Talus Anatomy : Mnemonic

Mnemonic: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

0 : Attachments of muscles and tendons

1 : Sinus and Canal

• sinus tarsi – a space bordered by the neck of the talus and anterosuperior aspect of the calcaneus; contains –
  • Artery of sinus tarsi
  • Talocalcaneal interosseous ligament
  • Cervical ligament
• tarsal canal – medial opening to sinus tarsi; contains –
  • Artery of tarsal canal
  • Talocalcaneal interosseous ligament

2 : Processes and Tubercles

• Lateral process: 2 attachments –
  • lateral talocalcaenal ligament
  • ATFL (anterior talo-fibular ligament)
  • Fracture = “snowboarder’s” fracture
• Posterior process: FHL tendon runs between the 2 tubercles
  • Medial tubercle
  • Lateral tubercle:
    • Stieda process: elongated anatomical variant
    • Os trigonum: non-fusion of ossification center

3 : Parts

• Head
• Neck
• Body

4 : Blood vessels:

• Posterior tibial artery:
  • Artery of tarsal canal (most important): supplies most talar body
  • Calcaneal branches: supplies posterior talus
• Anterior tibial artery: supplies head and neck
• Perforating peroneal arteries
  • Artery of tarsal sinus: supplies head and neck
• Deltoid artery: supplies body (important in talar neck fracture)

Blood Supply of Talus

5 : Articulating surfaces

• 2 on head:
  • with navicular
  • with calcaneus (anterior facet)
• 2 on body:
  • with calcaneus (middle facet)
  • with calcaneus (posterior facet)
• 1 on lateral process:
  • with lateral malleolus