Radiographic Examination of Talocrural Joint Morphometry in Individuals with Normal Joint Anatomy

Abstract

Aim: The traumas of the talocrural joint are very common in population. Therefore; the anatomy and morphometry of this joint has a great importance. The aim of this study was to examine the morphometry of talocrural joint in large series of patients according to age and sex in order to add some new knowledge to the literature. At the same time, according to the results of the research, it is aimed to give a way for field-specific prosthesis production to the prosthetic producers. Material and Method: In this study; the talocrural joint radiographs of 274 anatomically normal patients (134 males, 140 females) were examined. The morphometric measurements of the defined parameters were done and their statistical analysis were performed according to age and sex. As far as we know, from our parameters; the mediolateral diameter of tibia (TML), the mediolateral diameter of fibula (FML), surface area of trochlea tali (TTA) and SIGMA angles were firstly defined in this study. Additionally; the innermost distance of talocrural joint (ATI), the outermost distance of talocrural joint (ATD), the angles in between the medial malleolus and talus (DELTA), the lateral malleolus and talus (ALFA) and the sagittal length of trochlea tali (TSU) were also measured. Results: In the comparison of TML, FML, TTA, ATI, ATD measurement sand ALFA angle in both sexes; they were found to be higher in males than in females. However; TSU and SIFGMA angle were found to be higher in females, when compared with males. The DELTA angle was nearly the same in both sexes. Conclusion: These morphometric analyses were performed in a huge number of anatomically normal patients' radiographs and therefore; we believe that the study will add a new knowledge to the literature, will help to the clinicians who are interested in the ankle joint and will be useful for the companies who are working on implant technology.