Ananya Biswas, Arnab Bhar
BACKGROUND The knee joint is a major joint of the body, and one of the most commonly affected by pathology. It is also the most common joint to be operated upon, modified and partially replaced with prosthetic implants. In such scenario, the measurements of the lower end of the femur assume importance in the manufacture of implants and their proper coaptation to the condyles of the femur. The present study is an exploration of such measurements of the lower end of the femur. MATERIALS AND METHODS 70 dry unclassified adult femora were studied. Condylar dimensions were measured using Martin’s slide calipers and a diaptograph. Antero-posterior, vertical and transverse dimensions of both condyles, bicondylar width & the bicondylar angle were determined. RESULTS Antero-posterior, vertical and transverse condylar dimensions varied from 50-65 mm, 22-35 mm and 27-42 mm respectively for the lateral condyle, and 47-64 mm, 22-34 mm, & 27-39 mm respectively for the medial condyle. Both the bicondylar width and the bicondylar angle were greater in right femora. CONCLUSION Condylar dimensions exhibited only minor differences. Antero-posterior and transverse dimensions of the lateral condyle were greater than the medial. The bicondylar angle was greater on the right side. This study may contribute in a small way to the database of information on the knee region for the population of Eastern India.
