Early findings: morphometric evaluation and articular surfaces classification of talus and calcaneus

Abstract

Objective: The aim was to establish an anthropometric standardisation by classifying the talocrural joint surfaces and bones. Methods: The anteroposterior and transverse widths of 13 calcanei and 9 tali, and the length and width of the talar and calcaneal sulci were measured using digital calipers. The articular surfaces of the talus and calcaneus were divided into three subclasses according to the number of facets they bear (Type A with three facets: anterior, middle and posterior, Type B with two facets as a result of the fusion of the anterior and middle, Type C with a single facet as a result of the fusion of all articular surfaces). Results: The mean anteroposterior length and transverse width of the calcaneus were 71.55 +/- 5.55 mm and 39.42 +/- 2.78 mm, respectively, and the mean anteroposterior length and transverse width of the talus were 53.64 +/- 2.36 mm and 38.72 +/- 3.07 mm, respectively. In addition, the mean calcaneal sulcus length and width were 19.27 +/- 3.87 mm and 5.99 +/- 0.85 mm, respectively, and the mean talar sulcus length and width were 23.43 +/- 2.91 and 6.71 +/- 1.06 mm, respectively. The length of the right calcaneal sulcus was found to be statistically greater (p=0.024). According to articular surface classification, 20% of the talus were type A and 80% were type B; 30.77% of the calcaneus were type A, 69.23% were type B. Type C was not found in either structure. Conclusion: Knowledge of the shape of the talus and calcaneus bones is crucial for planning and performing orthopaedic surgery, selecting and placing the right size bone grafts, and choosing prostheses or implants. This study provides a reference for future applications. Larger studies are planned to validate and expand on these findings.