Study of Morphometric Analysis of Acetabulum and Its Clinical Correlation in South Indian Population

Abstract

Introduction: Acetabulum is a cup shaped cavity on the outer surface of the constricted central part of the hip bone, where three components meet and subsequently fuse. In modern world, orthopaedic surgeons and biomedical engineers are trying to make the best possible prosthesis for planning the total hip replacement. Body proportion and absolute dimension vary widely in respect to age, sex and racial groups. While partially due to variability in muscularity and adiposity, such variations are chiefly in skeletal system. Purpose of study: The main intention of this study was to obtain the morphometric data of acetabulum. This data suffices the mechanics of the hip joint so as to plan for suitable prosthesis and various surgical approaches. Material and method: The study was conducted in the department of Anatomy. Hundred hip bones of both sexes were used. In this study we included only healthy adult bones, deformed and eroded bones were excluded from the study. The osteometric parameters such as diameter, depth and capacity of acetabulum, notch width and shape of the anterior acetabular ridge were measured using digital Vernier calipers and measuring jar. The data was analysed statistically using SPSS software. Results: The mean diameter of acetabulum in males was found to be 5.03 cm and in females it was 4.44 cm, whereas on right side it was 4.70 cm and on left side it was 4.77 cm. The mean depth of acetabulum in males was 2.85 cm and in females it was 2.49 cm, whereas on the right side was 2.71 cm and 2.63 cm on the left. The mean notch width of the acetabulum in males was 2.07 cm and in females it was 1.71 cm, whereas on the right side it was 1.92 cm, and 1.85 cm on the left. Total range for the acetabular capacity was 22-30.68 ml. The curved shape anterior acetabular ridge was the most predominant type (39%) and the least type was irregular shaped (15%). Conclusion: The acetabular parameters such as acetabular diameter, depth, capacity and notch width of the acetabulum was greater in males compared to the females. Statistically the comparison was highly significant. Most common anterior acetabular ridge shape is curved type (39%), least was Irregular type (15%). Morphometric data of acetabulum is essential for clinical correlation and it also helps in the detection of disputed sex by Forensic experts. It also helps the orthopaedic surgeons for planning the total hip replacement KEY WORDS: Hip bone, Acetabular Diameter, Acetabular Depth, anterior ridge, Notch.