Bone
Talus
Hindfoot bone linking the ankle with the foot below
High-yield
No muscle or tendon normally inserts directly on the talus, although many ligaments attach to it. Its blood supply comes through several arterial routes, so it should not be pictured as having only one vessel entering the neck.
Overview
The talus receives force from the lower leg and distributes it through the hindfoot and toward the navicular. Its head, neck and body participate in several joints, allowing coordinated ankle and foot movement.
Reference facts
- Bone type
- Tarsal bone conventionally grouped with the short bones
- Key landmarks
- Head and neck; body with superior trochlea; lateral and posterior processes
- Articulations
- Tibia and fibula at the ankle, calcaneus below and navicular in front
Clinical correlation
A displaced talar neck fracture can disrupt blood flow to the body and lead to osteonecrosis. Risk depends on injury severity and associated displacement or dislocation; not every fracture makes the talus avascular.
Frequently asked questions
What type of bone is the talus?
The talus is a tarsal bone conventionally grouped with the short bones bone.
What does the talus articulate with?
The talus articulates with the tibia and fibula at the ankle, calcaneus below and navicular in front.
What are the key landmarks of the talus?
Head and neck; body with superior trochlea; lateral and posterior processes.