The Calcaneal Sulcus Of The Calcaneus In Superior View

Description

Centered on the superior surface of the calcaneus (heel bone), the animation isolates the calcaneal sulcus as a deep, rough groove running anteromedial to posterolateral between the posterior talar articular surface (facies articularis talaris posterior) and the middle talar articular surface (facies articularis talaris media). As the viewpoint steadies above the hindfoot, the sulcus is read in relation to the sustentaculum tali on the medial side and the calcaneal body posteriorly. Subtle rotation and lighting shifts clarify the sulcus margins and how the adjacent articular facets step around it. Clinically, this groove matters because it forms the calcaneal component of the sinus tarsi and contributes to the tarsal canal when paired with the sulcus tali on the inferior talus, a region implicated in sinus tarsi syndrome after inversion ankle sprains. The sequence makes the three-dimensional topology easier to teach than a static plate, showing why the posterior subtalar joint surface sits posterior and lateral to the sulcus while the middle facet rides more anterior and medial, a relationship that affects subtalar arthroscopy portals and screw trajectories in calcaneal fracture fixation. Clear landmarks. No guesswork. Use this animation in gross anatomy and musculoskeletal anatomy teaching to orient learners to the subtalar joint, and in orthopaedic or sports medicine content describing hindfoot pain, coalition workups, or subtalar injections guided by surface landmarks. It also supports radiology education when correlating the superior calcaneal morphology with CT and MRI assessment of the sinus tarsi and subtalar articulation. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.