Fifth Metatarsal

What is the Fifth Metatarsal

The fifth or 5th metatarsal is the second shortest of the five metatarsals (the shortest one being the first metatarsal), located at the proximal end of the fifth proximal phalanx. It can be felt on the outer edge of the foot, below the smallest tow, which the bone is associated with. This is the metatarsal bone analogous to the fifth metacarpal in the hand.

Anatomy and Landmarks

Like the other metatarsals, it is a long bone with a head, body or shaft, and a base. It can be identified by the presence of a tuberosity located laterally from the base, which is the part of the bone recognizable from the outside. This tuberosity is sometimes referred to as the styloid process of the fifth metatarsal.

Articulations

There is a triangular facet on the proximal side or base of this bone for articulation with the cuboid. Medially, it articulates with the fourth metatarsal.

At the distal end, its head articulates with the fifth proximal phalanx.

Muscle Attachment

• Fibularis tertius inserts into the dorsal side of the bone’s base 
• Fibularis brevis inserts into the tuberosity of the fifth metatarsal
• Flexor digiti minimi brevis originates from the plantar side of the bone’s base
• Fourth dorsal interosseus and third plantar interosseus originate from the medial side of the bone’s body