Femoral neck anteversion, Neck shaft angle and Greater trochanter thickness - Anthropometric study and their Clinical implications

Introduction: Proximal femur anthropometric measurements are important to determine the size of the implants especially in joint replacement procedures and fracture fixations. Measurements vary between the populations of various geographical locations. So it is vital to know normal anatomical measurements of proximal femur of our Indian population. Aims and objectives of the study: Our aim of the study was to measure the angle of anteversion of femoral neck, neck shaft angle and thickness of greater trochanter and to correlate them clinically. Materials and methods: We have included 134 femurs for the study from the department of anatomy. Measurements were taken using Goniometer, sliding caliper, digital calipers and osteometric board. Results: Of these 134 femurs, right and left side distribution was 72 (53.7%) and 62 (46.3%) respectively. On right side, mild anteversion was seen in 9 (12.5%) femurs, moderate anteversion in 55 (76.38%) femurs , severe degree in 3 (4.16%) and marked degree of anteversion seen in 5 (6.94%) femurs. On left side, mild anteversion was seen in 9 (14.51%) femurs, moderate anteversion in 50 (80.64%), severe in 2 (3.22%) femurs and marked anteversion was noted in 1 (1.61%) femur. The mean value of neck shaft angle for left femur is more than the right femur. The difference in p-value for greater trochanter thickness was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The study would be advantageous in the arena of Orthopedic surgery for various hip pathologies like fracture fixation and joint replacement surgeries regarding selection of appropriate implants, forensic anthropology and also to the anatomists.