Study of North Indian Femora: Proportionality of Femur Length to Other Parameters

The morphometry of femur forms the basis for total prosthetic replacement of the hip and knee in patients where the joint has become disorganised as a result of disease or injury.

A total of 100 North Indian unpaired human femora, 50 of right side and 50 of left side, were used to measure length, epicondylar breadth, anteroposterior and transverse midshaft diameter, midshaft circumference, neck length, neck shaft angle and angle of anteversion of femur. The measurements were taken using osteometric board, vernier calipers, goniometer, metal tape and graph paper. The various parameters were correlated and the regression equation, where applicable, was calculated.

It was observed that there was an overall greater robusticity of left femur. In our study head diameter and femur neck length were found to be directly proportional to the femur length.

This knowledge will be a useful guide for the orthopaedic surgeons in selecting appropriate prosthesis and future improvements in designing prosthesis. An attempt was made to find intercorrelation of epicondylar breadth with other parameters. This information on range and size of lower end of femora may be of help to design anatomically suitable implants for total knee arthroplasty.