Radiographic anatomy of the hindfoot

Lead markers were placed on various osseous structures of the talus and calcaneus in fresh amputation specimens to analyze the radiographic anatomy of the hindfoot. Analysis of the talocalcaneal articulations revealed that only the central one-third of the posterior subtalar joint can be visualized on the lateral projection, whereas the axial view profiles only the anterior one-third of the joint. The anterior two-thirds of the middle subtalar joint is profiled on the lateral projection, whereas no portion of the middle articulation can be visualized on the axial view. The anterior subtalar joint can not be identified on either lateral or axial radiographs. In addition, nine extra-articular osseous landmarks on the talus and calcaneus were investigated. The identification of these structures is helpful in the diagnosis of pathologic disorders affecting the adult hindfoot.