Morphometric analysis and typing of talus and calcaneus bones from the Eastern Anatolian population

Abstract

Background: The talus and calcaneus are critical components of foot biomechanics, contributing to stability and movement. Despite their importance, data on their morphometric and articular characteristics in the Eastern Anatolian population are scarce. This study aims to bridge this gap by analyzing the morphometry and facet configurations of talus and calcaneus from this region, highlighting their clinical and biomechanical significance.

Materials and methods: A total of 32 tali and 29 calcanei were analyzed using high-resolution computed tomography (CT) and 3D reconstruction. Morphometric measurements, including lengths, widths, and facet areas, were performed, and articular facet types were classified based on established criteria. Comparative analyses were conducted with data from other populations.

Results: Significant side-specific variations were observed in lengths and sulcus dimensions. Type B was the most prevalent facet configuration in both talus and calcaneus, with unique patterns such as Type B3 emphasizing the anatomical distinctiveness of the Eastern Anatolian population. Comparisons with other populations revealed larger morphometric dimensions and distinct facet distributions, underscoring population-specific differences.

Conclusions: This study provides valuable morphometric and facet classification data for talus and calcaneus in the Eastern Anatolian population. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of regional anatomical variations and have significant implications for clinical applications, forensic investigations, and prosthetic design.