Anatomic Description of the Naviculocuneiform Articulation

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Human Anatomy

Background:

• The naviculocuneiform articulation is frequently involved in surgical interventions for various foot pathologies.
• Detailed anatomical measurements of the individual cuneiform facets on the navicular are currently lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive anatomical description of the naviculocuneiform joint complex.
• To offer data that aids surgeons in understanding and improving surgical outcomes for medial column fusions.

Main Methods:

• Anatomical dissection of ten fresh-frozen cadaveric below-the-knee specimens.
• Measurement of height and width across the entire naviculocuneiform joint complex and each individual facet.

Main Results:

• Mean navicular height: 19.9 mm, width: 34.7 mm.
• Mean medial cuneiform facet dimensions: 19.9 mm (height) x 15.8 mm (width).
• Mean intermediate cuneiform facet dimensions: 20.4 mm (height) x 16.9 mm (width).
• Mean lateral cuneiform facet dimensions: 17.5 mm (height) x 14.7 mm (width).

Conclusions:

• The detailed anatomical description of the naviculocuneiform joint aids surgical decision-making, particularly for screw placement in medial column fusions.
• Further research using 3D weightbearing CT could elucidate joint motion and refine surgical techniques.