Calcaneus
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| Animation of the calcaneus bone | |
| Latin | Calcaneus |
|---|---|
| Articulations | Talus bone, Cuboid bone |
The calcaneus or heel bone is a large bone that forms the foundation of the rear part of the foot. The calcaneus connects with the talus bone and the cuboid bone. The connection between the talus and calcaneus forms the subtalar joint, which is essential for the normal function of the foot.
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
The calcaneus is the largest of the tarsal bones in the foot. It is situated at the lower and back part of the foot, forming the heel. The bone has several important features, including the calcaneal tuberosity, which is the large, posterior, weight-bearing prominence, and the sustentaculum tali, a horizontal shelf that projects from the medial side of the bone.
Articulations[edit | edit source]
The calcaneus articulates with two bones:
- The talus bone superiorly, forming the subtalar joint.
- The cuboid bone anteriorly, forming the calcaneocuboid joint.
Function[edit | edit source]
The calcaneus serves as the foundation for the rear part of the foot. It plays a crucial role in normal foot function, including:
- Supporting the weight of the body when standing and during movement.
- Acting as a lever arm for the Achilles tendon, which attaches to the posterior surface of the calcaneus.
- Facilitating the movement of the foot through its articulations with the talus and cuboid bones.
Clinical significance[edit | edit source]
Injuries to the calcaneus can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. Common injuries include:
- Calcaneal fracture: Often caused by high-energy trauma such as a fall from a height.
- Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia that can cause heel pain.
- Achilles tendonitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon where it attaches to the calcaneus.
Related pages[edit | edit source]
See also[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Kondreddy Naveen, Prab R. Tumpati, MD
