| It is the third of five
miniature long bones of the metatarsus of the foot. It is composed of a
base proximally, a head distally, and a shaft between the two. Proximally,
it articulates with the lateral cuneiform and with the 2nd and 4th
metatarsal bases. Distally, it articulates with the base of the proximal
phalanx of the 3rd toe. It is the second longest of the metatarsals and
tapers distally.
Metatarsal Fractures
Magnetic resonance and CT have been used for early diagnosis of
metatarsal stress fractures prior to positive findings with conventional
radiography. Ballet dancers are particularly prone to developing stress
injuries involving the base of the 2nd and 3rd metatarsals.
Multiple fractures may result from direct blows or high velocity
trauma. |
