Abstract:

Objective　To explore anatomic features of the ligaments between the first cuneiform and the second metatarsal base, and provide basis for the treatment of Lisfranc injury.　Methods　20 normal adult fresh foot specimens were dissected. The length and width of the ligaments between the first cuneiform and second metatarsal base, including dorsal ligament, plantar ligament and Lisfranc ligament, the included angle between Lisfranc ligament and the shaft of the second metatarsal bone, and the distance between the origin of Lisfranc ligament and the border of the first cuneiform, were measured and analyzed respectively.　Results　 The lengths and widths of dorsal ligament, plantar ligament and Lisfranc ligament were  (5.44±0.83)mm and  (4.20±0.64)mm, (7.07±1.05)mm and (5.23±1.10)mm, (9.33±1.34)mm and (8.00±1.23)mm, respectively. The included angle between Lisfranc ligament and the shaft of the second metatarsal bone was (61.45±5.03)°.  The distances from the origin of Lisfranc ligament to the dorsum of the first cuneiform,  the planta of the first cuneiform , the distal and proximal end of the first cuneiform, were (10.89±0.84)mm, (8.31±0.92)mm, (5.35±0.60)mm, and (12.04±0.85)mm respectively.　Conclusions　Within the Lisfranc complex, the Lisfranc ligament is the largest one, the dorsal ligament is the smallest and the plantar ligament is in the middle among them. The origin site of Lisfranc ligament and the included angle between Lisfranc ligament and the shaft of the second metatarsal bone can provide reference for the treatment of Lisfranc injury.

Key words: Second metatarsal bone, Tarsometatarsal joints, Lisfranc ligament, Applied anatomy