Tarsal Bones
The tarsal bones are seven bones that form the posterior half of the foot. They include the talus and calcaneus (hindfoot) and the navicular, cuboid, and three cuneiforms (midfoot).
Key Features
Articulations
- •Ankle joint (talus with tibia/fibula) - hinge
- •Subtalar joint (talus with calcaneus) - plane/modified plane
- •Transverse tarsal joint (talonavicular + calcaneocuboid) - compound
- •Tarsometatarsal joints (with metatarsals)
Muscle Attachments
Clinical Relevance
Calcaneal fractures often result from falls from height. Talus fractures can disrupt blood supply causing avascular necrosis. Navicular stress fractures occur in athletes. The arches of the foot are supported by tarsal articulations.
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Common questions about this bone
The calcaneus (heel bone) is the largest tarsal bone. It forms the heel, supports body weight, and provides the attachment point for the Achilles tendon (calcaneal tendon) posteriorly.
The subtalar joint is between the talus and calcaneus. It allows inversion and eversion of the foot, which is important for walking on uneven surfaces. It is often involved in ankle sprains.
The foot has three arches: medial longitudinal (highest), lateral longitudinal, and transverse. They are formed by the arrangement of tarsal and metatarsal bones and supported by ligaments and muscles.
The talus has no muscle attachments and most of its surface is covered with articular cartilage. Blood enters only at limited points, so fractures can disrupt blood supply and cause avascular necrosis.