Osteometric study of the upper end of femur and its clinical applications

Objective The objective was to determine the morphometric parameters of the head and neck of femur in Indians and to discuss its clinical application. Materials and methods The study comprised 50 dry femora which were obtained from the osteology section of the anatomy laboratory. The femoral head diameter, superior and inferior head lengths, anteroposterior and superoinferior diameters of the neck, superior and inferior neck lengths were measured with the digital vernier caliper. The data were morphometrically analyzed and sidewise comparison was done. Results The mean femoral head diameter was 41.5 ± 2.8 mm, superior and inferior head lengths were 30.8 ± 3.6 and 21.2 ± 3 mm, respectively. The mean superior length, inferior length, anteroposterior diameter and superoinferior diameter of the femoral neck were 22.5 ± 3.1, 31.2 ± 4.1, 23.9 ± 2.9, and 30.2 ± 2.5 mm, respectively. The statistically significant difference was not observed between the right and left sides comparison (P > 0.05). Conclusions The study has determined the morphometry of the head and neck of femur from Indian population. Since the implantation surgery relies on anatomical measurements, the present study was undertaken with reference to clinical application. We believe that the data obtained are enlightening not only for the orthopedicians, also important to the anthropologists.