Identification of human second, third, and fourth metatarsal bones

The lateral side of the base of the second (SMT), third (TMT), and fourth (FMT) metatarsal bones displays constant and distinct grooves. The groove on SMT starts just above the middle of the lateral surface of the base and runs toward the shaft forming an angle of 85-111 degrees with the base. TMT has a groove starting at about the middle of the lateral surface forming an angle of 57-72 degrees with the base, while the groove on FMT runs upward more acutely, starting from the lower end of the surface, forming an angle of 37-54 degrees with the base. The presence of these grooves and the usefulness of their characteristics in distinguishing between these metatarsals, especially in forensic medicine, is discussed.