Ossification centers of the foot

Last revised by Craig Hacking on 20 Oct 2020
Primary ossification centers present at birth

Visible on x-ray from birth:

  • calcaneus: 6 months in utero
  • talus: 7 months in utero
  • cuboid: 9 months in utero
  • metatarsals: 9 weeks in utero
  • phalanges: 3-10 months (proximal to distal)
Primary ossification centers developing after birth

Become visible on x-ray from:

  • lateral cuneiform: 1st year
  • medial cuneiform: 3rd year
  • intermediate cuneiforms and navicular: 4th year
Secondary ossification centers

At the age of 3 years, secondary ossification centers of the navicular, metatarsals and phalanges should all be present. The last secondary ossification center to develop is the calcaneus appearing at 5 years.

ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads