Trabecular architectonic of the calcaneus: a pilot study, Архітектоніка губчастої речовини п’яткової кістки: пілотне дослідження

<jats:p>Background. The calcaneus is a key structural component of the foot that plays a crucial role in weight bearing and load transmission. Its trabecular bone forms a complex three-dimensional architecture that ensures efficient distribution of mechanical stresses. Of particular interest is the neutral zone (Ward’s triangle), an area of reduced trabecular density whose functional significance remains incompletely understood. Modern three-dimensional imaging techniques provide new opportunities for detailed analysis of the structural organization and morphometric characteristics of the trabecular bone of the calcaneus. Therefore, the aim is to investigate structural organization and morphometric features of the trabecular architecture of the calcaneus. Materials and methods. The study used anatomical specimens of calcanei from adult humans (n = 5) obtained from the Department of Human Anatomy of Poltava State Medical University. The bones showed no signs of pathological changes or traumatic damage. Results. Two principal trabecular systems — compressive and tensile — were identified in the trabecular bone of the calcaneus, forming a biomechanically efficient framework for optimal load distribution. Between these systems, a central neutral zone (Ward’s triangle) was observed as an area of reduced trabecular density with moderate variability in its geometric parameters. At the same time, the main morphometric characteristics of the most prominent trabeculae remained relatively stable among the examined specimens. Three-dimensional reconstruction performed using the Artec 3D Artec Micro scanner confirmed the adaptive orientation of trabeculae in accordance with functional loading patterns: dense, short trabeculae predominated in the calcaneal tuberosity, a more sparse trabecular arrangement was observed in the central region, and the anterior part exhibited a plate-like linear architecture. Conclusions. The trabecular architectonics of the calcaneus is represented by a complex system of compression and tensile trabeculae, oriented according to the directions of mechanical forces. The neutral zone (Ward’s zone) is a three-dimensional morphological structure that plays a key role in load redistribution.</jats:p>