonyms

  • Intermetatarsal articulations

  • Intermetatarsal joints of the foot

Location

  • Situated between the bases of adjacent metatarsal bones

  • Primarily between the second to fifth metatarsals

  • Located in the proximal forefoot

  • Distal to the tarsometatarsal (Lisfranc) joints

  • Proximal to the metatarsophalangeal joints

Anatomical components

  • Articulating surfaces:

    • Lateral and medial facets of metatarsal bases

  • Joint type:

    • Plane synovial joints

  • Joint capsule:

    • Thin fibrous capsule surrounding each joint

  • Supporting ligaments:

    • Dorsal intermetatarsal ligaments

    • Plantar intermetatarsal ligaments

    • Deep transverse metatarsal ligament (distally related)

Relations

Dorsally:

  • Extensor tendons of the toes

  • Dorsal interosseous muscles

Plantarly:

  • Plantar interosseous muscles

  • Plantar aponeurosis

Medially and laterally:

  • Adjacent metatarsal bones

Proximally:

  • Tarsometatarsal joints

Distally:

  • Metatarsal shafts leading to metatarsophalangeal joints

X-ray appearance

Plain radiographs (AP, oblique, and lateral foot views):

  • Intermetatarsal joints: Narrow joint spaces between metatarsal bases

  • Alignment: Parallel and symmetric metatarsal bases

  • Joint margins: Smooth cortical outlines

  • Best visualized on: Oblique and AP views

CT appearance

Non-contrast CT:

  • Joint spaces: Well-defined narrow clefts between metatarsal bases

  • Cortical margins: Smooth and sharply delineated

  • Trabecular pattern: Normal cancellous bone structure

  • Spatial assessment: Excellent for evaluating joint congruity and bony relationships

MRI appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Cortical bone: Low signal intensity

  • Bone marrow of metatarsals: High signal intensity

  • Joint space: Low-signal thin line between metatarsal bases

T2-weighted images:

  • Cortical bone: Low signal

  • Joint fluid (physiologic): High signal if present

  • Ligaments: Low-signal linear bands

STIR:

  • Bone marrow: Uniform fat suppression

  • Joint margins: Clearly delineated

  • Soft tissues: High contrast against suppressed marrow

Proton density fat-saturated (PD FS):

  • Joint spaces: Bright if fluid is present

  • Ligaments: Well visualized as low-signal structures

CT VRT 3D image

Intermetatarsal joints 3d

CT image

Intermetatarsal joints mri anatomy labelled image-img-00000-00000

X Ray image

Intermetatarsal joints