Fig. 1

Schematic illustration of the forefoot at the metatarsal heads with intermetatarsal and submetatarsal spaces. The intermetatarsal space is demarcated at the dorsal side by the deep dorsal aponeurosis (1) and at the plantar side by the superficial transverse metatarsal ligament (2). The deep transverse metatarsal ligament (3) divides the intermetatarsal space into a superior (4) and inferior part (5), respectively, containing the bursa and neurovascular bundle (6). The submetatarsal spaces (ST) are located in the subcutis and are artificially bordered by the midline of the intermetatarsal space (*). M, metatarsal heads. Gray ovals represent extensor and flexor tendons of the forefoot