MORPHOMETRY OF THE ACETABULUM IN DRY ADULT HUMAN HIP BONES: AN ANATOMICAL STUDY WITH IMPLICATIONS FOR HIP ARTHROPLASTY AND PROSTHESIS DESIGN

Background: Acetabular morphometry is important for understanding hip biomechanics, anatomical variation, and population-specific requirements in hip arthroplasty and prosthesis design. This study evaluated acetabular dimensions, morphology, side-wise variation, and measurement reliability in dry adult human hip bones from Government Medical College, Jammu. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional morphometric study was conducted on 120 dry adult hip bones, comprising 60 right and 60 left specimens. Maximum, vertical, and transverse acetabular diameters; acetabular depth; acetabular notch width and depth; and depth-to-diameter index were measured using calibrated instruments. Acetabular rim morphology, anterior acetabular ridge shape, notch shape, and visible anatomical variations were recorded. Side-wise comparisons and observer reliability were assessed statistically. Results: The mean maximum acetabular diameter was 50.7 ± 2.8 mm, vertical diameter 51.7 ± 3.0 mm, transverse diameter 48.5 ± 3.0 mm, and acetabular depth 26.2 ± 2.1 mm. No statistically significant right-left differences were observed in any morphometric parameter. Regular smooth rim was the commonest rim pattern, curved anterior acetabular ridge was the predominant ridge type, and U-shaped acetabular notch was most frequent. Inter-observer and intra-observer reliability were high for major measurements. Conclusion: The study provides region-specific baseline data on acetabular morphometry and morphology in adult dry hip bones from Jammu. These findings may support anatomical teaching, anthropometric reference, acetabular reconstruction, implant sizing, and prosthesis design, while highlighting the need for larger sex-documented and CT-based studies