Calcaneonavicular is an adjective that refers to a specific anatomical structure or condition related to the calcaneus bone and the navicular bone. The term originates from the combination of the words "calcaneus" and "navicular."
In anatomy, the calcaneonavicular joint is a crucial joint located between the calcaneus bone, the largest tarsal bone in the foot forming the heel, and the navicular bone, a boat-shaped bone situated in the instep of the foot. This joint plays a vital role in maintaining the structural integrity of the foot and facilitating movements such as inversion and eversion.
Furthermore, calcaneonavicular also describes a condition called calcaneonavicular coalition, which refers to a bony or fibrous bridge forming an abnormal connection between the calcaneus and navicular bones. This coalition can restrict normal foot movement, leading to pain and limited range of motion. It is usually a congenital condition resulting from abnormal fusion during the development of the foot.
Calcaneonavicular serves as an adjective to describe both the anatomical joint and the condition affecting this joint, encompassing their structures, functions, and related characteristics. Its usage is common in medical and anatomical contexts, particularly when discussing foot anatomy, injuries, surgical procedures, or conditions affecting the calcaneonavicular joint.
Relating to the calcaneus and the scaphoid bone, or os naviculare.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "calcaneonavicular" has its etymological roots in Latin and Greek.
The first part of the word, "calcaneo-", comes from the Latin word "calcaneus", which means "heel".
The second part, "-navicular", comes from the Latin word "naviculāris", which means "pertaining to a little ship". This word is derived from the Latin word "navicula", meaning "little ship" or "boat".
When combined, "calcaneo-" refers to the calcaneus bone in the foot, which is commonly known as the heel bone, and "-navicular" refers to the navicular bone in the foot, which is shaped like a little boat. Therefore, "calcaneonavicular" refers to something related to or involving the joint formed by the calcaneus and navicular bones in the foot.