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TALUS ANATOMY

Talus anatomy 360-degree interactive viewer showing the second-largest tarsal bone with head, neck, body, and trochlea

Talus - General Structure, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL STRUCTURE

The talus is the second-largest tarsal bone, supporting the tibia and resting on the calcaneus. It articulates with the navicular bone in front and the malleoli on either side, forming a crucial part of the ankle joint. Structurally, the talus is divided into four parts: the head, neck, body, and trochlea.

Head

  • Directed forwards and medialwards
  • Articulates with the navicular bone
  • Contains multiple articular surfaces on the plantar surface

Neck

  • Constricted part connecting the head with the body
  • Rough dorsal and medial surfaces perforated by foramina for vessels
  • Contains the sulcus tali on its plantar surface

Body

  • Cuboidal posterior part of the bone
  • Features the trochlea on its dorsal surface
  • Articulates with the tibia and fibula

Trochlea

  • Articular eminence on the dorsal surface of the body
  • Broader in front than behind
  • Articulates with the tibia

HEAD OF TALUS

Talus head 360-degree viewer showing navicular articular surface, plantar calcaneonavicular ligament facet, anterior calcaneal facet, and neck features

Head of the Talus, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.

The head of the talus is directed forwards and medialwards, with its anterior surface articulating with the concavity of the navicular bone. It contributes significantly to the foot's tarsal structure. The plantar surface of the head contains three articular areas, enhancing its role in joint articulation and foot stability.

  • Located on the anterior surface of the talus head
  • Articulates with the navicular bone
  • Oval and convex in shape
  • Aligns with the concave surface of the navicular bone

Facet for the Plantar Calcaneonavicular Ligament

  • Located on the medial aspect of the talus
  • Supports the inferior calcaneonavicular ligament
  • Helps stabilize the foot's arch

Anterior Facet for the Calcaneus

  • Located on the plantar surface of the talus
  • Quadrilateral or irregularly oval in shape
  • Articulates with the anterior part of the calcaneus

Neck of Talus

  • Constricted part connecting the head with the body
  • Dorsal and medial surfaces:
    • Rough and perforated by foramina for vessels
    • Dorsal surface provides attachment to the talonavicular ligament

Sulcus Tali

  • Deep groove on the plantar surface of the talus
  • Wide in front, narrow behind
  • Directed forwards and lateralwards
  • Forms the sinus tarsi (with the sulcus calcanei):
    • Sinus tarsi is filled with the interosseous talocalcaneal ligament

BODY OF TALUS

Talus body 360-degree viewer showing trochlea, superior facet, lateral and medial malleolar facets, lateral process, posterior process with tubercles, and posterior calcaneal articular facet

Body of the Talus, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.

The body of the talus is the cuboidal posterior part of the bone. Its dorsal surface features the trochlea, which articulates with the tibia and fibula. The lateral surface provides an attachment site for the anterior talofibular ligament, while the posterior surface is traversed by a sulcus that accommodates the tendon of the flexor hallucis longus.

Trochlea

  • Articular eminence on the dorsal surface
  • Articulates with the tibia
  • Broader in front than behind
  • Convex front to back, slightly concave side to side

Superior Facet

  • Located on the dorsal surface of the trochlea
  • Articulates with the tibia
  • Forms the upper surface of the ankle joint

Lateral Malleolar Facet

  • Located on the trochlea of the talus
  • Articulates with the lateral malleolus of the fibula
  • Contributes to lateral stability of the ankle joint

Lateral Process

  • Rough, triangular eminence on the lateral side of the talus
  • Attachment point for the lateral talocalcaneal ligament
  • Stabilizes the subtalar joint

Medial Malleolar Facet

  • Located on the medial aspect of the trochlea
  • Articulates with the medial malleolus of the tibia
  • Contributes to medial stability of the ankle joint

Posterior Process

  • Extends backward from the talus
  • Traversed by a sulcus for the tendon of the Flexor hallucis longus
  • Contains two tubercles:
    • Lateral Tubercle - More prominent; attachment for the posterior talofibular ligament; when detached, referred to as the os trigonum
    • Medial Tubercle - Attachment for the medial talocalcaneal ligament

Sulcus for the Tendon of Flexor Hallucis Longus

  • Located on the posterior process
  • Allows passage of the tendon towards the big toe

Posterior Calcaneal Articular Facet

  • Located on the plantar surface of the talus body
  • Large, oval-shaped facet
  • Articulates with the calcaneus
  • Forms part of the talocalcaneal joint
  • Supports transfer of body weight to the heel

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Henry G, Warren HL. Osteology. In: Anatomy of the Human Body. 20th ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1918. p. 129–97.

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