Talar Length Research Articles

Functional Implications of Flat-Topped Talus Following Treatment of Idiopathic Clubfoot Deformity.

Though flatness of the talar dome (TD) is a potential consequence of operative and nonoperative clubfoot management, the functional impact of this deformity is not well understood. This study analyzes the relationship between TD morphology and ankle function at skeletal maturity in patients treated for idiopathic clubfoot during infancy. 33 skeletally mature patients (average age 17.9 years) with 48 idiopathic clubfeet were identified. Weightbearing radiographs, gait analysis, and patient-reported outcomes using the Pediatric Orthopaedic Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) were obtained. Radius of curvature (ROC) of the TD and tibial plafond were measured along with other parameters of talar and calcaneal morphology. All measurements were correlated to PODCI scores and gait analysis data. Patients demonstrated marked variability in ROC of the TD (mean 30.8 mm, SD 13.6 mm), TD radius to talar length (R/L) ratio (mean 0.56, SD 0.28), opening angle of the TD (alpha angle) (mean 89.6°, SD 28.4°), and tibiotalar incongruity index (mean 0.18, SD 0.16). Increased tibiotalar incongruity index correlated with decreased maximum plantar flexion (r = ‒0.325, P = .02). A less acute alpha angle of the talar dome correlated with increased maximum ankle power generation (r = 0.321, P = .03) as did increased length of the talar neck (r = 0.358, P = .013). Increased tibiotalar incongruity index correlated negatively with PODCI global function domain scores (r = ‒0.490, P = .04; r = ‒0.381, P = .03, respectively), whereas length of the talar body correlated with higher global function scores (r = 0.376, P = .03) and lower pain scores (r = 0.350, P = .046). At skeletal maturity, flattening of the talar dome and tibiotalar incongruity on plain radiographs correlate modestly with gait changes, whereas tibiotalar incongruity and length of the talar body, not flatness of the talar dome, correlate with decreased patient-reported outcome scores. Level III, prognostic.

Tarsal metric trends over the Medieval-Post-Medieval transition in London.

The Medieval-Post-Medieval transition in England was an important shift in the human biocultural environment. With urbanization and industrialization came resultant changes in living and working conditions and subsequent effects on the skeleton. In addition, the Post-Medieval period ushered in changes in footwear and activity patterns, with potential consequences on foot bone morphology. The objective of this study is to compare calcaneal and talar lengths between the Medieval and Post-Medieval periods to determine whether there are quantifiable differences that correspond to shifting footwear and activity patterns. T-tests and ANCOVAs (and their non-parametric equivalents) were used to compare calcaneal and talar lengths of 1086 adults from 14 London cemeteries (Medieval n = 8, Post-Medieval n = 6), available in the Oracle Wellcome Osteological Research Database (WORD) curated by the Museum of London. Males and females were also analyzed separately. In the total sample, tali and calcanei are longer in the Medieval period (p < 0.001 for both tarsals). When males and females are analyzed separately, male talar length is greater in the Post-Medieval period (p < 0.001). The difference in talar length between periods is not statistically significant for females (p = 0.093). These differences in talar and calcaneal lengths between periods likely reflect differences in footwear between the Medieval and Post-Medieval periods. The magnitude of these differences varies according to sex, indicating that the change in footwear had differential impacts on men and women. Together, these results suggest that Medieval and Post-Medieval tarsals physically incorporated their respective cultural environments and gendered differences in cultural practice, particularly related to the footwear characteristic of each period.

Foot structures and their correlations with body height

Anthropometric information, such as bone and soft tissue length correlations with body height, is obtained from forensic science and biomechanical studies. Generally, studies on the relation between body height and measures of bones require access to long bones, which are not always available. Footprint size is traditionally used to determine height, but little is known about the relation between foot bones and height. In this study, we evaluated 138 ankle MRI and X-ray scans and compared the measures of four structures (the talus, distal tibia, second metatarsal and Achilles tendon) with body height. The measures of the talus and distal tibia correlated moderately with height (Pearson`s correlation coefficients of 0.58 and 0.57), and the length of the second metatarsal correlated weakly with height (Pearson`s coefficient of 0.42). The following regression equation was observed: height (m) = 0.993 + 0.013 x talar length (mm) (+/− 7 cm). The Achilles tendon (AT) had low correlation with height (Pearson`s coefficient of 0.19). A sex difference was observed: all three bone structures had a weak correlation with height in female; in male, the length of the talus had a moderate correlation with height (Pearson`s coefficient of 0.56), and the length of the second metatarsal had a low correlation (Pearson`s coefficient of 0.16). This is one of the few studies that studied a Latin American population and proposed a regression equation for body height as a function of the length of foot bones. The sex difference observed in the proportions of the forefoot and hindfoot that correlated with body height might explain some of the differences in foot biomechanics between male and female.

Quantitative Analysis of Talar Dome Morphology

Category:Ankle; OtherIntroduction/Purpose:A flat-top talar dome deformity can alter ankle mechanics and impact daily activities. Radiographic determination of flatness is difficult using traditional measures. The purpose of this study is to describe a new method to quantify the talar dome morphology using lateral radiographs and a custom-written image processing algorithm.Methods:Skeletally mature patients previously treated for idiopathic clubfeet were identified from our institution’s clubfoot registry. All patients had weight-bearing lateral foot radiographs. Measurements included radius of curvature (ROC) of the talar dome and tibial plafond, talar length and height, and alpha angle. The ratio of the radii of the talar dome and tibial plafond (TD/TP Ratio) was determined. Custom-written, image processing MATLAB code was used to identify the talus from the lateral radiograph. Following manual identification of the articular surface, the average slope of the anterior, central, and posterior regions of the talar dome were calculated. Talar dome flatness was determined as the slope variance across all three regions.Higher variance indicated a rounder talar dome morphology, lower variance indicated a flatter dome. Inter-rater reliability of radiographic measures and the MATLAB based talar dome flatness were determined. Spearman’s rho was used to determine correlations between radiographic and MATLAB flatness measures.Results:For radiographic measures, the Inter-rater reliability (IRR) was determined for 52 feet. IRR was near perfect for the ROC of the talar dome (ICC=.985), talar length (ICC=.952), and alpha angle (ICC=.928). Measurement of the radius of the tibial plafond (ICC=.827) and talar height (ICC=.893) were reproduced with excellent reliability. The IRR of the TD/TP ratio was moderate (ICC=.608). Preliminary IRR for the MATLAB-based talar dome flatness (15 feet) was excellent (ICC=0.895). Flatness was strongly correlated with ROC of the talar dome (r=.621, p=.013), alpha angle (r=.557, p=.031) and TD/TP Ratio (r=-.589, p=.021).Conclusion:Flatness of the talar dome can be difficult to describe, as there lacks a single measure to accurately define its morphology. The method developed in this study was quick to apply (less than 5 to 10 minutes per foot) and had high inter-rater reliability.

Functional Implications of the Flat-Topped Talus Following Treatment of Idiopathic Clubfoot Deformity

Category:Hindfoot; OtherIntroduction/Purpose:The flat-top talar dome is a well-known potential consequence of both operative and non-operative clubfoot management. While it is assumed that patients with a flat-top talus will have greater problems with daily activity, the functional impact of this deformity has not been characterized in the literature. The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between talar dome morphology and ankle function at skeletal maturity in patients treated for idiopathic clubfoot deformity during infancy.Methods:33 skeletally mature patients (average age 17.9 years, SD 1.6 years) with 52 idiopathic clubfeet were identified from our institution’s clubfoot registry. Plain weight bearing lateral foot films, gait analysis and patient reported outcomes (PRO) using the Pediatric Orthopaedic Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) were obtained in all patients. Radius of curvature (ROC) of the talar dome and tibial plafond were measured along with numerous other parameters of talar and calcaneal morphology. Other measurements included talar dome radius to talar length (R/L) ratio, opening angle of the talar dome (alpha-angle), and talar dome to tibial plafond ROC (TD/TP) ratio. All measurements were correlated to PODCI scores and gait analysis data.Results:Patients demonstrated variability in talar dome ROC (mean 33.1mm, SD 19.6mm), R/L ratio (mean 0.60, SD 0.39), alpha- angle (mean 88.7°, SD 29.5°) and TD/TP ratio (mean 1.17, SD 0.44). Increased TD/TP ratio correlated negatively with maximal plantarflexion (r=0.404, p=0.005), ankle range of motion (ROM) (r=0.383, p=0.008) and maximum power generation during step off (r=0.381, p=0.008). Higher alpha-angle correlated positively with plantarflexion (r=0.404, p=0.005), ankle ROM (r=0.383, p=0.008) and maximum ankle power generation (r=0.381, p=0.008). Lower talar dome ROC correlated with increased maximum power generation (r=0.326, p=0.025). Increased R/L and TD/TP ratios correlated negatively with PODCI happiness domain scores (r=-0.353, p=0.044; r=-0.377, p=0.025, respectively). Talar length correlated with higher happiness and global function scores (r=0.393, p=0.024; r=0.360, p=0.040, respectively) and lower pain scores (r=0.354, p=0.043).Conclusion:While flatness of talar dome correlates significantly with altered gait mechanics, the effects on patient reported function are more modest during the second decade of life. Further study is required to assess the longer-term effects of the flat top talus on function and joint health.

Morphometric geometric differences between right and left human tali: A cadaveric study of fluctuating asymmetry via systematic measurement and three-dimensional scanning.

Little is known about differences in the size and morphology of the right and left human tali. The present study demonstrates differences between right and left talar morphometric geometric profiles as fluctuating asymmetry in matched pairs of cadaveric specimens. In total, 24 tali were collected in this study. All eligible tali were systematically measured with a Vernier caliper and three-dimensional laser scanner, which provided data for further analysis regarding the talar morphometric geometric profiles. Data were calculated to demonstrate differences between the right and left talar profiles using a matched-pair method, including the general size of the talus. The average talar length was 53.5 mm, the average talar dome height was 31.2 mm, and the average talar body width was 41.3 mm. The average anterior trochlear width, middle trochlear width, posterior trochlear width, and trochlear length were 31.8, 31.2, 28.3, and 30.7 mm, respectively. Eleven matched pairs of intact tali were eligible for the matched-pair study. Paired t-tests showed significant differences in the talar dome height (P = 0.019), middle trochlear width (P = 0.027), and posterior trochlear width (P = 0.016) between the right and left tali. However, there were no significant differences in the surface area or volume between the right and left tali. Significant differences in the morphometric profile were found between the right and left matched pairs of tali. This basic information indicates that the profile of the contralateral talus may not be used as a single reference to reconstruct or duplicate the talus of interest in certain conditions such as talar prosthesis implantation or customized total ankle replacement.

Talar Prosthesis Template: A Cadaveric Study of the Size Discrepancy between Right and Left Tali

Category:AnkleIntroduction/Purpose:Nowadays, the talar prosthesis has been designed for its size and shape based on the data of its contralateral talus. However, little is known about the discrepancy of the sizes between right and left tali. The present study was to demonstrate the difference between right and left talar sizes in the matched pairs of cadaveric specimens.Methods:A total of twenty four tali as twelve matched pairs of tali were collected in this study. All tali were measured with a Vernier caliper which provided the data for further analyzed regarding the talar size. The data was calculated to demonstrate the difference between right and left talar sizes in a matched pair method included the general size of talus. There was a talus which was not used in the data calculation due to its crystal deposition from an underlying disease of a cadaver.Results:In overall, an average talar length (TaL) was 53.5 millimeters (mm). An average talar dome height (TaH) was 31.2 mm. An average talar body width (TaW) was 41.3 mm. The average anterior trochlear width (TrAW), middle trochlear width (TrMW), posterior trochlear width (TrPW), and trochlear length (TrL) were 31.8, 31.2, 28.3, and 30.7 mm. Based on eleven matched pairs of tali, the paired T-test showed the significant difference of TaH (P-value: 0.019), TrMW (P-value: 0.027), and TrPW (P-value: 0.016) between right and left tali.Conclusion:The present study demonstrated the discrepancy of right and left talar sizes about three important parameters in the matched pairs of tali. Talar prosthesis template may be necessary to use other method to determine its size for the prosthesis manufacturing in addition to the utilization of measured profiles from the contralateral talus.

Posterior Talofibular Ligament: The Relationship between its Length and Talar Morphometric Profiles

Category:Ankle, SportsIntroduction/Purpose:Posterior talofibular ligament is one of the lateral ligamentous complex of the ankle. However, little is known about its anatomic profile especially on the relationship between its length and the morphometric profiles of talus. The present was to analyze the correlations between PTFL length and the talar morphometric profiles in the cadaveric specimens. The PTFL variation was also reported in this study.Methods:A total of twenty four cadaveric ankles as twelve matched pairs of ankle were collected in this study. All ankles were measured with a Vernier caliper which provided the data for further analysis regarding the PTFL length and the talar morphometric profiles. The data was calculated to demonstrate the relationship between PTFL length and the morphometric profiles of talus. There was a cadaveric ankle which was not used in the study due to its absence of PTFL.Results:An average length of PTFL was 23.9+/-6.9 mm. In overall, an average talar length (TaL) was 53.5 millimeters (mm). An average talar dome height (TaH) was 31.2 mm. An average talar body width (TaW) was 41.3 mm. The average anterior trochlear width (TrAW), middle trochlear width (TrMW), posterior trochlear width (TrPW), and trochlear length (TrL) were 31.8, 31.2, 28.3, and 30.7 mm. Based on twenty three ankles, the paired samples T-test showed the significantly negative correlations between PTFL length and TrL (Pearson’s r correlation coefficient: -0.432; P-value: 0.039). Other correlations were in negative values but P-values > 0.05. There were 16 ankles (84.2%) with 1 PTFL band and 3 ankles (15.8%) with 2 bands from 19 ankles with complete data.Conclusion:The present study may be a first study which delineates the relationship between PTFL length and the morphometric profiles of talus. The PTFL length was negatively correlated with talar size especially on the trochlear length of talus.

Sex estimation from the calcaneus and talus using discriminant function analysis and its possible application in fossil remains

Foot bones have been shown to be sexually dimorphic and they are frequently used for sex estimation. In this study, we estimated the sex based on the calcaneus and the talus of a modern North American population obtained from the Hamann-Todd Osteological Collection, housed at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History (Ohio, USA). A total of 164 calcanei (84 males and 80 females) and 162 tali (83 males and 79 females) were studied. Several univariate discriminant functions were obtained, with accuracy ranging from 70.2 to 90.2%. The best variable for sex estimation in this sample is the talar length. Multivariate discriminant functions were also obtained. The accuracy (83.3 to 96.4%) was generally higher than that obtained with the univariate discriminant functions. The best multivariate equation is the one that uses all the variables measured in the talus. Discriminant functions previously reported in other studies were tested on the Hamann-Todd collection to verify their validity outside the population for which they were made. In addition, together with the equations reported here, they were applied on data from fossil remains belonging to three different groups (Homo neanderthalensis, hominins from the Sima de los Huesos, and anatomically modern Homo sapiens) in order to find some discriminant functions that allow for a valid determination of sex in this type of fossil populations. Several equations yielded good correct allocation percentages in fossil populations thus facilitating the estimation of sex for 16 fossil specimens of previously unknown sex.

Measurements of the talus in the assessment of population affinity

As part of their routine work, forensic anthropologists are expected to report population affinity as part of the biological profile of an individual. The skull is the most widely used bone for the estimation of population affinity but it is not always present in a forensic case. Thus, other bones that preserve well have been shown to give a good indication of either the sex or population affinity of an individual. In this study, the potential of measurements of the talus was investigated for the purpose of estimating population affinity in South Africans. Nine measurements from two hundred and twenty tali of South African Africans (SAA) and South African Whites (SAW) from the Raymond A. Dart Collection of Human Skeletons were used. Direct and step-wise discriminant function and logistic regression analyses were carried out using SPSS and SAS. Talar length was the best single variable for discriminating between these two groups for males while in females the head height was the best single predictor. Average accuracies for correct population affinity classification using logistic regression analysis were higher than those obtained from discriminant function analysis. This study was the first of its type to employ discriminant function analyses and logistic regression analyses to estimate the population affinity of an individual from the talus. Thus these equations can now be used by South African anthropologists when estimating the population affinity of dismembered or damaged or incomplete skeletal remains of SAA and SAW.

Clinico-Sonographical Evaluation of Idiopathic Clubfoot and its Correction by Ponseti Method-A Prospective Study

Abstract Background Objective evaluation of infant with clubfoot is required as conventional imaging modality is of limited usefulness. Ultrasound shows to be a promising technique for assessing deformity and monitoring of clubfoot correction. Aim Study was done to evaluate the deformity sonographically; to assess the changes in these parameters after treatment by Ponseti method and to correlate these ultrasonographic variables with clinical Pirani score. Materials and methods 82 feet in 54 children were observed. Clinical assessment was done using Pirani six point system and ultrasound machine with 7.5–12 MHz linear transducer was used to measure several parameters and data obtained was assessed to derive correlation between sonographic parameters and clinical system. Results Medial malleolus navicular distance (MMN) measured on medial view, calcaneo-cuboid distance (CCD) and calcaneo-cuboid angle (CCA) measured on lateral view, talar length (TAL) measured on dorsal view and tibio-calcaneal distance (TCL) measured on posterior view showed statistical significance. Sonographic parameters correlated statistically with Pirani scoring system on measuring Pearson correlation coefficient. Conclusion Ultrasound is a relatively simple, non invasive and widely available procedure that can improve pathomorphological documentation of nonossified clubfoot and its correction. Level of evidence Level II prospective study, as per guidelines for authors.

Clinico-sonographical evaluation of idiopathic clubfoot and its correction by Ponseti method — A prospective study

BackgroundObjective evaluation of infant with clubfoot is required as conventional imaging modality is of limited usefulness. Ultrasound shows to be a promising technique for assessing deformity and monitoring of clubfoot correction. AimStudy was done to evaluate the deformity sonographically; to assess the changes in these parameters after treatment by Ponseti method and to correlate these ultrasonographic variables with clinical Pirani score. Materials and methods82 feet in 54 children were observed. Clinical assessment was done using Pirani six point system and ultrasound machine with 7.5–12MHz linear transducer was used to measure several parameters and data obtained was assessed to derive correlation between sonographic parameters and clinical system. ResultsMedial malleolus navicular distance (MMN) measured on medial view, calcaneo-cuboid distance (CCD) and calcaneo-cuboid angle (CCA) measured on lateral view, talar length (TAL) measured on dorsal view and tibio-calcaneal distance (TCL) measured on posterior view showed statistical significance. Sonographic parameters correlated statistically with Pirani scoring system on measuring Pearson correlation coefficient. ConclusionUltrasound is a relatively simple, non invasive and widely available procedure that can improve pathomorphological documentation of nonossified clubfoot and its correction. Level of evidenceLevel II prospective study, as per guidelines for authors.

Sagittal tibiotalar translation and clinical outcomes in mobile and fixed-bearing total ankle replacement.

Sagittal implant malalignment after total ankle replacement (TAR) has been considered to be a possible cause for premature implant failure. In a prior study, the change over time of the tibiotalar ratio (T-T ratio), which is the ratio between the posterior longitudinal talar length and the full longitudinal talar length, was assessed in 66 TARs where an unconstrained, mobile-bearing implant was implanted. The analysis documented an increase in the T-T ratio between 2 and 6 months post-surgery (on average from 34.6% to 37.2%). We hypothesized that this change might have been related to the presence of a mobile-bearing insert. In order to test our hypothesis, we designed a study to compare the translation of the talus in TARs performed with an unconstrained, mobile-bearing implant (designated the "Mobile ankle") and those performed with a semi-constrained, fixed-bearing implant (designated the "Fixed ankle"). The study included 71 consecutive patients (71 ankles) who underwent TAR with the Mobile ankle and 24 consecutive patients (24 ankles) who received the Fixed ankle from May 2011 to December 2014. Patients were assessed clinically and radiologically preoperatively (T0), at 6 months (T2) and 12 months (T3) post-surgery. There was also a radiological assessment at 2 months post-surgery (T1). The comparison of the T-T ratio between the two implant groups and over time indicated an interaction between time and group, therefore the changes of the T-T ratio over time were affected by the implant type factor (P<0.001). The changes of the postoperative T-T ratio over time were not significant in the Fixed ankle group (35.7±6.7% at T1, T2, and T3; P=1.0 for each pairwise comparison). In the Mobile ankle group, the T-T ratio at 2 months (34.4±5.5%) was significantly different to the T-T ratio at 6 months (37.0±5.8%; P<0.001; i.e. there was a significant posterior translation of the talus). The AOFAS score increased from preop to 12 months post-surgery in both the Mobile ankle (72.7±12.8 at 12 months; P<0.001) and the Fixed ankle (85.0±9.7 at 12 months; P<0.001). The significant posterior translation of the talus from 2 to 6 months documented only in the Mobile ankle group may have been associated with the presence of the mobile bearing interface.

English

English

Calcaneotalar Ratio: A New Concept in the Estimation of the Length of the Calcaneus

Maintaining the calcaneal length after calcaneal fractures is vital to restoring the normal biomechanics of the foot, because it acts as an important lever arm to the plantarflexors of the foot. However, estimation of the length of the calcaneus to be reconstructed in comminuted calcaneal fractures can be difficult. We propose a new method to reliably estimate the calcaneal length radiographically by defining the calcaneotalar length ratio. A total of 100 ankle radiographs with no fracture in the calcaneus or talus taken in skeletally mature patients were reviewed by 6 observers. The anteroposterior lengths of the calcaneus and talus were measured, and the calcaneotalar length ratio was determined. The ratio was then used to estimate the length of the calcaneus. Interobserver reliability was determined using Cronbach's α coefficient and Pearson's correlation coefficient. The mean length of the calcaneus was 75 ± 0.6 mm, and the mean length of the talus was 59 ± 0.5 mm. The calcaneotalar ratio was 1.3. Using this ratio and multiplying it by the talar length, the mean average estimated length of the calcaneus was within 0.7 mm of the known calcaneal length. Cronbach’s α coefficient and Pearson's correlation coefficient showed excellent interobserver reliability. The proposed calcaneotalar ratio is a new and reliable method to radiographically estimate the normal length of the calcaneus when reconstructing the calcaneus.

Sex estimation from the talus in a Thai population

Previous research on sex estimation from the tarsals has shown that the talus is the most sexually dimorphic tarsal bone in most populations. In order to assess the sexing potential of the talus in a Thai population, 252 skeletons (126 male, 126 female) from the Chiang Mai University Skeletal Collection were measured. The sample represents Thai people who come from the local Chiang Mai area and who died within the past ten years. Ten measurements were taken on the left and right tali from each skeleton. Seven of these measurements are similar, or identical, to measurements used by other researchers. Three experimental measurements were also taken. Logistic regression equations were calculated for each measurement, and for pairs of measurements. The individual measurements were also examined using ROC analysis. Averaging the results from both sides, the individual measurements with the highest correct allocation accuracies based on logistic regression analysis were trochlear length (88.2%), trochlear breadth (87.3%), talar length (85.5%), and inferior articular surface length (84.5%). The ROC results followed a similar pattern, with Area Under the Curve values as follows: trochlear length (0.952), inferior articular surface length (0.937), trochlear breadth (0.935), and talar length (0.914). When pairs of measurements were considered by means of logistic regression, four equations produced predicted allocation accuracies greater than 90% – three from the right talus, and one from the left. The highest accuracy on both sides resulted from a combination of the two most sexually dimorphic individual measurements of trochlear length and trochlear breadth. Together, they produced predicted allocation accuracies of 91.3% on the right side, and 91.4% on the left side. Unlike many past studies that have found talar length to be the most sexually dimorphic measurement of the talus, our study found trochlear length and breadth to be the most accurate measurements for distinguishing the sexes. Researchers developing sexing equations for use with other populations should consider including trochlear length and breadth in their analyses.

The body mass estimation from human talus: inductive approach and 3D morphometric study (919.1)

The body mass (BM) that is gauging physical characteristics of individuals is still challengeable information to acquire from the skeletal remains in the fields of biological anthropology. The aim of this study is to develop the BM‐predicting equations from the talus using 3D morphometrics and investigate whether the estimated BM can be used as a biological profile in forensic anthropology.The right‐side talus in type of 3D models obtained from 76 Koreans (32 males and 44 females) of known stature, bi‐iliac breadth, and femoral head diameter were used. In this study, the inductive approach is needed in order to construct information about the weight for the CT‐based Digital Korean Collection, applying morphometric and mechanical method for assuming the weight of the individuals from the collection. For developing BM‐predicting equations, nine variables of 3D talus were measured through Mimics software (Materialise NV, Leuven, Belgium) and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 20.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). Overall this study, analysis of covariance found no statistically significant differences between sexes in most talar measurements except that talar length is just not. The linear regression analyses revealed that talar height was the most highly correlated measurement with the BM (R2 = 0.702, SEE = 3.73), followed by talar length (R2 = 0.701, SEE = 3.74) and talar width (R2 = 0.631, SEE = 4.15). Through the multiple regression analysis, four measurements of talar height, talar length, trochlear breadth and head height were selected as a BM‐predicting equations by stepwise selection with increasing the coefficient of determination (Adjusted R2 = 0.779, SEE = 3.19). In conclusion, the BM‐predicting equations were developed and expected this study do role as a stimulus of further study for assessment the effectiveness of anthropological body mass estimation serving as a biological profile.Grant Funding Source: Supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF‐2013R1A1A2009306)

Talus measurements as a diagnostic tool for sexual dimorphism in Egyptian population

Measurements of talus have been shown to be sexually dimorphic in South African blacks and whites and Prehistoric New Zealand Polynesians. Since several studies have demonstrated that discriminant function equations used to determine the sex of a skeleton are population specific, the purpose of the present study was to derive similar equation for the tali of Egyptians. The sample consisted of 110 tali (67 male & 43 female) whose age at death ranged between 20 and 60 years. The tali were obtained from Anatomy departments of Minia and Cairo Universities and also from Forensic Medicine department of Justice Office in Minia governates – Egypt. Twelve measurements were taken for every talus. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 16. All measurements showed significant sexual differences (P < 0.05) except calcaneus articular surface width and navicular articular surfaced width. Talar length was found to be the most sexual dimorphic (90.9%). Combination of talar length, talar width and neck width gave a percentage of accuracy of 85.5%. Finally, it is concluded that the talus of Egyptian population is useful for sex estimation.

RADIOGRAPHIC ABNORMALITIES OF THE TALUS IN PATIENTS WITH CLUBFOOT AFTER SURGICAL RELEASE USING THE MCKAY TECHNIQUE

Objective: To analyze morphological abnormalities of the talus in patients with clubfoot after surgical treatment using the McKay technique. Method: Lateral standing-position radiographs of the feet of 14 patients with unilateral clubfoot who underwent treatment by means of the doubleincision McKay technique were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients were operated by the same surgeon, with an average of 6.53 years between surgery and the radiograph. We compared the radiographic characteristics of the talus between the operated and the contralateral foot. We assessed the presence of deformity of the talar dome and head (sphericity evaluation); the talar length and height; the percentage and degree of navicular subluxation; abnormalities of the Gissane angle; and the trabecular bone pattern. Results: Abnormalities of the talar head occurred in 92.8% of the patients; of the talar dome in 92.8%; and of the trabecular pattern in 100%. The talar length ratio between the operated and the contralateral foot ranged from 0.61 to 0.88 (mean 0.79; SD = 0.09), while the height ratio ranged from 0.57 to 0.98 (mean 0.82; SD = 0.12). The Gissane angle was greater in all of the operated feet, and all of them also showed navicular subluxation, at a rate ranging from 6.43 to 59.75% (mean 26.34%; SD = 16.66%). Conclusion: Talar abnormalities occurred in 100% of the feet treated using the McKay technique. It was shown that establishing radiographic parameters to describe and quantify these deformities was feasible, through simple and easy-to-perform techniques.

Alterações radiográficas do tálus no pé torto congênito após liberação cirúrgica pela técnica de McKay

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze morphological abnormalities of the ta-lus in patients with clubfoot after surgical treatment using the McKay technique. Method: Lateral standing-position radio-graphs of the feet of 14 patients with unilateral clubfoot who underwent treatment by means of the double-incision McKay technique were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients were operated by the same surgeon, with an average of 6.53 years between surgery and the radiograph. We compared the radio-graphic characteristics of the talus between the operated and the contralateral foot. We assessed the presence of deformity of the talar dome and head (sphericity evaluation); the talar length and height; the percentage and degree of navicular subluxation; abnormalities of the Gissane angle; and the trabecular bone pattern. Results: Abnormalities of the talar head occurred in 92.8% of the patients; of the talar dome in 92.8%; and of the trabecular pattern in 100%. The talar length ratio between the operated and the contralateral foot ranged from 0.61 to 0.88 (mean 0.79; SD = 0.09), while the height ratio ranged from 0.57 to 0.98 (mean 0.82; SD = 0.12). The Gissane angle was greater in all of the operated feet, and all of them also showed navicular subluxation, at a rate ranging from 6.43 to 59.75% (mean 26.34%; SD = 16.66%). Conclusion: Talar abnormalities occurred in 100% of the feet treated using the McKay techni-que. It was shown that establishing radiographic parameters to describe and quantify these deformities was feasible, through simple and easy-to-perform techniques.