Osteometric analysis of human adult dry tibia at a Medical College in South India: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background: In the domains of forensic science, anatomy, archaeology, and sports medicine, morphometric data of long bones are important. The morphometry of the tibia is essential for the successful outcome of total knee arthroplasty. The lower end of the tibia, which forms the ankle joint, is commonly impacted in accidents and sports injuries. Objective: The present study aims to reappraise the morphometry of the adult dry tibia in South India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 60 bones of adult human dry tibia obtained from the bone collection of the department of anatomy. Various parameters of the upper end, shaft, and lower end of the tibia were measured using a digital Vernier caliper. Results: The tibial length varied from 32.7 to 42.7 cm, with a mean length of 36.79 ± 2.24. The Cnemic index, Foraminal index, Length–thickness index, and Cross-section index were 72.57 ± 11, 32.1 ± 3.3, 75.7 ± 11.1, and 22.95 ± 1.53, respectively. According to the foraminal index, 75% of the bones belonged to Type-1 and 25% to Type-2, where the nutrient foramen was in the proximal and middle third of the bone, respectively. Conclusions: The present study gives observational morphometric data of the tibia, which will be helpful in clinical as well as in medicolegal cases. These parameters will help in the selection of the correct prosthesis for a successful surgery, and we hope this morphometric analysis will have substantial significance across various disciplines.