Calcaneus of a Human Male as, Superior View

Description

Viewed from superior, the calcaneus (heel bone) is presented as the posterior foundation of the tarsus, with the three talar articular facets on its superior surface: posterior, middle, and anterior facets aligned from posterolateral to anteromedial. Medially, the sustentaculum tali projects to support the middle facet, while the calcaneal sulcus lies between the posterior and middle facets and contributes to the sinus tarsi with the talar sulcus. The broad posterior tuberosity sits inferior and posterior to these facets, and the anterior calcaneal articular surface for the cuboid lies distal to the talar facets. Clean landmarks. This superior perspective is the one you want when teaching or planning around subtalar joint congruence, because it makes the orientation of the posterior facet and the calcaneal sulcus explicit. The configuration matters in intraarticular calcaneal fractures, where depression of the posterior facet (often following an axial load fall) predicts subtalar arthritis and guides reduction targets on CT and in the OR. It also maps directly to sinus tarsi approaches and to the location of subtalar arthroereisis implants placed within the sinus tarsi. Use this rendering in gross anatomy and lower limb biomechanics courses to anchor subtalar joint motion (inversion and eversion) and to clarify tarsal spatial relationships for students who struggle with the hindfoot. It also fits orthopedic trauma manuscripts, radiology teaching files, and preoperative counseling materials that reference Bohler and Gissane angle implications through the posterior facet. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.