A Morphometric Study of the Proximal End of the Tibia in North Karnataka Population – A Cross-sectional Study

Background: The upper end of the tibia is beneficial for surgeons and biotechnologists. It is additionally used by interventional rheumatologists in implanting for osteonecrosis of medial or lateral tibial plateaus, which may facilitate the orthopedicians in choosing knee prostheses. This is used for total knee arthroplasty and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. It also gives better results after surgery in early mobility of patients as well as lessens postoperative complications. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 100 fully ossified dry adult tibia (50 right and 50 left). All the parameters of various parts of the upper end of the dry tibia were recorded using a digital vernier caliper and measuring tape. The mean values of all the parameters were recorded and compared between the right and left sides. Results: The average maximum width of transverse diameter of tibial condyles on both sides was 62.78 mm. The average maximum length of the anteroposterior diameter of the intercondylar region on both sides was 42.12 mm. The average maximum length between the upper end of the tibia to the lower end of the tibial tuberosity on both sides was 25.74 mm. The average maximum length of the circumference of the upper end of the tibia on both sides was 18.77 cm. The average maximum length of the anteroposterior diameter of the medial condyle on both sides was 26.65 mm and the average maximum anteroposterior diameter of the lateral condyle on both sides was 27.40 mm. Conclusion: The present study will be helpful for anatomists, forensic experts, orthopedic surgeons, and prosthetists for research and designing prostheses and for medicolegal investigations. This is also helpful to construct suitable prostheses and operating patients with fractures at the upper end of the tibia.