Morphological Classification of Tali on the Basis of Calcanean Articular Facets-A Cadaveric Study in North Indian Population

Introduction: Out of different tarsal bones ,Talus (astragalus), is the only bone which has no muscular or tendinous attachment. It forms many joints like talocrural, subtalar and talocalcaneo-navicular joints. The prior acquaintance with the anatomical set up of talus and its various articulations holds significance not only in delineating the underlying pathology but also helps in its treatment. Material and methods: Comprised of 100 dry (50 Rignt &50Left) adult tali of unknown age and sex obtained from Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College,Amritsar. Each talus was examined for the presence of various patterns of articular facets. Results and Conclusion: Five types of tali were observed depending upon calcaneal articular facet: Type I (45%) tali had single calcanean facet. Type II (24%) tali had single calcanean facet divided by a ridge into two parts. Type III (9%) tali had two calcanean facets separated partly by a ridge and partly by a groove. Type IV (5%) tali had two calcanean facets separated by a non-articular groove. Type V (17%) has 2 subtypes :(a) TypeV (A) (8%) tali had single calcanean facet, continuous with the posterior calcanean facet. (b) Type V (B) (9%) tali had two calcanean facets, continuous with the posterior calcanean facet. The calcanean articular facets of tali showed a wide variety of variations which may be due to material or population differences, type of gait and built of an individual or the place of living whether it is plane or hilly area. Familiarity with it will help in accounting the joint instability and arthritic changes in the vicinity of talus.