CUBOID BONE ANATOMY

GENERAL STRUCTURE

The cuboid bone is located on the lateral side of the foot, positioned between the calcaneus behind and the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones in front. It is one of the seven tarsal bones and plays an important role in maintaining the lateral longitudinal arch of the foot.

Location and Position

• Located on the lateral side of the tarsus
• Positioned between the calcaneus (posteriorly) and fourth and fifth metatarsal bones (anteriorly)
• Forms a key part of the lateral longitudinal arch of the foot

Articular Surfaces

• Posterior surface:
  • Triangular and concavo-convex
  • Articulates with the anterior surface of the calcaneus
• Anterior surface:
  • Smaller and divided by a vertical ridge
  • Articulates with the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones
• Medial surface:
  • Presents a facet for articulation with the lateral cuneiform
  • May have a smaller facet for the navicular bone

PERONEAL SULCUS

The peroneal sulcus (also known as the groove for fibularis longus) is a distinctive feature on the plantar surface of the cuboid bone that accommodates an important tendon of the lateral compartment of the leg.

Course and Direction

• Runs obliquely forward and medialward on the plantar surface
• Extends from the lateral to medial aspect of the bone
• Creates a pulley-like mechanism for the tendon

Functional Significance

• Provides a pathway for the tendon of the Fibularis longus muscle
• The tendon crosses the sole of the foot to insert on the medial cuneiform and first metatarsal
• Important for plantar flexion and eversion of the foot

TUBEROSITY OF THE CUBOID BONE

The tuberosity of the cuboid bone is a prominent projection located on the plantar surface that serves as an important anatomical landmark and provides attachment for the long plantar ligament.

Location

• Located on the lateral part of the plantar surface
• Projects inferiorly from the main body of the cuboid
• Forms the lateral boundary of the peroneal sulcus

Oval Facet

• Carries an oval facet on its plantar aspect
• Accommodates the sesamoid bone in the tendon of the Fibularis longus muscle
• The sesamoid bone provides:
  • Protection for the tendon
  • Improved mechanical advantage
  • Reduced friction during movement

CALCANEAL PROCESS

The calcaneal process is a posteriorly directed projection from the cuboid bone that provides structural support and stability to the articulation with the calcaneus.

Features

• Projects backward from the cuboid bone
• Located on the infero-lateral aspect
• Contributes to the calcaneocuboid joint stability

Functional Role

• Supports the anterior end of the calcaneus
• Provides attachment for the short plantar ligament
• Helps maintain the integrity of the lateral column of the foot

Clinical Significance

• Cuboid syndrome:
  • Subluxation of the cuboid bone
  • Common in dancers and athletes
  • Causes lateral foot pain
• Fractures:
  • May occur with midfoot injuries
  • Often associated with Lisfranc injuries