Chinese Journal Of Clinical Anatomy ›› 2012, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (2): 123-126.

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Anatomy and clinical significance of the tarsometatarsal ligaments

LIU Kai1, LI Yi-kai1, SHAO Hong-yan2, LAN Wen-rui1, CHEN Ting-rui1   

  1. 1.Department of Orthopedics of the School of TCM, Southern Medical University; Guangzhou 510515,China;  2. Cancer Center of Sun Yat-sen University,Guangzhou 510060,China
  • Received:2011-03-30 Online:2012-03-25 Published:2012-04-17

Abstract:

Objective To explore anatomic features of the tarsometatarsal ligaments. Methods The tarsometatarsal ligaments were dissected, observed and measured on cadaveric specimens. Results Dorsal tarsometatarsal ligaments were flat and thin. They were longitudinal, transverse or oblique between adjacent bones. There were interosseous ligaments among the metatarsal bones (2~5 metatarsal bone), the cuneiform bones, the lateral cuneiform bone and the cuboid bone, the medial cuneiform bone and the second metatarsal base. At the plantar side of the tarsometatarsal joint,the fibers of posterior tibial tendon extended to the distal part of the foot connected three cuneiform bones and the bases of 1~4 metatarsal bones, which formed a group of ligaments. There was a ligament among the medial cuneiform bone and the base of 1 and 2 metatarsal bone respectively. As well, a transverse ligament connected the lateral cuneiform bone, the cuboid bone and the base of 3~5 metatarsal bone. Conclusions The tarsometatarsal ligaments are the main structures to maintain the stability of tarsometatarsal joints.

Key words: Tarsometatarsal joint, Metatarsal bone, Cuneiform bone, Cuboid bone, Ligament

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