ABSTRACT
Background: Patella (kneecap) is the largest sesamoid bone in the human body which develops within the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle. It is significantly important in anthropometrics. It is involved in the various methods of sitting and squatting. Therefore, it will be modified by cultural and ethnic variables. The knowledge of morphology and dimensions of patella performs very important role in the design of prosthesis and development of surgical techniques, hence this work was undertaken to establish such data on the dimensions of patella. Methods: 50 dry human patellae collected from the Department of Anatomy, SAMC and PGI Indore, MP, India. The various parameters were recorded and photographed. Results: 82% patella are triangular. Mean of height, width and thickness of patella were 36.66, 38.66, 19.26 mm. Width of MAF and LAF is 20.69 mm, 23.35 mm. Surface area of medial and lateral articular facet of patella were 415 mm2 / 526 mm2. Average weight of the patella is about 7.9 gm. Conclusion: This study provides various morphometric parameters and original data in relation to the patellar facets. Data are applicable to implant design of the patella and important from a biomechanical perspective