Study of Dimensions of Head and Neck of Human Femur and its Clinical Significance

Abstract

Introduction: The Study of dimensions of head and neck of femur is important for making of appropriate prosthesis in hip replacement surgery. Different size of dimensions of head and neck of femur can affect the hip joint movement. The dimensions of head and neck of femur is varies according to age, race, heredity, ethnicity and geographical factor. Length of femur and stature of an individual can be determined even if only a fragment of proximal end of femur is available. Objective: To determine the functional implication of variation in dimension of head and neck of femur, which may be helpful for orthopaedic surgeons and forensic experts. Materials and Methods: Fifty human femur bones (25 of each side) were used for the study. Measurement of dimensions of head and neck of femur was done to know the average length of femur, vertical and transverse diameter of head, head circumference, anterior and posterior neck length and neck shaft angle of femur. All the measurement were taken with the help of Osteometric board, Circumference measuring tape, Digital vernier calliper and Goniometer. Results: The following mean values of dimensions of total 50 bones: Length of femur were 435.1±26.0 mm.Vertical and Transverse diameter of head of femur were 40.97±3.46 mm and 41.74 ± 2.76 mm respectively. Head circumference were 133.25±11.57 mm. Anterior and Posterior Neck length were 29.75±5.30 mm and 35.03±4.87 mm respectively. Neck shaft angle were 125.96±6.10 degree . Conclusion: Appropriate prosthesis for orthopaedic surgeries can be designed from the result of this study. KEYWORDS: Femur, head and neck dimensions, hip replacement.