Morphometric analysis of proximal end of the tibia

Abstract

Background Total knee arthroplasty and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty are frequently done procedures for the treatment of various forms of arthritis and knee injuries. The knee prosthesis, which is used for these procedures, requires adequate sizing specific to the population. Morphometric parameters of upper end of the tibia can be used to guide treatment and monitor outcome of total knee replacement surgeries. Information regarding morphometry of upper end of the tibia is important as it provides reliable method of assessing knee deformity. This article assesses different morphometric parameters of condylar and intercondylar surface of the tibia and to compile the results, analyze, and formulate a baseline data for future studies with relevance to Indian population. Materials and Methods The study group comprised of 60 adult human dry and processed tibia of both sides which are grossly normal and complete, obtained from the Department of Anatomy, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences. Morphometric measurements of the medial condyle, lateral condyle, and intercondylar area of tibia were recorded with vernier calipers with a least count of 0.01 mm. The dimensions were summarized as mean ± standard deviation. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Result Mediolateral and anteroposterior length were 66.33 and 42.52 mm, respectively. Conclusion Anatomical profile of tibial condyle for Indians is smaller, hence highlighting the need for sizing of prosthesis specific to the population in question.

Keywords

• morphometry
• proximal end of tibia
• tibial condyles