Morphometric Dimensions of the Calcaneus

Abstract

Calcaneal morphometric dimensions influence surgical treatment plans after injury. These dimensions display population heterogeneity, and there is a paucity of data in the setting of our hospital in Kenya. Further, estimation of calcaneal dimensions during reconstruction in comminuted fractures can be difficult. This cross-sectional study therefore aims to determine equations for estimation of these dimensions as well as provide local data. Sixty-four bilateral calcanei of adult indigenous Kenyans were obtained from the National Museum of Kenya and measured for maximum anteroposterior length, maximum height, cuboidal facet height, body height, and load arm length. The data were coded into SPSS software, and means were calculated. Paired t tests, independent t tests, and Pearson correlation tests were done, and linear regression model equations were developed. Data are presented using tables. In millimeters, the mean right and left values, respectively, were as follows: maximum anteroposterior length, 36.1063 and 35.3047; maximum height, 68.958 and 68.266; cuboidal facet height, 27.815 and 27.841; body height, 47.94 and 48.98; and load arm length, 18.83 and 17.93. Paired and independent t tests did not reveal statistically significant difference between the variables based on side or sex. Pearson correlational tests between the maximum length on each side and other variables revealed strong positive correlations, apart from the maximum width and load arm length on both sides. All correlational R2 values were statistically significant, apart from that of the maximum width bilaterally. The calcaneus in our setting also showed markedly reduced values compared with other populations. These findings, and the proposed equations we developed, may be considered in local calcaneal reconstruction.