Posterior Talar Articular Surface On The Calcaneus, Superior View

Description

Calcaneus anatomy is centered here on the posterior talar articular surface (facies articularis talaris posterior), the largest subtalar facet, seen from a superior perspective as a smooth, oval, gently convex platform on the superior calcaneus. Medially, the facet approaches the sustentaculum tali, while its lateral margin blends toward the calcaneal body and lateral process region; the surface sits superior to the plantar calcaneal tuberosity and posterior to the anterior and middle talar facets when those are present. A shallow groove leading anteriorly corresponds to the sulcus calcanei, forming the floor of the sinus tarsi with the opposing talar sulcus. Orientation is unambiguous. This posterior facet is the weight-bearing contact in the posterior talocalcaneal (subtalar) joint, so its contour underpins inversion and eversion mechanics and the distribution of compressive load from the talus to the heel. Intra-articular calcaneal fractures commonly disrupt this surface, and even small steps or gaps can drive post-traumatic subtalar arthritis and persistent hindfoot pain, making accurate appreciation of facet curvature and margins relevant for CT-based classification, reduction goals, and screw trajectory planning. The fixed superior viewpoint keeps attention on the articular outline and the relationship to the sinus tarsi region, which is also targeted during subtalar arthroscopy and sinus tarsi approaches. Use this illustration in gross anatomy and musculoskeletal courses when teaching the subtalar joint, in orthopaedic trauma chapters on calcaneal fracture patterns, or in podiatric surgical materials discussing subtalar arthrodesis and coalition workups involving the posterior facet. It also suits radiology teaching files that correlate the posterior facet with coronal and axial CT of the hindfoot. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.