Calcaneus

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Gray's anatomy image 269

Calcaneus Fracture

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Ospied-en

Calcaneus

Bone of the tarsus of the foot

General Information
Latin	Calcaneus
Greek
TA98
TA2
FMA
Details
System
Artery
Vein
Nerve
Lymphatic drainage
Precursor
Function
Identifiers
Clinical significance
Notes

The calcaneus or heel bone is a large bone that forms the foundation of the rear part of the foot. The calcaneus connects with the talus bone and the cuboid bone. The connection between the talus and calcaneus forms the subtalar joint, which is essential for the normal function of the foot.

Anatomy

The calcaneus is the largest of the tarsal bones in the foot. It is situated at the lower and back part of the foot, forming the heel. The bone has several important features, including the calcaneal tuberosity, which is the large, posterior, weight-bearing prominence, and the sustentaculum tali, a horizontal shelf that projects from the medial side of the bone.

Articulations

The calcaneus articulates with two bones:

• The talus bone superiorly, forming the subtalar joint.
• The cuboid bone anteriorly, forming the calcaneocuboid joint.

Function

The calcaneus serves as the foundation for the rear part of the foot. It plays a crucial role in normal foot function, including:

• Supporting the weight of the body when standing and during movement.
• Acting as a lever arm for the Achilles tendon, which attaches to the posterior surface of the calcaneus.
• Facilitating the movement of the foot through its articulations with the talus and cuboid bones.

Clinical significance

Injuries to the calcaneus can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. Common injuries include:

• Calcaneal fracture: Often caused by high-energy trauma such as a fall from a height.
• Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia that can cause heel pain.
• Achilles tendonitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon where it attaches to the calcaneus.

Related pages

• Foot
• Tarsal bones
• Talus bone
• Cuboid bone
• Achilles tendon
• Plantar fascia

See also

• Subtalar joint
• Calcaneocuboid joint
• Calcaneal fracture
• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis

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