Cervico-diaphyseal angle of femur-a comparative study in South Indian population

Background: Cervico- diaphyseal angle or neck-shaft angle is the angle made by the neck of the femur with the femoral shaft. This angle had grabbed much attention of researchers and different studies with variable results were obtained. Aim: The aim of the study is to measure the neck-shaft angles on both gender types and on both sides and correlate it clinically. Materials and Methods: This study was done in Department of Anatomy, Yenepoya Medical College, Mangalore.100 dry human femora of both sexes belonging to either sides were measured mechanically using osteometric board, threads and glass protractor .The results obtained were statistically analyzed. Results: The neck-shaft angle of femur is measured in100 dry bones and the mean value is calculated as 134.56 degrees. The mean values for males were 134.29 and females were 134.82 degrees respectively. The mean values for left side were 135.22 and that of right side were 133.86 degrees. Even though the value is higher in females and in left side, no statistical difference was found. Conclusion: Any increase or decrease in femoral neck-shaft angle is associated with various clinical conditions.It had a significant role in maintaining hip stability and normal gait pattern. Knowledge about this is essential in hip arthroplasties and corrective osteotomies. The data established in this study will be useful for various orthopedic diagnosis and procedures and also in the field of general human osteology and anthropology.