The metatarsus (meta: from ancient Greek metá, meaning “beyond, after”, tarsus: from ancient Greek tarsós, meaning “hurdle, ankle”) constitutes a part of the skeleton of the foot.

Position. The metatarsal is a part of the skeleton of the foot (1) and is located between the tarsus, which corresponds to the bone unit located at the back of the foot, and the phalanges, constituting the skeleton of the toes.

Metatarsal structure. The metatarsal consists of five bones, articulating with the bones of the tarsus on their proximal part and with the five phalanges on their distal part. The proximal bases of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd bone of the metatarsal articulate with the three cuneiform bones of the tarsus while the proximal bases of the 4th and 5th bone articulate with the cuboid bone. The entire skeleton of the foot, and in particular that of the metatarsal, is maintained thanks to the numerous joints and ligaments.

Body weight support. One of the main functions of the bones of the foot, including those of the metatarsal, is to support the weight of the body. (2)

Static and dynamic of the foot. The skeleton of the foot, including the bones constituting the metatarsus, makes it possible in particular to maintain the support of the body and to perform various movements with the foot, including the propulsion of the body when walking. (2) (3)

Fractures of the bones of the foot. The skeleton of the foot can be affected by fractures, the most common of which are those of the bones of the metatarsal and calcaneus. (4)

Bone abnormalities. Certain abnormalities can occur in the skeleton of the foot and affect the bones of the metatarsal. These bone abnormalities may in particular be due to malformations, fractures or immobilization. Different cases can be observed: hollow foot, varus foot, flat foot, club foot, or even equine foot. (4)

Bone diseases. Many diseases can affect bones and change their structure. Osteoporosis is one of the most common pathologies. It constitutes a loss of bone density which is generally found in people over the age of 60. It accentuates bone fragility and promotes bills.

Medical treatment. Depending on the pathology diagnosed, different treatments may be prescribed to regulate or strengthen bone tissue or reduce pain and inflammation.

Surgical treatment. Depending on the type of fracture, a surgical operation can be performed with the installation of a screw plate, nails or an external fixator.

Orthopedic treatment. Depending on the type of fracture, a plaster cast may be performed.

Medical imaging exams. X-ray, CT, MRI, scintigraphy or bone densitometry examinations can be used to assess bone pathologies.

Medical analysis. In order to identify certain pathologies, blood or urine tests can be carried out such as the dosage of phosphorus or calcium.

“Little Foot” (in French, petit pied) is the name given to a skeleton ofAustralopithecus prometheus discovered in 1994 by paleoanthropologist Ronald J. Clarke. It owes its name “Little Foot” to the small size of the foot bones initially found in a box of bones classified as coming from bovines. After the discovery of these small foot bones, the researchers found 90% of the skeleton: “Little Foot” thus became the most complete Australopithecus skeleton discovered to date. After highly variable dating results, a new method has made it possible to date it to 3,67 million years old (5) (6).