Ossification processes and perichondral ossification groove of Ranvier: a morphological study in developing human calcaneus and talus

In this histologic-radiologic investigation of 32 feet of 16 fetuses and newborns ranging in age from 15 to 44 weeks, two types of ossification, i.e., endochondral ossification through primary ossification center and intramembraneous ossification through periosteal bone formation (PBF), were found to coexist in both calcaneus and talus. In addition, Ranvier's grooves (RG), or perichondral ossification groove, also was observed as a shallow, saucer-like or semicircular structure. As with PBFs, there are three and two RGs in the calcaneus and talus, respectively. RG and PBF appeared in time order and were located regularly in the concave areas of the adult calcaneus and talus. The findings support the hypothesis that one function of PBF and RG is to limit the growth of the calcaneus and talus. Thus, they are responsible for the irregular contour of the calcaneus and talus.