Anatomical Parameters of Hip Joint in Adult Human Cadavers of North Karnataka – A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Most of the studies described anatomical parameters on X-ray. Here the measurements were carried out on adult human cadavers. This study will essentially help orthopedicians to make suitable hip joint prosthesis, also help forensic expert in disputed sex and help to understand biomechanics of hip joint. These parameters help us to understand etiopathogenesis of disease like osteo-arthritis of hip joint. METHEDOLOGY A total 60 hip joints were studied in 20 male and 10 female cadavers. Various measurements taken with soft tissue in situ like vertical diameter of head of femur, diameter of acetabulum and depth of acetabulum. These measurements were taken using vernier caliper and a steel scale. Mean values of three parameters were recorded and compared between males and females. The mean values also compared with right and left side for males and females. The mean diameter of acetabulum compared with mean vertical diameter of head of femur for both the sexes. RESULTS (a) The mean vertical diameter of head of femur was found to be 43.75 mm in males and 40.30 mm in females. (b) The mean diameter of acetabulum was found to be 45.15 mm in males and 41.50 mm in females. vii ABSTRACT (c) The mean depth of acetabulum was found to be 31.78 mm in males and 29.70 mm in females. (d) The mean values of three parameters were found to be greater in males than in females. (e) The mean values of three parameters was found to be greater on right side in both males and females. (f) In both sexes the mean diameter of acetabulum was found to be greater than the mean vertical diameter of head of femur. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS The mean values of vertical diameter of head of femur, depth and diameter of acetabulum were found to be significantly greater in males than in females. The parameters of hip joint are immense importance to orthopaedicians, radiologists, and prosthetists. These values are useful to identify the fragment of bone for sex determination sent to forensic expert. It was found that the diameter of acetabulum was significantly more than that of vertical diameter of head of femur. This explains why osteoarthritis is rare in Indians as compared to the Western world. The acetabulum was relatively deeper in this study compared to other similar study. This explains why congenital subluxation is rare in Indians. These parameters will help the orthopaedicians, prosthetist to design suitable hip prosthesis.