[The intercapital metatarsal space. Anatomical and pathological aspects]

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Rheumatology
• Podiatry

Background:

• The metatarsal intercapital space is a key anatomical region in the forefoot.
• This space is situated between metatarsal heads, superior to the transverse inter-metatarsal ligament.
• It houses a connective tissue bursa crucial for metatarsal head mobility.

Observation:

• The bursa within the metatarsal intercapital space was identified in two rheumatoid arthritis cases during surgery.
• Hypertrophy of this bursa can cause it to extend beyond its typical anatomical location.
• Extension can occur towards the dorsal or plantar aspects of the foot.

Findings:

• The 2nd metatarsal intercapital space is the narrowest, while the 1st is the widest and the 3rd is the most mobile.
• The presence and hypertrophy of the intercapital bursa are significant in the context of rheumatoid arthritis.
• Enlargement of the bursa can alter the biomechanics and presentation of forefoot conditions.

Implications:

• The metatarsal intercapital space and its associated bursa require thorough clinical evaluation.
• Understanding bursa hypertrophy is important for diagnosing and managing forefoot pain, particularly in inflammatory conditions.
• This anatomical space should be considered in differential diagnoses for forefoot pathologies.