Femoropatellar oluk boyutları ve büyüme paterni: Erişkin ve fetal femoral kemik üzerinde dijital metrik bir çalışma

Objectives: A detailed knowledge about the anatomy of the femoropatellar groove (FPG) and its articulation is essential for the better understanding of the patellar stability. Therefore, the present study was carried out to describe the morphology of FPG in adults and the pattern of its growth in fetuses. Materials and Methods: Thirty-seven adult dry femora of unknown age and 24 fetal femora of known gestational age were included in the study. The dimensions of FPG and its angulations were calculated digitally using Image J software and were analyzed statistically. Results: The femoropatellar angulation ranged from 136.38° to 142.38°. The dimensions and angulation were correlated with the gestational age. The dimensions of FPG and the altitude of lower end of the femur increased significantly with the gestational age (P<0.05). There was also a significant negative correlation between the femoropatellar angulation and the gestational age (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study provides a database for the parameters of the adult femora. It also describes the pattern of growth of the lower end of fetal femur. These findings are essential in determining the patellar stability during walking.