[The intercapital metatarsal space. Anatomical and pathological aspects].

The metatarsal intercapital space is located in the forefoot, between two metatarsal heads and above the transverse inter-metatarsal ligament. The 2nd space is the narrowest, the 1st is the widest and the 3rd is the most mobile. It contains a connective tissue bursa which facilitates the sliding of the metatarsal heads. The existence of this bursa was confirmed in two cases of rheumatoid arthritis (at operation). As the bursa hypertrophies, it gradually extends beyond its normal site towards the dorsal or plantar region of the foot. The metatarsal intercapital space, like the metatarso-phalangeal joint, warrants thorough clinical investigation.