Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Evaluating the Function of the Foot Core System in the Elderly
Published on: March 11, 2022
Morphological adaptation of the tarso-metatarsal joints onto load transmission in the foot
Christine Maria Isabel Ebel1, Peter M Prodinger, Heinz Mühlhofer
1Anatomische Anstalt der Ludwig-Maximilians Universität, Pettenkoferstr. 11, Munich 80336, Germany. christine.ebel@med.uni-muenchen.de
Purpose:
Undefined middle foot pain among older individuals is an increasingly problem. Thereby the tarso-metatarsal joints (Lisfranc's joint, TMT joints) are particularly important for foot structure. The aim of this study was to obtain into force transmission in TMT joints by analysing degenerative morphological changes (DMC) of the articular cartilage and subchondral density patterns.
Materials And Methods:
We used seven formalin-fixed foot preparations (average age 80.8) from the undergraduate dissection course. Applying the Collins schema, localisation of cartilaginous surface DMC was examined. For showing subchondral density patterns, the well-established method of CT-osteoabsorptiometry (CT-OAM) was used.
Results:
The cartilaginous surface DMCs were frequently located at the medial edges. Maximum density areas were found at the medial and dorsal edges. There was a clear correlation of topical cartilage degeneration and subchondral density.
Conclusion:
In healthy feet, force transmission in the TMT joints appears to occur via the dorsal and medial edges. Considering the correlation of topical cartilaginous surface DMC and subchondral density patterns, clinical application of CT-OAM seems to be recommendable in the case of undefined middle foot pain.
Related Concept Videos
Ankle Joint
Bones of the Lower Limb: Tibia and Fibula
Muscles of the Leg that Move the Foot and Toes
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment includes muscles that contribute to the dorsiflexion of the foot. This compartment houses the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles.
Development of the Limb Synovial Joints
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...
Introduction to Joints
Structural Joints: Synovial Joints
