A Statistical Study of Metatarsal Anatomy: Toward the Design of Wide-Range Prosthetic Solutions

Abstract

The aim of the study is to provide some characteristic parameters of the anatomy of metatarsals from computed tomography (CT) scans. These data are important for more anatomical metatarsal head resurfacing prosthesis conception. Measures were performed on 20 CT scans from 17 patients with a mean age of 44.35 ± 15.75 years old. The panel was composed of 40% male and 50% left feet. Measurements were divided in 2 distinct categories: linear measurements with length of metatarsal, head radius and head, and diaphysis and base thicknesses, and cross-sectional area measurements, including cortical and cancellous bone area at 10%, 25%, 50%, 60%, 75%, and 90% of the metatarsal’s length. The results included the mean and SD found for each measured value. This study is the first step toward a better understanding of the metatarsal’s anatomy, so as to design a more anatomical range of metatarsal head resurfacing implants. Levels of Evidence: Level IV