Calcaneus

Gray's anatomy image 268

Gray's anatomy image 269

Calcaneus Fracture

Left Calcaneus animation03

Ospied-en

Calcaneus

Calcaneus
Animation of the calcaneus bone
Position of calcaneus (shown in red). Animation.
Details
Articulations	Talus bone, Cuboid bone
Identifiers
Latin	Calcaneus
TA98
TH	{{#property:P1694}}
TE	{{#property:P1693}}
FMA	{{#property:P1402}}
Anatomical terms of 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

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

The calcaneus articulates with two bones:

• The talus bone superiorly, forming the subtalar joint.
• The cuboid bone anteriorly, forming the calcaneocuboid joint.

Function

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

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

• Foot
• Tarsal bones
• Talus bone
• Cuboid bone
• Achilles tendon
• Plantar fascia

See also

• Subtalar joint
• Calcaneocuboid joint
• Calcaneal fracture
• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis