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Metatarsal Bones (MT)

The metatarsal bones (MT) are a group of five long bones forming the central framework of the forefoot. They connect the tarsal bones proximally to the phalanges distally and play a crucial role in weight transmission, balance, and propulsion during gait.

They are key structures in foot anatomy, orthopedic evaluation, trauma assessment, and musculoskeletal imaging.

Synonyms

  • Metatarsals

  • MT bones

Location

  • Situated in the forefoot between the tarsal bones and the phalanges

  • Extend from the midfoot to the toes

  • Arranged in a medial-to-lateral sequence (1st to 5th metatarsal)

  • Form the metatarsal arch of the foot

Anatomical components

Each metatarsal consists of:

  • Base (proximal end):

    • Articulates with tarsal bones

  • Shaft (diaphysis):

    • Long, slender body

  • Head (distal end):

    • Articulates with proximal phalanges

  • Cortical shell with cancellous interior

  • Plantar and dorsal surfaces with muscle and ligament attachments

Relations

Proximally:

  • Tarsal bones

    • 1st MT with medial cuneiform

    • 2nd MT with intermediate cuneiform

    • 3rd MT with lateral cuneiform

    • 4th and 5th MT with cuboid

Distally:

  • Proximal phalanges

Medially:

  • Adjacent metatarsal bones and intermetatarsal spaces

Plantar aspect:

  • Plantar fascia, intrinsic foot muscles

Dorsal aspect:

  • Extensor tendons and dorsal interossei

X-ray appearance

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

  • Metatarsals: Well-defined long bones with dense cortical margins

  • Bases, shafts, and heads: Clearly distinguishable

  • Joint spaces: Preserved at tarsometatarsal and metatarsophalangeal joints

  • Alignment: Smooth arc forming the transverse and longitudinal arches

CT appearance

Non-contrast CT:

  • Cortical bone: High attenuation with sharp margins

  • Trabecular pattern: Uniform cancellous bone within shafts and heads

  • Articular surfaces: Smooth and well contoured

  • Spatial assessment: Excellent for evaluating bone morphology and alignment

MRI appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Cortical bone: Low signal

  • Marrow of metatarsals: High signal

  • Metatarsal contours: Well delineated

T2-weighted images:

  • Cortex: Low signal

  • Marrow: Intermediate signal

  • Joint fluid: High signal outlining articular surfaces

STIR:

  • Fat suppression: Uniform marrow fat suppression

  • Metatarsal outlines: Clearly visible

  • Soft tissues: High signal relative to bone

Proton density fat-saturated (PD FS):

  • Marrow fat: Suppressed

  • Joint fluid and soft tissues: High signal

  • Cortical margins: Low signal providing sharp contrast

CT VRT 3D image

Metatarsal bones 3D

MRI image

metatarsal bone mri anatomy labelled image-img-00000-00000

MRI image

metatarsal bone mri anatomy labelled image-img-00000-00000_00001