Angular and LinearMorphometry of the Proximal Femur: An Aide to Surgical Reconstruction

The proximal femur is an interesting area of the whole femur bone owing to its vitality to posture, weight bearing and gait. The aim of this study is to radiologically determine the neck-shaft angle and some linear dimensions of the proximal femur of Nigerians.600 radiographs of adult femur (Anterior-Posterior view) of patients with no deformation were obtained from some selected hospitals in Nigeria. The linear and angular morphometry of the proximal femur (right and left sides) were measured from anteroposterior (AP) radiographs of the pelvis. The radiographs were placed on the X-ray viewing box. The linear parameters were measured using a plastic transparent meter rule in centimeter (cm) and the angular morphometry was determined using the goniometer in degrees (). All lines drawn on the radiographs were drawn with an HB pencil. Details of the subjects like age and sex were noted as gotten from the medical records in the film jacket. Femoral neck axis length (FNAL), femoral neck width (FNW) and femoral Neck-shaft angle (FNA) were all measured and recorded. Statistical analysis was carried out. Sexual dimorphism was observed in FNAL (Female mean- 10.040.77 and Male mean 10.611.07), FNW (Female mean - 3.450.45 and Male mean- 3.820.42). There was no significant difference observed in between right and right side of the FNA. Variations which were statistically significant were observed between the sexes for all the parameters except for Neck Shaft Angle. Femoral Neck Axis length which is a major component of Hip Axis Length is longer in men than in women, which probably explains why Nigerian men are generally taller than women. Independent characteristics like: a longer HAL, valgus femoral neck and larger FNW makes the proximal femur vulnerable to fracture. This study is therefore a useful tool in the hands of physiotherapist and Orthopaedic Surgeons.