What are the three main groups of bones in the foot?

The foot skeleton is divided into three groups: Tarsals (7 short bones forming the hindfoot and midfoot), Metatarsals (5 miniature long bones forming the forefoot), and Phalanges (14 bones forming the toes).

Which tarsal bone is the largest and what is its function?

The calcaneus is the largest tarsal bone. It forms the heel, articulates with the talus and cuboid, and provides weight-bearing support through its tuberosity.

How many phalanges are in the foot and how are they distributed?

There are 14 phalanges in total. The great toe has 2 (proximal and distal), while each of the other four toes has 3 (proximal, middle, and distal).

What is a Jones' fracture and which bone does it affect?

A Jones' fracture is a fracture of the 5th metatarsal, often caused by forced inversion of the forefoot. It involves avulsion at the styloid process where the peroneus brevis muscle attaches.

What are the key features of the talus bone?

The talus is the second largest foot bone. Key features include: It articulates with the tibia, fibula, navicular, and calcaneus; it has no muscular attachments; and its parts are the head, neck, and body, with the body forming the ankle joint.

How do the metatarsals differ from each other?

Metatarsals vary in shape and attachments: The 1st is the shortest and thickest with a kidney-shaped base; the 2nd is the longest with a triangular base; and the 5th has a styloid process for peroneus brevis attachment.

What is a common clinical fracture of the calcaneus?

A common clinical fracture of the calcaneus results from falls, often producing vertical fracture lines that can be comminuted, affecting heel structure and function.

Foot Bones – Tarsals, Metatarsals & Phalanges

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