Incidence of Patterns of Bony modification of Neck of the Talus in Indian Population

Abstract

Objective: The present study is an attempt to determine the various types of bony modifications on the dorsum of the neck of the human tali of both feet due to the continuous habit of squatting in humans and correlating these findings to the existing literature. Materials and Methods: 70 tali of unknown sex, obtained from the Department of Anatomy of MVJ Medical College and Research Hospital, Bangalore were used for the study. The dorsal surface of talar neck was carefully examined for the presence of medial and lateral squatting facets, combined facets, continuous gutter shaped facets and extension of trochlear surface. The collected data were tabulated and percentage of each facets and trochlear extensions were calculated. Statistical analysis of data was performed. Results: Out of 70 dry human tali, lateral squatting facets were present in 29 (41.4%) bones and medial squatting facets were seen in 11 (15.7%) bones, gutter shaped facets in 12 (17.1%) tali and combined facet present in 10 (14.2%) tali. Complete absence of facet was observed in 8 tali. Lateral extension of trochlear surface on the dorsum of neck was seen in 60 (85.7%) bones and medial trochlear extension was seen in 8(11.5%) bones. Lateral squatting facets were more common on right side but medial, gutter and combined facets though less frequent were seen more on left side. Lateral extensions were more commonly seen than medial extensions. Conclusion: The knowledge of incidence of these modifications on the dorsal surfaces of neck of the talus acts as a key anthropological factor to identify the racial and regional origin of unclaimed skeleton. Hence the results of this study will be of great help for forensic experts, anthropologist who are handling the unidentified skeletons. KEY WORDS: Squatting Facets, Talus, Trochlear extensions, Sub Talar Joint Stability.