ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to found a three dimensional anatomical model of normal knees in Chinese and to carry out measurements of the relating parameters with this model. Three dimensional CT scan of 18 normal Chinese (36 knees) were acquired. All the cases were divided into three groups according to the height of each individual (156～165cm, 166～175cm, 176～185cm), with each group consisting of 6 individuals (12 knees). Data of the 6 ipsilateral knees were integrated to create a typical three dimensional anatomical model. Altogether 15 parameters including the linear and the angular indices were measured through this model. The results showed: (1) Most anatomical characteristics of the knee of typical Chinese population could be covered by the 3 D model we established; (2) There were stable positive relationships between different linear parameters and between the linear parameters and the body height; (3) The angular parameters were comparatively independent. This well developed 3 D model could provide a reliable method on the measurements of the knee geometry in Chinese people.