Morphology of sustentaculum tali: Biomechanical importance and correlation with angular dimensions of the talus.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The talus and the calcaneus share the bulk of load transmitted from the leg to the skeleton of the foot. The present study analyses the inter-relationship between the superior articular surface and the angular dimensions of the talus with the morphology of the sustentaculum tali.

OBJECTIVE: Identification of possible relationships between different angular parameters of the talus morphology and the sustentaculum tali in context of load transmission through the foot.

METHODS: One articular surface and three angular parameters at the junction of the head and the body were measured from dried human talar bones. Corresponding calcaneal samples were measured for four dimensions at the sustentaculum tali. Correlation and regression statistical values between parameters were worked out and analysed.

RESULTS: Several parameters within the talus demonstrated significant correlations amongst themselves. The neck vertical angle showed a strong correlation with the articulating surface area below the head of the talus.

CONCLUSIONS: The inter-relationship between articular and angular parameters within the talus demonstrates strong correlation for certain parameters. Data presented in the study may be helpful to adjust calcaneal and talar screw placement techniques, prosthesis designing and bio-mechanical studies at this important region.