Tuber-to-Anterior Process Angle (TAPA): A cadaveric study and surgical technique for placing axial calcaneal screws

•We describe a simple technique that facilitates the placement of axial calcaneal screws.•The Tuber-to-Anterior Process Angle (TAPA) describes the calcaneal long-axis as it relates to the long-axis of the foot.•The TAPA is approximately 10 degrees laterally deviated from the long-axis of the foot.•Knowledge of this angle simplifies placement of P:A screws in the calcaneus.•Understanding this relationship reduces reliance on intraoperative axial fluoroscopy and increases operative efficiency. We describe results of a cadaveric study and an accompanying surgical technique which simplifies posterior-to-anterior axial screw placement into the calcaneus, often utilized during fixation of displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures or calcaneal osteotomies. By defining the Tuber-to-Anterior Process Angle (TAPA), this technique facilitates axial screw placement, thereby decreasing reliance on intraoperative fluoroscopy and reducing operative time.