Anatomy of the Intermetatarsal Facets of the Fourth and Fifth Metatarsals.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The intermetatarsal joint between the fourth and fifth metatarsals (4-5 IM) is important in defining fifth metatarsal fractures. The purpose of the current study was to quantify this joint in order to determine the mean cartilage area, the percentage of the articulation that is cartilage, and to give the clinician data to help understand the joint anatomy as it relates to fifth metatarsal fracture classification.

Methods

Twenty cadaver 4-5 IM joints were dissected. Digital images were taken and the articular cartilage was quantified by calibrated digital imaging software.

Results

For the lateral fourth proximal intermetatarsal articulation, the mean area of articulation was 188 ± 49 mm², with 49% of the area composed of articular cartilage. The s

SUBMITTER: Qatu M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8702710 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature