The pattern of talar articular facets in Northeastern Thai calcanei

Abstract

The variations of the talar articular facets in 230 Northeastern Thai calcanei were studied and classified.  The specimens were 100 wet calcanei and 130 dry calcanei.  Three types were considered: type A (calcanei with two articular facets for the talar head, with four subtypes); type B (calcanei with the anterior and middle talar articular facets coalescing into a common articular facet for the talar head, with two subypes); type C (calcanei with the anterior, middle and posterior talar articular facets coalescing into a sigle facet for the talus).  It is interesting that our studies of the two groups of specimens yielded similar percentages of calcaneal types, 40% of type A, 59% of type B, and 0-1% of type C.  Therefore, the overall results reflect the type distribution of both wet and dry groups.  In 230 calcanei we found 40% (93 cases) of type A calcanei, 59% (136 cases) of type B calcanei and 0.43% (1 case) of type C calcaneus.  The incidence of type B was significantly higher than type A (P<0.05).  comparing the sexes (in wet calcanei), we found that the incidence of type B in females was significantly higher than in males (p<0.05).