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Anthropometric measurements of patella and its clinical implications

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Abstract

Introduction

Early patellar failures in tricompartmental total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have been related to universal designing of implants. Establishing the appropriate patellar bone–prosthesis composite thickness is one of the important steps in ensuring functional success in arthroplasty. Since there is a paucity of data concerning the anthropometric measurements of Indian patella, the objective of this study was to obtain anatomic information of the patella of the northern Indian population and to analyze how it differs from western patellae that will improve patellar component design and implantation in TKA.

Materials and methods

A total of 266 consecutive knee radiographs were evaluated. All data were collected by a single doctor using X-ray console, where height (mm) and breadth (mm) were taken in anteroposterior views and thickness (mm) in lateral view.

Results

The mean, standard deviation, 95% confidence interval and P value of the measurements were calculated. It was found that Indians had thinner and smaller patella as compared to westerners and also males had significantly (P < .001) larger patella as compared to females.

Conclusion

Anthropometric patellar dimensions can influence implant design and surgical outcomes and can be used as a guideline for future designing of more regional and gender-specific patellar component and patellar plate.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, 249201, India

    Rohit Jain, Roop Bhushan Kalia & Lakshmana Das

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  1. Rohit Jain
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  2. Roop Bhushan Kalia
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  3. Lakshmana Das
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Correspondence to Rohit Jain.

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Jain, R., Kalia, R.B. & Das, L. Anthropometric measurements of patella and its clinical implications. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 29, 1765–1769 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-019-02490-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-019-02490-8

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