Espiral AtlasTuberosity of the 5th metatarsal
tuberositas ossis metatarsi quinti
Study entry
Description
A large prominence on the base of the 5th metatarsal, which projects to the side over the cuboid.
Relations
Insertion of the fibularis brevis.
Clinical
In a sudden inversion of the foot, the tendon of the fibularis brevis can pull off the tuberosity (avulsion fracture), common in basketball and tennis.
Source: cap. 7, «Huesos del miembro inferior: huesos del pie: metatarso» y cuadro clínico
Clinical correlation
Fractures of the metatarsals
A heavy object falling on the foot, or a wheel running over it, breaks the metatarsals. Ballet dancers on demi-pointe also fracture them: they lose their balance and all the weight falls on one metatarsal. Long walks cause stress fractures, usually transverse. In a sudden, violent inversion of the foot, the tendon of the fibularis brevis pulls off the tuberosity of the 5th metatarsal; this is common in basketball and tennis and comes with a severe ankle sprain, pain and swelling at the base of the 5th metatarsal.
Related clinical cases
- Fractures of the metatarsals