Second Cuneiform

The second (intermediate) cuneiform is the smallest of the three cuneiforms, and its position is the clever part: it sits recessed between its neighbours, so the base of the second metatarsal locks into a mortise between the first and third cuneiforms. This recessed keystone is what makes the midfoot's Lisfranc joint so stable.

Key facts

It is the smallest cuneiform.
Its recessed position creates the mortise for the second metatarsal.
This arrangement is the keystone of the transverse arch of the foot.
The Lisfranc ligament ties it to the second metatarsal base.
It rarely moves — and that stability is its function.

What can go wrong

The Lisfranc ligament anchoring this bone is the critical stabiliser of the midfoot; when it ruptures in sport or a fall, the second metatarsal base shifts and the arch is at risk. Such injuries are the reason persistent midfoot pain and bruising after a twist are X-rayed standing, under load.

Related procedures & tests

X-ray (general)

Related symptoms

Foot pain

Frequently asked questions

Why is the second cuneiform set back from the others?

So the second metatarsal can sit in a socket rather than on a flat line — like the keystone of an arch, it makes the whole midfoot resist being flattened under body weight.

What is the Lisfranc ligament?

A strong ligament from the second cuneiform to the base of the second metatarsal — the single most important soft-tissue lock of the midfoot joint complex.

Educational information only. This atlas explains normal anatomy and describes conditions in general terms; it is not medical advice and does not replace assessment by a qualified clinician. If you have symptoms that worry you, seek medical care.