The anatomical variations of the calcaneal-talar facets in the Kongunadu population and their clinical implications
Authors: Geeta anasuya Daliparthi, Dr P Priya, Dr M Vijaianand
Keywords: Calcaneum facets, Calcaneal spurs, Heel pain
Abstract:
The calcaneus is the largest among the tarsal bones. It is stressed, particularly when walking and running in weight-bearing situations. The morphometric parameters of the calcaneum play a vital role during orthopedic procedures. The study's principal goals are to detect various talar facet configurations on the calcaneum's superior surface and to establish how talar facet configuration and calcaneal spur are related. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional observational study was done between August 2024 and December 2025 on 76 dry calcaneum bones obtained from the Department of Anatomy and Forensic Medicine. Results: We observed that out of 76 calcanei, 64.5% were of Type I pattern with fused anterior and middle facets. 32% were of the Type II pattern with distinct anterior and middle facets. 2.6% of calcanei were of Type III, where there was an absence of anterior facets. Furthermore, we observed that calcaneal spurs were related to the Type I pattern of facets in the highest frequency. Since calcaneal spurs are one of the most significant cofactors for heel pain, anatomical knowledge of the link between the calcaneal spurs and the pattern of calcaneal facets would be helpful in clinical treatment.
