Morphometric analysis of distal femur through MRI in Turkish population and review of the literature

Measurements of the distal femur are highly variable among different subjects. To obtain the best stability and longevity of the knee implants, anthropometric data of the distal femur is required. The aim of this study was to investigate the anatomical structure of the distal femur according to age and gender and to determine the changes in the groups, of the patients with meniscopathy and controls. A total of 488 patients were included in the study according to age groups (0-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46-60, 61 and above). Intercondylar width, intercondylar anteroposterior distance, medial condylar width, lateral condylar width, bicondylar width, medial condyle anteroposterior distance, and lateral condyle anteroposterior distance were measured on axial Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Intercondylar width, medial condylar width, lateral condylar width and bicondylar width were significantly higher in men in all age groups compared to women (p < 0.05). Intercondylar anteroposterior distance, medial condyle anteroposterior distance and lateral condyle anteroposterior distance were statistically significantly higher in males than in females except 0-15 age group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in medial and lateral anteroposterior distance values in men (p > 0.05), and found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05) on the right and left side in women. Although personalized implant production is expensive compared to today’s conditions, we think that age and gender changes should be considered in the selection of prosthesis, since the dimensions of the distal femur will affect the stability and duration of use of knee implants.