The calcaneum is the longest and largest of the tarsal bones. It articulates superiorly with the talus to form the subtalar joint. In the middle 1/3rd of the superior surface of the calcaneum, there is an oval shaped posterior facet for articulation with the body of the talus. In the anterior 1/3rd of the calcaneum, there are middle and anterior facets for articulation with the head of the talus . Aim: is to determine the variation in the articular facet on the superior surface of calcaneum. Methods: 400 dry and grossly normal human calcanei were collected in the department of Anatomy, Terna Medical College. Out of all the 400 human calcanei, 200 were taken from right side and 200 were from left side. They were divided into 3 types: The three types were according to Bunning and Barnet (1963).[1] Type A: bears 3 facets, Type B: bears 2 facets, Type C : bears 1 facets. Results: Type B was most common pattern found in our study and in type B sub type I was predominant. The sub type I middle and anterior facets confluent pattern has been found dominants in Africans[1,2] and in Indians.[3] Conclusion: Type B (2 distinct facets) was most common in our study. This study indicates that the racial differences were found in the arrangement of articular facets on the superior surface of calcaneum. This can be useful for orthopedic surgeons when they perform calcaneal osteotomy.

Keywords: Calcaneum; Articular; Tarsal; Facet.