Dimensions and pattern of growth of the femoropatellar groove: A digital metric study on adult and fetal femora

Objectives: A detailed knowledge about the anatomy of thefemoropatellar groove (FPG) and its articulation is essential for thebetter understanding of the patellar stability. Therefore, the presentstudy was carried out to describe the morphology of FPG in adultsand the pattern of its growth in fetuses.Materials and Methods: Thirty-seven adult dry femora ofunknown age and 24 fetal femora of known gestational age wereincluded in the study. The dimensions of FPG and its angulationswere calculated digitally using Image J software and were analyzedstatistically.Results: The femoropatellar angulation ranged from 136.38°to 142.38°. The dimensions and angulation were correlated withthe gestational age. The dimensions of FPG and the altitude oflower end of the femur increased significantly with the gestationalage (P<0.05). There was also a significant negative correlationbetween the femoropatellar angulation and the gestational age(P<0.05).Conclusion: This study provides a database for the parametersof the adult femora. It also describes the pattern of growth ofthe lower end of fetal femur. These findings are essential indetermining the patellar stability during walking.