Platymeric and Robusticity Index of the Femur in Nigerian Population

Anatomical awareness of different femoral dimensions is important in anthropological and medicolegal practice for sex/racial determination and as well as to radiologist, rheumatologist and orthopedic surgeons for diagnosis and planning of treatment. Morphology and statistical analysis of femoral anthropometry has shown significant amount of variation and as such having reference data peculiar to a given population is key. Platymetry is the level of flattening of the superior diaphysis of a long bone while robusticity is the relative slenderness of a bone. The study sought to determine the platymeric and robusticity index of the right and left femur in Nigerian population The study involved 148 femur bones (78 right and 70 left) obtained from Anatomy departments of various Universities in Nigeria. Digital sliding caliper and measuring tape were used to take measurements. The following measurements were conducted Platymetric index, Robusticity index. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. T-test was used to compare mean values and a probability level of p<0.05 was considered significant. Measurements were taken in centimeters Mean platymeric index of right and left femur was 89.21±8.61 and88.61±9.04 respectively. Mean robusticity index of right and left femur was 12.08±0.62 and 11.77±0.74 respectively. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the right and left femur for the playtemeric index and the robusticity index (p>0.05) This study provides reference data of the playtimeric index and robusticity index of the femur for the Nigerian population which could be useful in forensics, prosthetics and in orthopaedical surgical procedures.

Key Words: Femur, Platymeric index, Robusticity index, Nigeria