Visualization and quantitative analysis of talocrural joint kinematics

The three dimensional (3D) in vivo kinematic behavior of the ankle joint was evaluated using spiral volumetric CT scanning of a normal adult foot. The CT data were reconstructed and interpolated to create an isotropic 3D data volume. These data were rendered, visualized, segmented into their bony elements, labeled, and exported to disk using Mayo Analyze^™ software. The labeled 3D CT datasets were analyzed to determine relative orientation, translation, and rotation of the tibia-talus, tibia-calcaneus and calcaneus-talus. Using these results, the 3D motion characteristics during normal adult foot flexion/extension were described quantitatively.