Anthropometric evaluation of the distal end of the femur in the South Indian population with its clinical implications

Abstract

Introduction: The femur is known as the longest weight-bearing bone in the body. Its length is around 45 cm in an average adult. The morphometric studies related to the distal end of the femur in the South Indian population are sparse. The present morphometric study was undertaken to compare and contrast the various measurements of the distal end of the femur in the South Indian population. Materials and Methods: In this study, 111 adult dry femora (56 from the right and 55 from the left side) were used for distal anthropometric measurements. Bicondylar width, medial condylar anteroposterior diameter, lateral condylar anteroposterior diameter, medial condylar transverse diameter, lateral condylar transverse diameter, width of intercondylar notch, and diameter of femur were measured using digital Vernier caliper. Results: The mean bicondylar width on the right and left sides were 70.43 mm, respectively. The average medial condylar anteroposterior distance for the right and left sides were 53.87 mm and 54.84 mm, whereas, the lateral condylar anteroposterior distance for the right and left sides was 55.33 mm and 55.44 mm. The medial condylar transverse distance for the right and left sides were 25.35 mm and 25.52 mm, and that of the lateral condylar transverse distance on the right and left sides were 26.87 mm and 26.71 mm. The intercondylar notch width was measured to be 18.26 mm and 18.43 mm on the right and left femora, respectively. The differences in the bilateral measurements were found to be statistically not significant between the right and left femora. Conclusion: The morphometric evaluation of the lower end of the femur would help the orthopedic surgeon, radiologist, and anthropology practitioner to a great extent, especially in dealing with knee joint-related disorders, and placing various implants in the reconstruction of femoral fragments among South Indian populations.