CUBOID BONE ANATOMY

GENERAL STRUCTURE

The cuboid bone is located on the lateral side of your 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 your foot.

Location and Position

Where is the cuboid bone located?

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

Articular Surfaces

What are the articular surfaces of the cuboid bone?

• 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 your leg.

Course and Direction

What is the course of the peroneal sulcus?

• 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

What is the function of the peroneal sulcus?

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

Where is the tuberosity of the cuboid bone?

• 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

What is the oval facet of the cuboid tuberosity?

• 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 your 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 your calcaneus.

Features

What are the features of the calcaneal process?

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

Functional Role

What is the function of the calcaneal process?

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

Clinical Significance

What is the clinical significance of the cuboid bone?

• 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