The Russian population talus variability according to direct osteometry

The relevance of studying the talus anatomical variability is determined by the need to improve the accuracy of anthropological research in the context of diagnosing the ethnological and archaeological identity of finds. Its anatomical variability can serve as an important indicator of the social and cultural structure of modern and ancient populations and can also provide insight into the impact of environmental factors and lifestyle. The aim of this study was to establish the variability of osteometry parameters of the talus in adults using the Russian population as an example. The study included 75 talus specimens obtained from certified bone collections, which included 49 male and 26 female bones from cases aged 20 to 90 years. Seventeen osteometry parameters were measured, describing the linear characteristics of the talus, as well as its weight, volume, and density. Analysis of these variability parameters demonstrated significant sex differences in the osteometry and physical characteristics of the talus. In men, the greatest variability was observed in the parameters of neck and head length, posterior trochlea width and inferior articular surface, while in women in the length of the neck and head and posterior width indicators. In both groups, low variability is characteristic of the height indicators of the anterior and posterior height. The most variable parameters of male bones are the width and length of the neck and head with a variation coefficient of 11.99% and 12.8%, respectively, and the least variable were the anterior height (4.53%) and posterior height (4.73%). The most variable parameters for females are the length of the neck and head and the width of the head with a variation coefficient of 12.7% and 12.4%, respectively, and the least variable, as in male talus bones, were the anterior height (4.26%) and posterior height (5.12%). The obtained data on the variability of osteometry parameters of the talus should be taken into account in anthropological and archaeological studies, clinical practice when planning surgical interventions and developing optimal methods for diagnosing and treating its pathology.