Tarsometatarsal joints

The tarsometatarsal joints (Lisfranc joints) are arthrodial joints in the foot. The tarsometatarsal joints involve the first, second and third cuneiform bones, the cuboid bone and the metatarsal bones. The eponym of Lisfranc joint is 18th–19th-century surgeon and gynecologist Jacques Lisfranc de St. Martin.

Tarsometatarsal joints
Bones of the right foot; tarsometatarsal joints highlighted in an orange box
Details
Identifiers
Latin	articulationes tarsometatarseae
TA98	A03.6.10.601
TA2	1955
FMA	35216 71354, 35216
Anatomical terminology

Structure

Bones

The ligaments of the foot from the lateral aspect

The bones entering into their formation are the first, second, and third cuneiforms, and the cuboid bone, which articulate with the bases of the metatarsal bones.

The first metatarsal bone articulates with the first cuneiform; the second is deeply wedged in between the first and third cuneiforms articulating by its base with the second cuneiform; the third articulates with the third cuneiform; the fourth, with the cuboid and third cuneiform; and the fifth, with the cuboid.

The bones are connected by dorsal, plantar, and interosseous ligaments.

Dorsal ligaments

The dorsal ligaments are strong, flat bands.

The first metatarsal is joined to the first cuneiform by a broad, thin band; the second has three, one from each cuneiform bone; the third has one from the third cuneiform; the fourth has one from the third cuneiform and one from the cuboid; and the fifth, one from the cuboid.

Plantar ligaments

Ligaments of the sole of the foot, with the tendons of the peronaeus longus, tibialis posterior and tibialis anterior muscles.

The plantar ligaments consist of longitudinal and oblique bands, disposed with less regularity than the dorsal ligaments.

Those for the first and second metatarsals are the strongest; the second and third metatarsals are joined by oblique bands to the first cuneiform; the fourth and fifth metatarsals are connected by a few fibers to the cuboid.

Interosseous ligaments

The interosseous ligaments are three in number.

• The first is the strongest, and passes from the lateral surface of the first cuneiform to the adjacent angle of the second metatarsal.
• The second connects the third cuneiform with the adjacent angle of the second metatarsal.
• The third connects the lateral angle of the third cuneiform with the adjacent side of the base of the third metatarsal.

Synovial membrane

The synovial membrane between the first cuneiform and the first metatarsal forms a distinct sac.

The synovial membrane between the second and third cuneiforms behind, and the second and third metatarsal bones in front, is part of the great tarsal synovial membrane.

Two prolongations are sent forward from it, one between the adjacent sides of the second and third, and another between those of the third and fourth metatarsal bones.

The synovial membrane between the cuboid and the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones forms a distinct sac.

From it a prolongation is sent forward between the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones.

Function

The movements permitted between the tarsal and metatarsal bones are limited to slight gliding of the bones upon each other.

Clinical significance

A Lisfranc injury is common among athletes.

References

This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 358 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

External links

• Diagnosis of joint

Additional images

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  Ankle joint. Deep dissection.
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  Ankle joint. Deep dissection.
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  Ankle joint. Deep dissection.
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  Ankle joint. Deep dissection.
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  Ankle and tarsometarsal joints. Bones of foot.Deep dissection.
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  Ankle and tarsometarsal joints. Bones of foot.Deep dissection.
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  Ankle joint. Bones of foot.Deep dissection.