According to the terminology used in medicine, the foot is the part of the leg located distally (remotely) from the center of the body. The anatomy of the human foot is quite complex and perfectly fulfills the tasks assigned to the feet.
Anatomy of the foot
The main part of the functions is performed by arches, due to which the depreciation occurs, which is required to protect other joints, including the spine, from excessive loads. The cuboid bone also plays a big role here.
The main elements of the foot are the bones of the skeleton, interconnected by joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles.
The role of the shock absorber is played by the arches of the feet - longitudinal and transverse. They are formed by bones, joints, muscles, tendons, making the leg flexible. Thanks to this structure, the load is distributed evenly between the first, fifth metatarsal bones and the heel.
The skeleton of the foot is formed from 3 sections:
- tarsus (7 bones arranged in two rows);
- tarsus (5 short tubular bones);
- phalanges are the smallest bones of the fingers.
You can find out where the cuboid bone is by sayingin simple terms - on the outside of the foot from the heel, it will be the first towards the phalanges of the fingers. This is a fairly dense bone mass, and it is extremely difficult to break it.
Tarsal bones
The tarsus is the widest part of the foot, consisting of the talus, calcaneus, navicular, lateral, intermediate, medial cuneiform and cuboid bones.
- The talus, in other words, the calcaneus. The connection with the navicular bone occurs through the head. The posterior process consists of two tubercles with a tendon.
- The heel bone plays the role of a softener, a kind of springboard when moving. Despite the fact that this is the most massive formation, it is vulnerable and often damaged. According to the anatomy of the heel, it is located under the talus, with which they are connected by a short process. Through the tubercle, located behind the calcaneus, the lateral and medial processes depart from the surface of the foot.
- Scaphoid. Structural element of the tarsus, located in the inner edge of the foot. In the medial section, the concave lower surface is bumpy, palpable through the skin. The joints come together with the talus and cuboid bones, forming the arch of the foot.
- The lateral bone is located in the upper outer part of the foot, it helps a person to maneuver during outward turns. The joint of the fibula is connected to the lateral-ankle surface of the talus.
- The cuboid is located outside the lateral cuneiform, behind the base of the IV and V metatarsals and in front of the calcaneus.
- The sphenoid bones of the foot are in front of the scaphoid.
Connection with the metatarsal bones is carried out due to the articular surface. Despite the fact that the cuboid bone is located in the region of the outer part of the foot, its fractures separately from the joint are quite rare. Among skeletal injuries, they account for 0.14%, foot bones - 2.5%.
Features of joints
The foot has a complex anatomical structure with a large number of joints that form two or more bones. The main joint is the ankle joint, consisting of the tibia and fibula, with lateral outgrowths and the talus.
This joint is responsible for the main function of the foot - its mobility, the rest provide the necessary firmness and elasticity.
Intertarsal joints
- The ankle joint, due to the lateral processes (ankles), together with the talus, forms a kind of block. The bursa and ligaments provide protection, allowing the ankle joint to perform posterior and anterior flexion movements.
- The subtalar joint is a less mobile articulation between the calcaneus and the talus.
- The talocalcaneonavicular joint is formed by the bones of the tarsus. A ligament connecting the calcaneus and talus passes through the cavities of these joints.
- The calcaneocuboid joint is formed by the articular surfaces of the cuboid and calcaneus. The joint is strengthened by a common bifurcated ligament starting at the calcaneus.
- The sphenoid joint is formed by the articular surfaces of the sphenoid and navicular bones.
Judging even by the photos offered on the Internet, the cuboid bone is well located in the joint and it is not easy to damage it. However, it is possible that if measures are not taken in time to provide surgical care, a person may begin to limp in one leg and even remain disabled.
The foot withstands serious static and dynamic loads due to the anatomical features of the structure and the presence of a large number of elastic elements.
Caelocuboid joint
Located between the articular surfaces of the cuboid and calcaneus. Movements are carried out only in one direction, despite the fact that the joint is saddle. The capsule is attached to the edges of the articular cartilage and stretched tight. The articulation takes part in the movements of the previous joints and increases their amplitude. It is strengthened by the plantar, calcaneocuboid and long plantar ligament.
Together with the talocalcaneonavicular articulation forms one transverse tarsal joint.
Bone fracture
X-rays and other photos of the cuboid bone of the foot in case of a fracture are required so that there is no doubt about the diagnosis.
When a fracture occurs, pain occurs while turning the foot in and out. Probing the localization of the injury brings severe discomfort. Treatment involves a circular plaster cast for 5 weeks. To fully restore working capacity, it is required to wear an arch support inwithin a year after the fracture.
Injury occurs due to heavy objects falling on the leg or a direct blow. If there is a fracture of the navicular bone with subluxation, the defect becomes very noticeable, which depends on the fragments and the degree of displacement. The arch of the foot thickens, the forefoot deviates inward or outward.
After an injury, you can’t step on your foot and walk for the first week, later you can dose the load. To fully restore motor functions, orthopedic shoes are worn throughout the year.
