[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Anatomy](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/) › [Lower limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/lower-limb/) › Cuboid [Skeletal system](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/skeletal-system/) · [Lower limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/lower-limb/) # Cuboid The cuboid is a cube-shaped bone on the outer side of the midfoot, in front of the heel bone. Official name: Cuboid bone [See in 3D →](https://durgical.app/?from=durgipedia&lang=en#region=lower_limb&select=cuboid&side=r) Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed. ## What it is A cube-shaped bone on the outer side of the midfoot, between the heel bone and the fourth and fifth metatarsals. ## What it does Supports the outer arch. The fibularis longus tendon runs in a groove under it. ## Key points - The groove on its plantar surface turns the fibularis longus tendon medially across the sole to the [medial cuneiform](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/medial-cuneiform-bone/) and [first metatarsal](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/first/) base - Nutcracker fracture: the cuboid is crushed between the calcaneus and the bases of the fourth and fifth metatarsals when the forefoot is forced outwards - Keystone of the lateral column; shortening after a fracture lets the forefoot drift out and the arch flatten ## Key facts **Joints with** Calcaneus; metatarsals 4–5; lateral cuneiform; sometimes navicular **Landmarks** Plantar groove for fibularis longus tendon; cuboid tuberosity; key bone of lateral column ## Relations **Behind** [Calcaneus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/calcaneus/) at the calcaneocuboid joint, the lateral half of the transverse tarsal (Chopart) joint **In front** Bases of the fourth and fifth metatarsals **Medial** [Lateral cuneiform](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/lateral-cuneiform-bone/) and sometimes the [navicular](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/navicular-bone/) **Below** [Fibularis longus tendon](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tendon-of-fibularis-longus/) in its groove; long and short plantar ligaments **Lateral** [Fibularis brevis tendon](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tendon-of-fibularis-brevis/) on its way to the [fifth metatarsal](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/fifth/) tuberosity; the [sural nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/sural-nerve/) along the outer foot **Above** [Extensor digitorum brevis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/extensor-digitorum-brevis/), arising from the calcaneus, covers its dorsum ## How to find it Felt on the lateral side of the foot in the hollow just behind the prominent base of the fifth metatarsal, with the calcaneocuboid joint a little further back. The fibularis longus tendon can be traced down to the groove under it. ## On imaging Often missed on routine views; the oblique foot view shows it and its joints best, and the medial border of the [fourth metatarsal](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/fourth/) should line up with the medial border of the cuboid. CT for nutcracker fractures and lateral column length. A displaced or split os peroneum suggests a [fibularis longus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/fibularis-longus-muscle/) tear. ## Common problems - Fractures, sometimes from the forefoot being forced outward; 'cuboid syndrome', a painful slight shift of the bone after sprains. ## Clinical notes - Injuries of the transverse tarsal (Chopart) joint are easily missed and later cause midfoot pain and deformity - Painful os peroneum syndrome: pain at the lateral cuboid from the ossicle in the fibularis longus tendon ## Anatomical variants - Os peroneum, an ossicle in the fibularis longus tendon beside the cuboid; its frequency varies between populations ## Development Ossifies around birth, so it is usually visible on newborn X-rays. ## Related conditions - [Metatarsal fractures (including stress fractures)](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/metatarsal-fractures/) - [Clubfoot (talipes equinovarus)](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/clubfoot/) ## Test yourself Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it. ## Which tendon runs in the groove on the plantar surface of the cuboid? The fibularis longus tendon, turned medially across the sole to the medial cuneiform and first metatarsal base. ## What is a nutcracker fracture of the cuboid? A crush of the cuboid between the calcaneus and the bases of the fourth and fifth metatarsals when the forefoot is forced outwards. ## Which bones articulate with the cuboid? The calcaneus, the fourth and fifth metatarsals, the lateral cuneiform and sometimes the navicular. [Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/anatomy/cuboid-bone/) Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional. ## Its names **Official Latin (TA2)** os cuboideum TA2 1489 **Official Spanish (DeCS)** Hueso cuboides DeCS D013639 **English (TA2)** Cuboid bone **Also called** os cuboides ## Related - [Calcaneus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/calcaneus/) - [Lateral cuneiform](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/lateral-cuneiform-bone/) - [Fourth metatarsal](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/fourth/) - [Fifth metatarsal](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/fifth/) - [Bifurcate ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/bifurcate-ligament/) - [Adductor hallucis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/adductor-hallucis/) - [Extensor digitorum brevis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/extensor-digitorum-brevis/) - [Extensor hallucis brevis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/extensor-hallucis-brevis/) Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [DeCS](https://decs.bvsalud.org/es/ths/resource/?id=23476&filter=ths_termall&q=Huesos%20Tarsianos); [Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb: Foot and Ankle](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546698/). ## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake Representative model, for educational purposes only. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/cuboid-bone/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/cuboid-bone/