Asymmetry and structural system analysis of the proximal femur meta-epiphysis: osteoarticular anatomical pathology

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The human femur is commonly considered as a subsystem of the locomotor apparatus with four conspicuous levels of organization. This phenomenon is the result of the evolution of the locomotor apparatus, which encompasses both constitutional and individual variability. The work therein reported, therefore, underlies the significance of observing anatomical system analysis of the proximal femur meta-epiphysis in normal conditions, according to the anatomic positioning with respect to the right or left side of the body, and the presence of system asymmetry in the meta-epiphysis structure, thus indicating structural and functional asymmetry.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A total of 160 femur bones of both sexes were compiled and a morphological study of 15 linear and angulated parameters of proximal femur epiphysis was produced, thus defining the linear/angulated size of tubular bones. The parameters were divided into linear and angulated groups, while maintaining the motion of the hip joint and transmission of stress to the unwanted parts of the limb. Furthermore, the straight and vertical diameters of the femoral head and the length of the femoral neck were also studied. The angle between the neck and diaphysis, the neck antiversion and angle of rotation of the femoral neck were subsequently measured. Finally, the condylo-diaphyseal angle with respect to the axis of extremity was determined. To visualize the force of intersystem ties, we have used the method of correlation galaxy construction.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The absolute numeral values of each linear parameter were transformed to relative values. The values of superfluity coefficient for each parameter in the right and left femoral bone groups were estimated and Pearson's correlation coefficient has been calculated (> 0.60). Retrospectively, the observed results have confirmed the presence of functional asymmetry in the proximal femur meta-epiphysis. On the basis of compliance or insignificant difference in the confidence interval of the linear parameters, we have revealed, therefore, a discrepancy in values between the neck and the diaphysis angle and the angle of femoral neck rotation (range displacement of confident interval to a greater degree to the right).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This study assessed the observations of a systemic anatomical study encompassing the proximal femur meta-epiphysis behavior in normal condition. This work has significance in medical practice as the theoretical basis is also required in knowing the decreased frequency and degree of severity of osteoarthritic pathologies in the dominant lower extremity.</p

Correlation galaxies revealed during the structure analysis of the femur proximal meta-epiphysis (A, to the right; B, to the left; C, to the right; D, to the left)

In figures 1A and 1B, ties with Pearson's correlation coefficient in the range of 0.8–0.89 are marked with dotted line; 0.9 and higher are marked with a continuous line. In figures 1C and 1D, ties with Pearson's correlation coefficient in the range of 0.6–0.69 are marked with dotted line; 0.7–0.79 are marked with a continuous line. Symbols: A – direct head diameter; B – vertical head diameter; C – direct neck diameter; D – vertical neck diameter; E – intertrochanteric size; F – front neck length; G – back neck length; H – upper neck length; I – lower neck length; J – proximal epiphysis transverse size; K – direct diaphysis diameter.<p><b>Copyright information:</b></p><p>Taken from "Asymmetry and structural system analysis of the proximal femur meta-epiphysis: osteoarticular anatomical pathology"</p><p>http://www.josr-online.com/content/3/1/11</p><p>Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research 2008;3():11-11.</p><p>Published online 27 Feb 2008</p><p>PMCID:PMC2291035.</p><p></p