The Ontogeny of the Human Calcaneus: Insights From Morphological and Trabecular Changes During Postnatal Growth.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To investigate the developmental changes in the human calcaneal internal and external morphology linked to the acquisition of mature bipedal locomotion.

Methods

Seventy seven micro-CT scans of modern juvenile calcanei (from perinates to 15 years old) are employed. The chronological period spans from the Middle/Late Neolithic (4800-4500 BCE) to the 20th century. Through a comprehensive approach that comprises geometric morphometric methods and whole-bone trabecular analysis, the calcaneal growing morphology has been explored.

Results

Morphological changes reflect the development of bipedal locomotion, showing its potential when tracking the major locomotor milestones. The calcaneal shape is immature and almost featureless during the first year of life. The i

SUBMITTER: Figus C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11815546 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature