Distal Femur MRI Rotational Anatomy in a Black African Population: A Pilot Study

Background: Correct distal femoral rotation, which varies across populations, is one important factor in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgical success. This descriptive pilot study aims to present the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in a black population using recognized measures that have been utilized in different populations and to compare these findings with published data. Materials and methods: MRI images of 58 knees taken over a 6-month period were retrospectively reviewed to measure the condylar twist angle (CTA), Whiteside-posterior condylar angle (WPC), and Whiteside-epicondylar angle (W-EP). The correlation between the angles and age and gender was assessed. Results: The mean CTA was 4.4° (4.7° in males and 4.2° in females), while the mean W-PC and W-EP were 87.1° (87.2° in males and 87.1° in females) and 86.5° (86.5° in males and 86.4° in females), respectively. There was no correlation between the rotational measurements and the age or gender of the study subjects. Conclusion: The mean CTA was 4.4 in this study which differs from published data showing 6° in Indian and 3° in Caucasian populations. A larger study is required to review the distal femoral and proximal tibial anatomy in the black population group to assess whether significant variations exist that may impact the outcomes in TKA using standard implants.