Ossification centers of the foot

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Ossification centers of the foot

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: 1 year
  • medial cuneiform: 3 year
  • intermediate cuneiforms and navicular: 4 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.