The talar dome (trochlea tali) is the superior articular surface of the talus that fits within the ankle mortise formed by the distal tibial plafond above and the medial and lateral malleoli on either side. Its wider anterior dimension compared to the posterior ensures the ankle is most stable in dorsiflexion (wider dome locked in the mortise). Osteochondral lesions of the talar dome are among the most common complications of ankle sprains.
| Articulations |
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| Landmarks |
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| Ossification | The talar dome ossifies from the primary talar centre present at birth, with no separate secondary ossification centre for the dome itself. |
Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) typically occur on the posteromedial or anterolateral talar dome from inversion ankle sprain mechanisms. They produce chronic ankle pain, swelling, and catching sensations. Classification by MRI (Berndt and Harty) guides treatment. Unstable lesions with fluid undercutting on MRI require surgical treatment (arthroscopic debridement and microfracture for small lesions, osteochondral autograft or allograft for large defects).
With the person sitting, point the foot down (plantarflex the ankle). Place your thumb on the front of the ankle just in front of the lower end of the tibia, between the tibialis anterior and extensor tendons; the smooth, rounded bone that moves out in front of the tibia is the front of the talar dome. It slips back under the tibia as the foot is pulled up.
Ankle sprains and impaction injure the cartilage and subchondral bone of the dome, causing deep ankle pain, swelling, and catching.
Shear and impaction fractures of the dome occur in ankle fractures and dislocations.
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