Abstract
Background: The superior surface of the human calcaneus will frequently demonstrate 3 articular facets for articulation with the talus: the posterior, middle and anterior facets. All calcanei possess a posterior and middle facet. However, not all calcanei possess an anterior facet. The main purpose of this article is to identify by literature review the prevalence of calcanei which do not have an anterior facet. With review, the discrepancy by authors in nomenclature for the various types of facets on the superior surface of the calcaneus becomes quite evident. Thus, a secondary purpose of this article is to recognize the need for a standard naming convention and propose an intuitive naming scheme for the calcaneal facet types. Results: Of the 41 articles reviewed which are written in the English language and which describe absent anterior facet as a calcaneal facet type, the prevalence of calcanei lacking an anterior facet ranges from 3.3% to 4.9%. This difference in prevalence reporting depends on whether one allows “small anterior facet” specimens to be included in the total Type 3 (absent anterior facet) count. The prevalence also depends on whether data is included if an article could be considered an outlier. The total range of prevalence of absent anterior facet varies by article from 0% to 18%. Conclusion: The prevalence of absent calcaneal anterior facet is approximately 4%. Studies in the future are needed to determine whether the absent anterior facet is 1) a normal finding, 2) is helpful for the foot, or 3) is pathologic for the foot. A visually intuitive naming system of the types of calcaneal facets is proposed so as to reduce confusion in this field of study, therefore likely reducing errors. KEY WORDS: Absent anterior facet, calcaneal facet configuration, calcaneal facet types, subtalar joint.
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call