Morphological and Morphometric Variations of Fovea Capitis Femoris: A Cross-sectional Study from Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Abstract

Introduction: The proximal end of the femur is an important anatomical modification in humans, widely explored to acquire detailed knowledge that aids in determining the exact size of hip prosthesis and minimising postoperative complications. However, thorough analysis of the various parameters of the Fovea Capitis Femoris (FCF) is frequently overlooked, yet it is also important during reconstructive surgery of the ligamentum teres femoris, radiographic evaluation of hip dysplasia, or as an anatomical landmark in hip arthroscopy. Detailed morphological and morphometric measurements of the FCF in the West Bengal population would help bridge this gap, as there are few Indian studies regarding the fovea. Aim: To determine the morphological and morphometric measurements of the FCF in the West Bengal population. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 297 dry femora from the Department of Anatomy at Kolkata Medical College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India from October 2023 to February 2024. The position and shape of the fovea were recorded. Morphometric measurements of the fovea (depth, transverse diameter, and vertical diameter) and the head of the femur (transverse and vertical diameters) were taken using a vernier caliper. The collected data were compiled in a Microsoft Excel sheet and analysed using Jamovi software (free version). The Pearson’s correlation formula was used to determine the correlation between various parameters of the fovea and femoral head. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: All femora had a single distinct fovea. The most frequent shape of the fovea was oval 135 (45.45%), and its most common position was in the posterior-inferior quadrant 263 (88.55%) of the femoral head. Regarding morphometric measurements, the mean values of the transverse diameter, vertical diameter, and Depth of the Fovea (DF) were 1.53±0.367 cm, 1.28±0.303 cm, and 0.304±0.141 cm, respectively. A positive correlation was found between the transverse and vertical diameters of the fovea (Pearson’s correlation r=0.239), and a significant p-value (p<0.001) was also found between them. Conclusion: Knowledge of these variations may be useful for anatomists, radiologists, anthropologists, forensic experts, and orthopaedic surgeons when planning and executing hip replacement surgeries.

Keywords

• femur head
• hip prosthesis
• measurements
• round ligament of femur