Internal Architecture of the Talus

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Ideally, bone has the external shape and internal architecture best adapted to its function. The internal architecture of the talus should reflect its functional adaptations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the orientation of lamellae to account for its role in transmission of various forces. METHOD: Twenty-five pairs of dry adult human tali were sectioned in various planes and dissected grossly to study the internal architecture of the talus. RESULTS: Two sets of lamellae were observed in the body of the talus. One set was descending from the posterior two-thirds of the lateral part of trochlear surface onto the posterior calcaneal facet of the talus. These lamellae were in the form of vertical perforated interconnected plates. The second set of trabeculae originated from medial part of trochlear surface and anterior third of the lateral part. The neck of the talus showed the continuity of sagittal plates extending from the body to the head, which was occupied by stacked curved plates extending from infero-medial to the supero-lateral part of the head. CONCLUSION: We identified two sets of lamellae which we believe reflect the lines of forces of weightbearing through the talus. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings may help in better understanding of fracture lines in the talus,which could improve internal fixation techniques, and the design of talar prostheses.