First metatarsal

Os metatarsi I

SkeletalSkeletonLegLeft and right

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What it is
Long bone of the forefoot behind the big toe (hallux), with a wedge-shaped base, slender shaft and rounded head at the ball of the foot.
Function
Short and thick, it carries about a third of forefoot load during push-off.
Size
≈ 65 mm long
Clinical note
Bunions (hallux valgus) develop at the first metatarsal head.

Nearby skeletal structures Fifth metatarsal, Fourth metatarsal, Intermediate cuneiform, Lateral cuneiform, Medial cuneiform, Proximal phalanx of the big toe (hallux), Proximal phalanx of the second toe, Proximal phalanx of the third toe, Second metatarsal, Third metatarsal