CorpusHuman Anatomy
SkeletalBone

Cuneiform bones

Ossa cuneiformia

Also known as: cuneiforms, medial cuneiform, intermediate cuneiform, lateral cuneiform

Three wedge-shaped tarsal bones — medial, intermediate and lateral — between the navicular and the bases of the first three metatarsals. Their wedge shape forms the transverse arch of the foot.

Show on body map

Overview

The medial cuneiform is the largest; it articulates with the navicular, intermediate cuneiform and the 1st (and part of the 2nd) metatarsal, and receives the tendons of tibialis anterior and fibularis longus — a "stirrup" supporting the arches. The intermediate cuneiform is the smallest and shortest, so the base of the 2nd metatarsal is recessed between the medial and lateral cuneiforms like a keystone, locking the tarsometatarsal joint. The lateral cuneiform articulates with the navicular, cuboid and 3rd metatarsal (and parts of the 2nd and 4th). The intermediate and lateral cuneiforms are wedges with the thin edge facing the sole (the medial cuneiform reversed), forming the transverse arch. The Lisfranc ligament runs from the plantar–lateral medial cuneiform to the base of the 2nd metatarsal.

Location

Medial and central midfoot, between the navicular and metatarsals 1–3.

Parts & subdivisions

  1. Medial cuneiform
    Largest; insertion of tibialis anterior and fibularis longus; Lisfranc ligament.
  2. Intermediate cuneiform
    Smallest; creates the recess for the base of the 2nd metatarsal.
  3. Lateral cuneiform
    Articulates with the cuboid and 3rd metatarsal.

Anatomy

Articulations

Navicular, each other, cuboid (lateral), metatarsals 1–4.

Ossification

Lateral ≈1 year, medial ≈2 years, intermediate ≈3 years.

Function

  • Form the transverse arch of the midfoot
  • Transmit load from the navicular to the first three metatarsals
  • Lock the 2nd metatarsal base (stability of the Lisfranc joint)

Clinical significance

Lisfranc injury

Rupture of the Lisfranc ligament allows the 2nd metatarsal base to separate from the medial cuneiform; weight-bearing X-rays show diastasis. Missed injuries lead to midfoot collapse and arthritis.

Compiled from standard anatomy and physiology references — see the Skeletal System sources. For education only; not medical advice.