Morphological and morphometrical study of the human acetabulum and its clinical implications

Abstract

Background: The acetabulum is a cup-shaped depression on the hipbone. All three innominate elements, the ilium, ischium and pubis contribute to its formation unequally. The acetabular fossa articulates with the head of femur to form the hip joint. Objectives: To document the relationship between the depth and diameter of the acetabulum and to describe the anterior ac-etabular ridge morphology. Material and Methods: The study was conducted on 73 adult unpaired dry hipbones of unknown age and sex were assessed for two morphometric and one morphological character. The data of the acetabular depth and diameter was determined using Ver-nier calipers. The morphology of anterior acetabular ridge was evaluated and classified as curved, angular, straight and irregular. Results: The mean diameter of acetabular cavity on right side was found to be 48.3 ± 3.4mm and on the left side 48.9 ± 3.5mm. The mean depth on right side was measured to be 27.1 ± 3.4mm and on left side 27 ± 3mm. We observed positive co-relation between the mean and standard deviation of total diameter and depth of acetabular cavity. The Curved shape anterior acetabu-lar ridge was the most predominant type (41.1%) and the least type was straight shaped (5.5%). Conclusion: The morphometric assessment of the acetabulum has a myriad of utilities for Anatomists, anthropologists, experts in forensic medicine and orthopaedic surgeons for better alignment of acetabular cup placement during total hip arthroplasty. Further, the anterior ridge morphology may be vital in diagnosing congenital acetabular dysplasia and during treatment of hip joint fractures.