Advanced Calcaneus Quiz

Q1. Why is the posterior talar facet of the calcaneus clinically important?

• It articulates directly with the navicular
• It forms a major subtalar articular surface often involved in fractures
• It forms the ankle mortise with the tibia
• It receives the calcaneal tendon

Q2. What structural change commonly accompanies a major compression fracture of the calcaneus?

• Enlargement of the medial malleolus
• Lengthening of the tibia
• Fusion of the metatarsals
• Loss of calcaneal height with altered hindfoot geometry

Q3. What does Bohler angle help assess on a lateral calcaneal radiograph?

• Width of the ankle mortise alone
• Length of the first metatarsal
• Tibial torsion
• Calcaneal height and alignment in fracture assessment

Q4. Why can an intra-articular calcaneal fracture impair subtalar function?

• It can disrupt congruity of the subtalar articular surface
• It immediately fuses the ankle in every case
• The calcaneus does not participate in subtalar motion
• It affects only the toe phalanges

Q5. Why is the sustentaculum tali an important medial hindfoot landmark?

• It lies within the first metatarsal
• It forms the lateral malleolus
• It is the insertion of the quadriceps tendon
• It has consistent articular and tendon relationships on the medial calcaneus

Q6. Which mechanism commonly causes high-energy calcaneal fractures?

• Traction from the patellar ligament
• Axial loading through the talus
• Rotation of the cervical spine
• Isolated elbow flexion

Q7. Why should spinal injury be considered after a high-energy calcaneal fracture from a fall?

• The calcaneus articulates directly with lumbar vertebrae
• The calcaneal tendon attaches to the spine
• The same axial load can also affect the vertebral column
• Calcaneal fractures always cause spinal fractures

Q8. How does the calcaneus contribute to the lateral longitudinal arch?

• It forms the transverse arch by itself
• It forms only the distal medial arch
• It forms the posterior pillar of the lateral longitudinal arch
• It has no role in the foot arches

Q9. Why is the medial calcaneal tuberosity clinically relevant in plantar heel pain?

• It is a major attachment site for the plantar aponeurosis
• It contains the talar trochlea
• It is the insertion of tibialis anterior
• It articulates with the fibula

Q10. Which statement best integrates the anatomy of the calcaneus?

• It is the primary bone articulating with the tibia at the ankle
• It is a non-weight-bearing sesamoid without major attachments
• It is the principal heel bone with major articular, weight-bearing, attachment, and lever functions
• It is a metatarsal that forms the great toe