Photogrammetric Evaluation of Proximal Femoral Morphometric Parameters of Southern Nigerians

Background: Understanding the dimensions of the structural configuration of human skeleton is requisite in anthropologic and forensic anatomy, radiologic anatomy and orthopaedics.

Aim: This study presents a new method of using photogrammetry to obtain and analyse data of the morphometric parameters of the neck, proximal shaft (intertrochanteric or epiphyses area) of the proximal aspect of the cadaveric femur.

Methodology: A total of 127 dry human femur bones studied and analysed critically using photogrammetry. The following parameters were calculated for each femur: femoral neck shaft angle (FNSA), femoral neck intertrochanteric angle (FNIA), femoral shaft intertrochanteric angle (FSIA), and the area of femoral intertrochanteric triangle (FITAREA).

Results: The mean gotten for measured parameters are FNSA=132.91, FNIA=96.50, FSIA=35.93, FITAREA = 59.38mm2. Statistical analysis of the obtained data showed no significant (p<0.01) differences in all measured parameters between right and left sides. From the outcome of this study, highly significant (p<0.01) positive correlation between FNSA and FSIA, and FSIA and FNIA was observed.

Conclusion: We conclude that dynamic and robust understanding of the geometry and strength of the proximal end of the os femora requires parameters that conform to anatomical facts between the head, neck and proximal shaft of the os femora. This advocate how useful the FNIA and FSIA would be when used together with the FNSA in prognosis and managing proximal femoral fractures as it defines the geometric relation between the neck, intertrochanteric area (proximal epiphyseal area) and the shaft of femur. FITAREA which depicts the strength of the femoral epiphyseal or intertrochanteric area would also be useful in this regard. We recommend the possible use of the parameters measured in this study to improve prediction and management of proximal femoral fractures as they better elucidate an understanding of the morphology and strength of the proximal extremity of the os femora.