Morphometric geometric differences between right and left human tali: A cadaveric study of fluctuating asymmetry via systematic measurement and three-dimensional scanning

Abstract

Background Little is known about differences in the size and morphology of the right and left human tali. The present study demonstrates differences between right and left talar morphometric geometric profiles as fluctuating asymmetry in matched pairs of cadaveric specimens. Methods In total, 24 tali were collected in this study. All eligible tali were systematically measured with a Vernier caliper and three-dimensional laser scanner, which provided data for further analysis regarding the talar morphometric geometric profiles. Data were calculated to demonstrate differences between the right and left talar profiles using a matched-pair method, including the general size of the talus. Results The average talar length was 53.5 mm, the average talar dome height was 31.2 mm, and the average talar body width was 41.3 mm. The average anterior trochlear width, middle trochlear width, posterior trochlear width, and trochlear length were 31.8, 31.2, 28.3, and 30.7 mm, respectively. Eleven matched pairs of intact tali were eligible for the matched-pair study. Paired t-tests showed significant differences in the talar dome height (P = 0.019), middle trochlear width (P = 0.027), and posterior trochlear width (P = 0.016) between the right

Anthropometric evaluation of side, sex and age by radiological examination of the normal ankle joint among adult Egyptian population

“…A previous study conducted by Islam et al (2014) using CT scan images for assessment concluded that there are small percent differences between the morphometric parameters of the left and right talus bones, supporting the fact that the tali of both sides are geometrically symmetrical based on the measurement of talus bone surface area and volume. The same results, but based on gross cadaveric assessment, were previously reported by Angthong et al (2020) who reported that there are no statistical differences between left and right tali morphometric values, also according to both surface area and volume; however, they found that the talar dome height, middle trochlear width and posterior trochlear width of the right side were significantly higher than those of the left. In the present study, tali on both sides were symmetrical except for TaW of the right side which, was higher than the left (26.92 vs 26.18 mm).…”

“…However, the availability of knowledge about the geographical origin or the ethnic group of the victim for the anthropologist is important before sex and age determination (Abdel Moneim et al, 2008). Similarly, little data are available regarding the morphological variability of the human ankle regarding age and sexual dimorphism (Angthong et al, 2020).…”