Fifth metatarsal bone

The fifth metatarsal bone is recognized by a rough eminence, the tuberosity, on the lateral side of its base.

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The base articulates behind, by a triangular surface cut obliquely in a transverse direction, with the cuboid; and medially, with the fourth metatarsal.

On the medial part of its dorsal surface is inserted the tendon of the Peronæus tertius and on the dorsal surface of the tuberosity that of the Peronæus brevis.

A strong band of the plantar aponeurosis connects the projecting part of the tuberosity with the lateral process of the tuberosity of the calcaneus.

The plantar surface of the base is grooved for the tendon of the Abductor digiti quinti, and gives origin to theFlexor digiti quinti brevis.

The base of the metatarsal is often injured and a particularly notorious fracture is the Jones fracture.

Stress fractures are common in the fifth metatarsal among athletes.

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This article was originally based on an entry from a public domain edition of Gray's Anatomy. As such, some of the information contained herein may be outdated. Please edit the article if this is the case, and feel free to remove this notice when it is no longer relevant.