Classification of the interosseous tarsometatarsal ligaments of the foot

Background The aim of this study was to clarify the anatomical features of the interosseous tarsometatarsal ligaments of foot and to classify their types based on the combinations of their ligamentous components. Methods Fifty feet from 27 adult Korean cadavers were dissected. Results The interosseous tarsometatarsal ligaments were observed in the first, second, and third cuneometatarsal joint spaces. The interosseous tarsometatarsal ligament of the first cuneometatarsal space consistently connected the medial cuneiform and the second metatarsal, and was accompanied by one or two accessory ligaments above (34%) and/or below (6%) the Lisfranc ligament. The interosseous tarsometatarsal ligaments of the second and third cuneometatarsal joint spaces comprised seven and five components, and were classified into five and three types depending on the number and combination of the components, respectively. Conclusions These results are expected to advance the current knowledge on the tarsometatarsal joint and provide helpful information for more accurate and successful diagnosis and treatment of lesions at this joint.