Morphology of the Proximal Femur in a Pakistani Population

Abstract

Purpose. To measure the morphology of the proximal femur in a Pakistani population. Methods. Standardised anteroposterior pelvic radiographs of 116 male and 20 female healthy volunteers aged 20 to 50 (mean, 33) years were taken. Morphologic dimensions of the proximal femur were measured, including canal flare index (CFI), morphological cortical index (MCI), femoral head offset, femoral head diameter, and femoral head position. Results. Based on the CFI, 67% of the subjects had normal canal shapes (CFI, 3.0–4.7), whereas 1% and 33% of the subjects had stovepipe shapes (CFI, 2.7). Conclusion. Morphology of the proximal femur in our study population differed significantly from those in western populations, indicating regional variation. It could also be due to the younger age of our population.