What is the bony protuberance of the anterior talus?

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Last updated: April 25, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Research

The bony protuberance of the anterior talus is most commonly associated with bone spurs, which can be either osteophytes or enthesophytes, and are a major component of anterior ankle impingement syndrome. According to the study by 1, the prevalence of bone spurs in anterior ankle impingement is around 21%, with spurs being more prevalent in males and with increasing age. The location of these spurs is also significant, with the majority being found on the anterolateral talus and the anterolateral portion of the distal tibial margin.

The formation of these bone spurs can be attributed to repetitive microtrauma, leading to osteophyte formation, or to recurrent capsular or ligamentous traction, resulting in enthesophyte development, as suggested by the study by 2. The study by 3 also found that the talar spur peak lies medial to the midline, while the tibial spur peak lies lateral to the midline, and that the spurs typically do not overlap each other.

In terms of diagnosis, the study by 4 found that an oblique radiograph can be useful in detecting anteromedial talotibial osteophytes that may not be visible on standard radiographs. This highlights the importance of using multiple imaging modalities to accurately diagnose and assess the extent of bone spurs in anterior ankle impingement.

It's worth noting that the study by 5 is not directly relevant to the question of bony protuberance of the anterior talus, as it focuses on the effectiveness of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of pain in knee and hip osteoarthritis.

Key points to consider:

  • Bone spurs are a common finding in anterior ankle impingement syndrome
  • The location and prevalence of bone spurs can vary depending on age, sex, and other factors
  • Multiple imaging modalities may be necessary to accurately diagnose and assess the extent of bone spurs
  • The formation of bone spurs can be attributed to repetitive microtrauma or recurrent capsular or ligamentous traction.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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