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Calcaneus secundarius: description and frequency in six skeletal samples.
1Department of Anthropology, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560.
American Journal of Physical Anthropology
|January 1, 1990
Summary
The calcaneus secundarius (CS), an accessory ossicle, shows varying frequencies across diverse populations. Its presence is likely due to genetic or congenital factors, not sex differences.
Area of Science:
- Anthropology
- Anatomy
- Genetics
Background:
- The calcaneus secundarius (CS) is a nonmetric trait.
- Accessory ossicles are common anatomical variations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of the calcaneus secundarius (CS) across diverse populations.
- To investigate potential correlations of CS presence with sex, population group, and side dominance.
Main Methods:
- A comparative analysis of 1,367 calcanei from various historical populations.
- Statistical testing (chi-squared) was employed to assess trait frequencies and correlations.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in CS trait frequencies were observed between population groups.
- No significant correlation was found between CS presence and sex.
- Side dominance showed no correlation overall, but population differences were significant.
Conclusions:
- The calcaneus secundarius (CS) appears to be influenced by genetic or congenital factors.
- Population-specific variations in CS frequency suggest a non-random distribution.
- The trait's origin is likely a secondary center of ossification in the anterior calcaneal facet.