Morphology Of Talus Research Articles

The influence of talus size and shape on in vivo talocrural hopping kinematics.

Talus morphology (shape and size) plays a pivotal role in talocrural joint function. Despite its importance, the relationship between talus morphology, particularly the talar dome, and dynamic, in vivo talocrural function is poorly understood. Understanding these form-function relationships in a healthy cohort is essential for advancing patient-specific treatments aimed at restoring function. Nine participants (five females) hopped on one leg while biplanar videoradiography and ground reaction forces were simultaneously collected. Three-dimensional bone models were created from computed tomography scans. Helical axes of motion were calculated for the talus relative to the tibia (rotation axes), and a cylinder was fitted through the talar dome (morphological axis). Bland-Altman plots and spatial angles were used to examine the level of agreement between the rotation and morphological axes. A shape model of 36 (15 females) participants was established, and a cylinder fit was morphed through the range of ±3 standard deviations. The rotation and morphological axes largely agree regarding their orientation and location during hopping. The morphological axes were consistently oriented more anteriorly during landing than the rotation axes. Some shape components affect talar dome orientation and curvature independent of size. This suggests that besides bone size, the shape of the talar dome might influence the movement pattern during locomotion. Our findings may further inform talocrural joint arthroplasty design.

Human in vivo midtarsal and subtalar joint kinematics during walking, running and hopping.

The interaction among joints of the midtarsal complex and subtalar joint is important for locomotor function; however, its complexity poses substantial challenges in quantifying the joints' motions. We determine the mobility of these joints across locomotion tasks and investigate the influence of individual talus morphology on their motion. Using highly accurate biplanar videoradiography, three-dimensional bone kinematics were captured during walking, running and hopping. We calculated the axis of rotation of the midtarsal complex and subtalar joint for the landing and push-off phases. A comparison was made between these rotation axes and the morphological subtalar axis. Measurement included total rotation about and the orientation of the rotation axes in the direction of the subtalar joint and its deviation via spatial angles for both phases. The rotation axes of all three bones relative to the talus closely align with the morphological subtalar axis. This suggests that the midtarsal and subtalar joints' motions might be described by one commonly oriented axis. Despite having such an axis, the location of the axes and ranges of motion differed among the bones. Our results provide a novel perspective of healthy foot function across different sagittal plane-dominant locomotion tasks underscoring the importance of quantifying midtarsal complex and subtalar motion while accounting for an individual's talus morphology.

Shape variation in the talus and medial cuneiform of chimpanzees and bonobos

AbstractObjectivesBonobos and chimpanzees do not differ from one another in overall frequencies of arboreality versus terrestriality as much as once thought. Thus, at a broad level, one would predict that there is little difference in foot morphology among Pan taxa. However, behavioral data suggest that bonobos more often use smaller diameter substrates (<10 cm) when climbing whereas western chimpanzees frequently climb larger diameter (>15 cm) substrates. This study tests the hypothesis that if Pan medial cuneiform and talus morphology reflects these substrate preferences, then the morphology of these bones should favor hallucial grasping in bonobos and an inverted foot set in western chimpanzees.Materials and MethodsThree‐dimensional geometric morphometric (3DGM) methods were used to explore shape variation in 126 talus and 127 medial cuneiform 3D surface models acquired from 108 chimpanzees (24 western, four Nigeria‐Cameroon, 33 central, 32 eastern, and 15 captive unknowns) and 22 bonobosResultsThe shapes of the talus and medial cuneiform in Pan covary as a functional unit emphasizing hallucial grasping with a less inverted foot set in bonobos and a more inverted foot set with a less abducted hallucial set in western chimpanzees. Other chimpanzee subspecies fall between these two extremes.DiscussionBonobo and western chimpanzee medial cuneiform and talus shapes are consistent with their differing preferences for using smaller and larger diameter substrates, respectively, when vertically climbing. These results suggest that even among closely related taxa, foot, hand, and other postcranial anatomy may be fine‐tuned for specific locomotor behaviors or preferences.

Talus morphology differs between flatfeet and controls, but its variety has no influence on extent of surgical deformity correction

BackgroundProgressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) is a complex 3-dimensional (3-D) deformity with varying degrees of hindfoot valgus, forefoot abduction, and midfoot varus. The first aim of this study was to perform a 3-D analysis of the talus morphology between symptomatic PCFD patients that underwent operative flatfoot correction and controls. The second aim was to investigate if there is an impact of individual talus morphology on the success of operative flatfoot correction.MethodsWe reviewed all patients that underwent lateral calcaneal lengthening for correction of PCFD between 2008 and 2018 at our clinic. Radiographic flatfoot parameters on preoperative and postoperative radiographs were assessed. Additionally, 3-D surface models of the tali were generated using computed tomography (CT) data. The talus morphology of 44 flatfeet was compared to 3-D models of 50 controls without foot or ankle pain of any kind.ResultsGroups were comparable regarding demographics. Talus morphology differed significantly between PCFD and controls in multiple aspects. There was a 2.6° increased plantar flexion (22.3° versus 26°; p = 0.02) and medial deviation (31.7° and 33.5°; p = 0.04) of the talar head in relation to the body in PCFD patients compared to controls. Moreover, PCFD were characterized by an increased valgus (difference of 4.6°; p = 0.01) alignment of the subtalar joint. Satisfactory correction was achieved in all cases, with an improvement of the talometatarsal-angle and the talonavicular uncoverage angle of 5.6° ± 9.7 (p = 0.02) and 9.9° ± 16.3 (p = 0.001), respectively. No statistically significant correlation was found between talus morphology and the correction achieved or loss of correction one year postoperatively.ConclusionThe different morphological features mentioned above might be contributing or risk factors for progression to PCFD. However, despite the variety of talar morphology, which is different compared to controls, the surgical outcome of calcaneal lengthening osteotomy was not affected.Level of evidenceIII.

Tibial torsion correlates with talar morphology

BackgroundThere is limited literature on axial rotation of the ankle or variations in anatomy of the talus. We aim to evaluate the rotational profile of the distal tibia and its relationship to talus morphology, radiographic foot-type, and tibiotalar tilt in arthritic ankles. MethodsPreoperative imaging was reviewed in 173 consecutive patients with ankle arthritis. CT measurements were used to calculate tibial torsion and the talar neck-body angle (TNBA). Tibiotalar tilt and foot-type were measured on weightbearing plain radiographs. ResultsMeasurements indicated mean external tibial torsion of 29.2±9.1˚ and TNBA of 35.2±7.5˚ medial. Tibiotalar tilt ranged from 48˚ varus to 23.5˚ valgus. A moderate association between increasing external tibial torsion and decreasing TNBA was found (ρ=−0.576, p<.0001). Weak relationships were found between external tibial torsion and varus tibiotalar tilt (ρ=−0.239, p=.014) and plantarflexion of the talo-first metatarsal angle (ρ=−0.218, p<.025). ConclusionWe observed a statistically significant correlation between tibial torsion and morphology of the talus, tibiotalar tilt, and first ray plantarflexion. This previously unreported association may provide information regarding the development of foot and ankle deformity and pathology. Level of evidenceLevel III.

Measurement of talar morphology in northeast Chinese population based on three-dimensional computed tomography.

Morphological data of talus are important for the design of talar prostheses. The talar morphology of Chinese population has been rarely reported. This study adopted a three-dimensional (3D) measurement approach to provide accurate data for the anatomical morphology of talus in Northeast Chinese population and compared it with that of foreigners.One hundred forty-six healthy subjects form Northeast China underwent computed tomography (CT) arthrography. 3D digital talar model was reconstructed and thirteen morphological parameters were measured through Mimics and Magics software. Length and breadth indexes of total talus, trochlea, medial and lateral malleolus articular surface were mainly selected. Statistical analysis was conducted by independent-samples and paired-samples t test through SPSS software.All the indexes were normally distributed. No significant difference between left and right talus was identified in either males or females (P > .05). Most of the indexes showed significant sexual differences except the radian of lateral malleolus articular surface and the posterior breadth of trochlea (P < .05). The talar anatomy of Chinese subjects is different from the published data in other populations.The promising approach adopted in this study addresses some inconvenience with previous conventional methods on cadaver specimens. The geometric parameters of talus in Chinese population differ from those in other populations. The talar measurements and morphology analysis in this study suggest that population characteristics should be taken into account. This study will provide references for the design of talar prostheses in Chinese population.

Inferring locomotor behaviours in Miocene New World monkeys using finite element analysis, geometric morphometrics and machine-learning classification techniques applied to talar morphology

The talus is one of the most commonly preserved post-cranial elements in the platyrrhine fossil record. Talar morphology can provide information about postural adaptations because it is the anatomical structure responsible for transmitting body mass forces from the leg to the foot. The aim of this study is to test whether the locomotor behaviour of fossil Miocene platyrrhines could be inferred from their talus morphology. The extant sample was classified into three different locomotor categories and then talar strength was compared using finite-element analysis. Geometric morphometrics were used to quantify talar shape and to assess its association with biomechanical strength. Finally, several machine-learning (ML) algorithms were trained using both the biomechanical and morphometric data from the extant taxa to infer the possible locomotor behaviour of the Miocene fossil sample. The obtained results show that the different locomotor categories are distinguishable using either biomechanical or morphometric data. The ML algorithms categorized most of the fossil sample as arboreal quadrupeds. This study has shown that a combined approach can contribute to the understanding of platyrrhine talar morphology and its relationship with locomotion. This approach is likely to be beneficial for determining the locomotor habits in other fossil taxa.

Morphometry of talar trochlear surface and its correlation

Abstract Background and objectives: The morphometry of talus represents its biomechanical role in transmission of body weight. The objective of the study was to find the shape of trochlea and its correlation with other articular surfaces. Methodology: A total of 160 dry Tali of unknown sex were utilised for this study, its trochlear surface length-anterior, middle and posterior breadth [TSL, TSAB, TSMB and TSPB], calcaneal surface length &amp; breadth [CSL and CSB] and navicular surface length &amp; breadth [NSL and NSB] were measured using digital vernier caliper. Trochlear surface angle [TSA] and depth angle [DA] were calculated using image J software. The mean and standard deviation of the parameters were calculated. Side differences between the parameters were calculated by independent sample t test and the strength of association between the parameters was calculated by Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: The results were trochlear surface length, anterior, middle and posterior breadth [29.6 ± 2.7, 31 ± 2.5, 28.2 ± 2.6 and21.4± 2.1mm], navicular surface length &amp; breadth [29.7 ± 2.5 &amp; 20.5 ± 1.7mm] and calcaneal surface length &amp; breadth [30 ± 2.4 &amp;19.8 ± 1.6mm]. The mean trochlear surface and depth angle were 9.7 ± 3.3 and 156 ± 5.1 degrees. There was significant correlation between the parameters of the articular surfaces. Conclusion: The present study helps in understanding the morphology of talus and the role of articular surfaces in load transmission.

Morphometry of talar trochlear surface and its correlation

Background and objectives: The morphometry of talus represents its biomechanical role in transmission of body weight. The objective of the study was to find the shape of trochlea and its correlation with other articular surfaces. Methodology: A total of 160 dry Tali of unknown sex were utilised for this study, its trochlear surface length-anterior, middle and posterior breadth [TSL, TSAB, TSMB and TSPB], calcaneal surface length & breadth [CSL and CSB] and navicular surface length & breadth [NSL and NSB] were measured using digital vernier caliper. Trochlear surface angle [TSA] and depth angle [DA] were calculated using image J software. The mean and standard deviation of the parameters were calculated. Side differences between the parameters were calculated by independent sample t test and the strength of association between the parameters was calculated by Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: The results were trochlear surface length, anterior, middle and posterior breadth [29.6 ± 2.7,31 ± 2.5,28.2 ±2.6 and 21.4 ± 2.1mm], navicular surface length & breadth [29.7 ± 2.5 & 20.5 ± 1.7mm] and calcaneal surface length & breadth [30 ± 2.4 &19.8 ± 1.6mm]. The mean trochlear surface and depth angle were 9.7 ± 3.3 and 156 ± 5.1degrees. There was significant correlation between the parameters of the articular surfaces. Conclusion: The present study helps in understanding the morphology of talus and the role of articular surfaces in load transmission.

A STUDY OF MORPHOLOGY OF TALUS AND ITS CALCANEAL FACETS

A STUDY OF MORPHOLOGY OF TALUS AND ITS CALCANEAL FACETS

Neandertal talus bones from El Sidrón site (Asturias, Spain): A 3D geometric morphometrics analysis.

The El Sidrón tali sample is assessed in an evolutionary framework. We aim to explore the relationship between Neandertal talus morphology and body size/shape. We test the hypothesis 1: talar Neandertal traits are influenced by body size, and the hypothesis 2: shape variables independent of body size correspond to inherited primitive features. We quantify 35 landmarks through 3D geometric morphometrics techniques to describe H. neanderthalensis-H. sapiens shape variation, by Mean Shape Comparisons, Principal Component, Phenetic Clusters, Minimum spanning tree analyses and partial least square and regression of talus shape on body variables. Shape variation correlated to body size is compared to Neandertals-Modern Humans (MH) evolutionary shape variation. The Neandertal sample is compared to early hominins. Neandertal talus presents trochlear hypertrophy, a larger equality of trochlear rims, a shorter neck, a more expanded head, curvature and an anterior location of the medial malleolar facet, an expanded and projected lateral malleolar facet and laterally expanded posterior calcaneal facet compared to MH. The Neandertal talocrural joint morphology is influenced by body size. The other Neandertal talus traits do not co-vary with it or not follow the same co-variation pattern as MH. Besides, the trochlear hypertrophy, the trochlear rims equality and the short neck could be inherited primitive features; the medial malleolar facet morphology could be an inherited primitive feature or a secondarily primitive trait; and the calcaneal posterior facet would be an autapomorphic feature of the Neandertal lineage.

Three-dimensional Computer-assisted Modeling of Talus Morphology in Chinese Patients.

To provide more accurate reference data for the assessment and treatment of talar injuries by constructing 3-D computer-assisted models of the talus and comparing them with reference data obtained from measurements on cadaver specimens. Three-dimensional talus models were constructed from CT data recorded for healthy Chinese volunteers using SuperImage Orthopedics software. Structural variables such as length, width, height and volume of talus were compared using the Fisher least significant difference test to determine the significance of bilateral or sex-specific differences in the study cohort. Measurement data were normally distributed. No significant difference between the left and right talus in either men or women was identified for any measurement (P > 0.05). The bilateral mean volume of the talus in men (37.87 ± 6.69 mm) was significantly larger than that in women (26.95 ± 5.73 mm; P < 0.05). Although the dimensions of most of the structural features and articular surfaces of the talus were significantly larger in men than in women (P < 0.05), no significant differences in the angles of the talar neck and head were observed between men and women in our cohort (P > 0.05). Our method of 3-D model construction provided precise measurements of the structural features of the talus. The talar dimensions in our Chinese study cohort differ from those previously reported for people of different ethnic groups. Our models should provide accurate reference data for constructing models based on CT images for the assessment and treatment of talar injuries in Chinese patients.

A regional approach for modeling cliff retreat rate: The Makhteshim Country, Israel

Cliff retreat rate significantly affect the evolution of landforms and cliff stability. Cliff retreat studies also provide intriguing clues regarding past geomorphic conditions and environmental changes. We hereby present a model to calculate cliff retreat rate based on spatial data of cliff structure and morphology. The model is applied to numerous cliffs in the arid Makhteshim Country, Israel, and results are calibrated using published rates of two local cliffs. The calculated retreat rates confirm previous assertions that the crater cliffs are receding very slowly, but reveal that the rates vary significantly along the cliffs (1–18cmky−1). Results also provide first estimates of retreat rates of other major cliffs in the region including fast retreat rates at the Sede Zin cliff (300–600cmky−1). The proposed model provides a robust analysis to account for local cliff–talus morphology and yields rate estimates representative of current conditions rather than a long-term (geologic) average rate. Results presented constitute important new insights into regional geomorphic processes and on the stability of specific cliff sections within the study area.

Ecological divergence and talar morphology in gorillas

Gorillas occupy a variety of habitats from the west coast to eastern central Africa. These habitats differ considerably in altitude, which has a pronounced effect on forest ecology. Although all gorillas are obligate terrestrial knuckle-walking quadrupeds, those that live in lowland habitats eat fruits and climb more often than do those living in highland habitats. Here we test the hypothesis that gorilla talus morphology falls along a morphocline that tracks locomotor function related to a more inverted or everted foot set. This proposed morphocline predicts that gorillas living in lowland habitats may have a talocrural joint configured to facilitate a more medially oriented foot during climbing, suggesting that they may be more adaptively committed to arboreality than gorillas living in highland habitats. To quantify the relative set of the foot in gorillas, we chose two three-dimensional measurements of the talocrural joint: mediolateral curvature of the trochlea and relative surface area of the lateral malleolus. Our results show that, in comparison to their eastern counterparts, western gorillas have talar features that reflect a more medially directed sole of the foot. This morphology likely facilitates foot placement in a wider range of positions and minimization of shearing stresses across the joint when the foot is loaded on more curved or vertically oriented substrates as occurs during climbing and other arboreal behaviors. In contrast, eastern gorilla talar morphology is consistent with habitual placement of the foot with the sole directed more inferiorly, suggesting more effective loading during plantigrade push-off on terrestrial substrates.

Cubierta nival, permafrost y formación de flujos superficiales en un talud detrítico de alta montaña (Corral del Veleta, Sierra Nevada, España)

. This study examines the origin of a series of mass movements called skin flows occurring on a scree slope located at the foot on the north wall of Pico del Veleta in Sierra Nevada, Spain (3398 m, 37º03'21''N, 3º 21' 57''W). The genesis of these flows is contrasted to the geomorphologic action of snow and the degradation of buried ice masses or permafrost. Oblique photography was used during late summer, yearly monitoring of snow cover duration and surface area from 1998-2008 and the variations of talus morphology. The results show a recent trend in reduced snow cover duration in late summer. The talus is free of snow cover during this season and permafrost degradation in some sections of the talus has accelerated. The contrast between snow cover evolution and skin flows formation indicates when and where the processes occurred. Skin flows are most apt to form on the downslope side of long-lasted snow patches when snow melts rapidly. The sedimentologic characteristics of the detritus material containing large amounts of fine sediment is often responsible for triggering superficial talus destabilization and subsequent detachment and displacement of a thin layer of materials that drags fine sediment, stones and small boulders with it.

Morphology of sustentaculum tali: Biomechanical importance and correlation with angular dimensions of the talus

Summary of background data The talus and the calcaneus share the bulk of load transmitted from the leg to the skeleton of the foot. The present study analyses the inter-relationship between the superior articular surface and the angular dimensions of the talus with the morphology of the sustentaculum tali. Objective Identification of possible relationships between different angular parameters of the talus morphology and the sustentaculum tali in context of load transmission through the foot. Methods One articular surface and three angular parameters at the junction of the head and the body were measured from dried human talar bones. Corresponding calcaneal samples were measured for four dimensions at the sustentaculum tali. Correlation and regression statistical values between parameters were worked out and analysed. Results Several parameters within the talus demonstrated significant correlations amongst themselves. The neck vertical angle showed a strong correlation with the articulating surface area below the head of the talus. Conclusions The inter-relationship between articular and angular parameters within the talus demonstrates strong correlation for certain parameters. Data presented in the study may be helpful to adjust calcaneal and talar screw placement techniques, prosthesis designing and bio-mechanical studies at this important region.

Notes on Talus Morphology and Processes in Spitsbergen

The morphology, morphometry and active processes are described for two km long sections of one west facing and one east facing talus slope in central Spitsbergen. The rock delivery activity to the talus slopes was studied during three summers and compared with the meteorological conditions. The two slopes showed great differences in response to variations in direct sunshine, precipitation events and rapid temperature changes which may explain the observed differencies in morphology and morphometry. Thus, well developed debris flows were almost exclusively found on the east facing slope. A regional inventory of 570 1-km sections of debris slopes in central Spitsbergen showed that debris flows are more abundant in east and north facing slopes or on slopes in very narrow valleys, which supports this observation.

Notes on Talus Morphology and Processes in Spitsbergen

The morphology, morphometry and active processes are described for two km long sections of one west facing and one east facing talus slope in central Spitsbergen. The rock delivery activity to the talus slopes was studied during three summers and compared with the meteorological conditions. The two slopes showed great differences in response to variations in direct sunshine, precipitation events and rapid temperature changes which may explain the observed differencies in morphology and morphometry. Thus, well developed debris flows were almost exclusively found on the east facing slope. A regional inventory of 570 1-km sections of debris slopes in central Spitsbergen showed that debris flows are more abundant in east and north facing slopes or on slopes in very narrow valleys, which supports this observation.