Radiographic anatomy of the first metatarsal

Normal radiographic anatomy of the first metatarsal bone is established through cadaver dissection, examination of bone specimens, and radiography. Extra-articular and distal articular anatomical landmarks are identified with wire markers. Dorsoplantar, lateral, lateral oblique, and medial oblique radiographs of 15 osteologic sites are presented, including the articular margins of the first metatarsal head, the borders of the three diaphyseal surfaces, the origins of the metatarsophalangeal collateral and metatarsosesamoid suspensory ligaments, and the insertions of the first cuneiform-metatarsal joint ligaments and the tibialis anterior and peroneus longus tendons. The correlation of gross anatomy and radiographs is described.