The Morphometric Analysis of Adult Dry Patellae: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: The patella is the largest sesamoid bone in the body, which develops within the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle. It is a flat, distally tapered, and proximally curved bone. The morphometric study of the patella is important for orthopaedic surgeries. Aim: To conduct a morphometric analysis of the adult dry patella. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 50 dry human patellae from both the right and left sides of unknown gender. These specimens were obtained from the “Bone Library” of the Department of Anatomy, TN Medical College, and Nair Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, during the period from December 2022 to February 2023. Patellar length, width, thickness, as well as the width of the articular facet, were measured using an electronic digital vernier caliper. Mean, standard deviations, and p-value were calculated using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Patellar parameters between the right and left sides were compared, and an unpaired student's t-test was applied. Results: The mean height, width, and thickness of the right patellae were 42.08±3.44 mm, 45.20±4.35 mm, and 18.85±2.16 mm, respectively, while those of the left patellae were 42.68±3.52 mm, 45.00±2.57 mm, and 19.56±1.62 mm, respectively. The mean width of the medial and lateral articular facets of the right patellae were 18.65±2.65 mm and 23.20±2.20 mm, respectively, while those of the left patellae were 19.10±2.25 mm and 22.61±1.69 mm, respectively. Conclusion: The present study evaluates different dimensions such as length, width, thickness, and the articular facet of the patella. These findings will be helpful in designing knee implants and during reconstructive surgeries related to the knee.