Calcaneus

Function

The heel bone — largest of the tarsals and the first to strike the ground in gait, absorbing and returning energy through its springy trabeculae. It transmits the Achilles tendon's colossal pull.

Landmarks

• Tuberosity with medial and lateral processes
• Sustentaculum tali
• Calcaneal (Achilles) tendon insertion
• Sinus tarsi
• Peroneal tubercle

Articulations (joints)

• Talus (subtalar joint)
• Cuboid (calcaneocuboid joint)

Clinical relevance

Calcaneal fractures from a fall onto the heel are the 'lover's fracture' — always check the spine for co-injury; the peroneal tendons can sublux over the lateral malleolus when the superior peroneal retinaculum tears.