The short plantar (plantar calcaneocuboid) ligament is deep to and shorter than the long plantar ligament, providing direct calcaneocuboid joint support. Together with the dorsal calcaneocuboid ligament it maintains the integrity of the calcaneocuboid articulation — the key joint of the lateral column. Short plantar ligament failure contributes to cuboid subluxation (cuboid syndrome).
| Origin | Anterior plantar calcaneus (just anterior to the long plantar origin) |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Plantar cuboid (proximal to the long plantar ligament) |
| Actions | Short static stabiliser of the calcaneocuboid joint; provides the floor of the peroneus longus groove at the calcaneocuboid level |
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Cuboid syndrome from short plantar ligament attenuation and cuboid subluxation produces lateral midfoot pain in dancers and runners. The cuboid whip manipulation technique reduces the subluxation by placing the foot in plantarflexion and applying a thrust to the plantar cuboid. Foot orthoses reducing pronation prevent recurrence.
Short plantar ligament laxity allowing cuboid subluxation producing lateral foot pain managed with cuboid whip manipulation and orthotic support.
