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Investigation of the Naviculocuboid Joint Reveals a Functional Coalition
Author(s) -
Greiner Thomas M,
Ball Kevin A
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.23.1_supplement.lb8
Subject(s) - cadaveric spasm , joint (building) , cuboid , anatomy , subtalar joint , tarsal bone , orthodontics , geology , medicine , structural engineering , mathematics , geometry , engineering , ankle
Fourteen cadaveric specimens were prepared by removing soft tissue, so that only ligaments remained to insure joint integrity. Rigid marker clusters were inserted into the tarsal bones. An OptoTrak system was used monitor each specimen through three standardized motions: plantarflexion/dorsiflexion, inversion/eversion and medial/lateral rotation. Results show identifiable rotations occur at the talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints, especially during the inversion/eversion driving action. However, the rotational motions at these two joints do not synchronize. The implication is that a compensatory motion occurs between the navicular and cuboid. Our investigation of that motion, however, shows that it does not exist. For almost all individuals, no measureable motion could be detected at the naviculocuboid articulation. This suggests that the two bones act as a single functional unit within the foot, essentially acting as if there were an osseous coalition between them. Further research is necessary to identify joint compensations that allow for the independent movement of the medial and lateral midtarsal joints.