Correlação entre os tamanhos das estruturas tálus, segundo metatarso, região metafisária distal da tíbia, tendão de Aquiles e a altura dos indivíduos da população cearense de uma região tropical

Abstract

Anthropometric data like correlations between anatomic structures and individual’s height are present in forensic and biomechanical studies. Although long diaphyseal bones are constantly associated with height, foot length association with height is also well known. Despite that, little is known about foot structures correlation with height. In this study, x-ray and MRI images of 138 patients were measured to evaluate four structures (distal tibia metaphysis width, talus length, second metatarsal lenght and Achilles length) and compare to patients height. Distal tibial metaphysis and talus length had a moderate correlation with height (Pearson`s 0.58 and 0.57), second metatarsal length had a low correlation with height (Pearson`s 0.19). A gender difference was observed: all three bone structures had a low correlation with height in women, although in men, talus had a moderate correlation with height (Pearson’s 0.56) but second metatarsal had a low correlation with height (0.16). A linear regression has been proposed: Height (m) = 0,993 + 0,013x talus longer axis (mm) (+/- 7 cm). This is the first study to analyze the correlation of foot structures with height in a Latin-America population, and one of the few to propose a formula to calculate height using a foot bone. The gender difference in the proportions between forefoot and hindfoot and height can help explain some biomechanical differences between men and women.