Femoral Anteversion : Comparison By Two Methods

Abstract

This study gives comparative data on femoral anteversion obtained by two different methods. The angle was measured mechanically on 144 adult dry femora by method 1-centre head neck line to retrocondylar line and method 2-anterior head trochanter line to retrocondylar line. These two methods give significantly different mean angles, method-1 8.68o (+/-6.37) and method-2 16.34o (+/-7.7). The angle in Indians is lower than African and English population. Bilateral variation was observed in the angle (left > right, p<.05). The incidence of retroversion was higher when observed with method-1. Conversion factor for method-1 to method-2 is 10.408 + 0.683 x (anteversion angle) and for method-2 to method-1 is 1.054 + 0.047 x (anteversion angle). Method-2 is more reliable. The data established in this study will help to decide the validity and accuracy of clinical data obtained using advanced techniques. The conversion equations will make available data obtained by either method for future studies. The study will also be useful in general human osteology and forensic anthropology as far as the academics, clinical knowledge or research is concerned.