MOJ Anatomy & Physiology Re-Modelling of North Indian Talus: A Pressure Effect of Squatting Position Submit Manuscript | http://medcraveonline.com Introduction The structural changes that a function may bring about like morphological differences observed between bones of different populations are of much interest. Squatting is a good example of such behaviour/function producing skeletal markers on the bones. The squatting position puts strong pressure and traction forces on the knee and ankle joints, producing specific bone markers that reflect the remodelling of bone occurring in response to physical stress. These morphological changes are most pronounced in those races in which it is the customary mode of resting. Squatting is the position in which the legs are flexed upon the thighs and the thighs on the trunk. In this posture the back of the thighs rests upon the calf and the knee-joint is in a state of extreme flexion, associated with a certain degree of rotation of the leg upon the thigh. The heels are apart about the distance that separates the ischial tuberosities. The fronts of the ischial tuberosities are in close apposition with the heel; in fact the trunk weight is supported mostly by the heels and backs of the tibiae. Habitual squatting alters the skeletal morphology of lower limb. It is associated with modifications of the neck of the talus (squatting facets) and its trochlear-malleolar surfaces (trochlear extensions). Thomson first described the presence of squatting facets on the anterior margin of the distal extremity of the tibia and the upper surface of the neck of the talus of Australian and Andamanese human specimen along with other primates [1]. Since then, these facets have been studied in different groups of populations in both ancient and present-day by various authors [2-10]. According to Barnett [2] and Oygucu [3] a number of types of true squatting facets can be found on the neck of the talus. In addition, anterior extensions of the trochlear and malleolar surfaces of the talus that are continuous with the normal surfaces may be present. Usually Indians assume squatting position conveniently during washing, cleaning, making pottery or handicrafts, working in fields, even resting. The Indian style toilets require to squat for defecating. This is not so in the western countries where squatting posture is not a part of their regular behaviour. The occurrence of talar modifications was therefore investigated in adult Indian talus. Material and Methods The observations presented in this study are based upon the critical analysis of 616 dry, macerated human tali, 308 of each side in north Indian population. All analysed samples were adult dry talus obtained from the collection of the Department of Anatomy of Moti Lal Nehru Medical College, Allahabad, India. The sex and ages of the tali were unknown but all were fully ossified without Volume 2 Issue 6 - 2016 1 Department of Anatomy, Moti Lal Nehru Medical College, India 2 Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College, India 3 Department of Anatomy, King George Medical University, India *Corresponding author: Nishtha Singh, Department of Anatomy, Moti Lal Nehru Medical College, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, Tel: +919-198-981-313; E-mail: Received: March 12, 2016 | Published: August 09, 2016 Research Article MOJ Anat & Physiol 2016, 2(6): 00067 Abstract Anatomical variations of the skeleton provide information on daily activities, living conditions, and cultural behaviour and health problems of any society. Squatting is a good example of such behaviour/function producing skeletal markers due to remodelling, on the bones of lower limb by putting strong pressure and traction forces on the knee and ankle joints. It is associated with modifications of the neck of the talus (squatting facets) and its trochlear- malleolar surfaces (trochlear extensions). An observational analytical study was designed to observe anatomical variations in 616 dry, macerated human tali of both sides in north Indian population where squatting is a part of regular behaviour. Differences in the form and extent of this facet, trochlear extensions or articular (malleolar) extensions may be noted. The frequency of occurrence of these facets and extensions has been found to vary considerably in different races. A much more pronounced forward prolongation has been found to be present in the north Indian talus in this series. A high frequency of forward prolongation of medial articular surface in Indian population suggests that, not only the squatting posture and habitual sartorial posture (palthi position/ tailor position) but the prevalence of walking for long distances may be responsible for this. The results provide an opportunity to study the relationship between past and modern population, and also describe the daily activity of life and cultural structure. Anatomical variations of the neck of the talus (squatting facets) and its trochlear- malleolar surfaces (trochlear extensions) can be of help in pathologies of foot for reconstruction and rehabilitation procedures. It will also provide ethnic data for anthropologists and forensic experts about talar variations and would be of direct relevance in anatomy teaching. Keywords: Squatting facet; Trochlear extension; Malleolar extension; Bone markers; Trochlear extensions