What causes talar beak in the foot on radiography?
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Answer:
Talar beak is a bony spur or flaring at the superior margin of the talar neck or head, representing a secondary sign of tarsal coalition (congenital abnormal union between tarsal bones such as talocalcaneal or calcaneonavicular) or talar dysplasia, resulting in restricted subtalar or talonavicular joint motion, pain, and stiffness.
Why is it called so?:
It is named for its appearance resembling a bird’s beak, describing the upward-projecting, hook-like bony spur or flaring along the superior talar neck or head on lateral radiographs.
Pathophysiology:
Restricted motion at the subtalar or talonavicular joint due to coalition or dysplasia leads to abnormal biomechanical stress and compensatory osteophyte formation at the superior talar neck, where ligamentous or capsular attachments occur, producing the beak-like bony proliferation to stabilize the joint.
Alternative names: Talar beaking
Other associated named signs: C sign, anteater sign
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