Abstract
The quantitative characterization of anatomical geometry of the human cadaveric femur is essential for assessing the structural integrity of the femur and the hip system. Three dimensional geometric characteristics of the femur were determined using a Motion Analysis System which provides non-contact position measurement of multiple reflective markers in two dimensions. The basic concept is that by using two dimensional position measurements of the reflective markers placed at strategic locations on the femur, the three dimensional geometric characteristics of the human femur can be calculated using the measurements obtained from the three orthogonal views. Using this technique, the internal orientational geometry of the femur is determined in addition to periosteal dimensions. Twenty human cadaveric femora were used. The measurement of anteversion, neck angle and neck length were made to compare with the radiographic and conventional measurements using calipers. Additional measurement of femoral head diameter and the diameter at the isthmus and mid-lesser trochanter level of the diaphysis were determined from both the anterior and medial views. The diaphyseal curvature of the femur was also determined. The anatomical dimensions determined from this study were similar to that of the previously published results. In our comparison of femoral neck angle and neck length however, there was a consistent difference between the three dimensional measurement and the two dimensional radiographic and conventional measurements. The differences were due to the limitation of two dimensions in the radiographic and conventional measurement method.