The Morphologic Study of the Calcar Femorale and the Femoral Stem in Korean Population

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine morphological data of the calcar femorale using high resolution CT and to determine its relationship with the morphology of femoral stems commonly used in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT scans of the bilateral proximal femurs were randomly obtained from 54 Korean subjects(31 males and 23 females). The mean age was 49 years. The length, vertical height and thickness of the calacr femorale were measured. The medial dimension of the proximal portion of the femoral stems was investigated and matched with the distance between the anterior cortex of the proximal femur and the midpoint of the calcar femorale. RESULTS: The calcar femorale was visible in 53 CT scans(98%). The length, vertical height and thickness of the calacr femorale was 11.4+/-3.0 mm, 35.1+/- 5.96 mm and 2.4+/-0.7 mm, respectively, and there were no significant changes with age. The dimensions of the femoral stems were compatible with the morphology around the calcar femorale. CONCLUSION: The calcar femorale is a constant cortical structure that can provide consistent rotational stability for the proposed cementless stems. It is strongly recommended that the calcar femorale be preserved during the femoral preparation.