Femoral Neck Anteversion in Sub Himalyan Population: Digital Radiography vs Dry Bone Measurements

Abstract

Introduction: Femoral neck anteversion is an important parameter of proximal femoral geometry. It has not only an anthropological value but also it gives an insight into possible underlying hip pathology. Aim: To measure femoral neck anteversion values in sub himalyan population of north west India using digital radiography and dry bone measurements. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective hospital based study. Anteversion in 89 patients (89 paired femora) was measured by digital radiography and dry bone measurements. 93 unpaired dry cadaveric bones from the collection of bones maintained by Department of Anatomy of our institute were analysed by direct measurements. The results obtained were statistically analysed. Results: The mean femoral neck anteversion by digital radiography method was 14.70±2.26 while 14.57±2.67 by dry bone measurements. Males had higher anteversion values when compared to females in both groups. All these differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Increased femoral anteversion values are associated with clinical conditions like intoeing gait, hip osteoarthritis, femoroacetabular impingment, Developemental dysplasia of hip and Perthes disease. The data from this study would help establish values of femoral neck anteversion for sub himalayan population of north west India, provide insight into above mentioned disease conditions and help in planning orthopaedic surgeries like osteotomies about the hip and total hip replacement.

Keywords

• femur
• hip joint
• torsion abnormality