Three-dimensional morphology of the proximal femur.

In the field of uncemented hip arthroplasties, secondary biologic fixation of femoral implants depends directly on the quality of the primary stability. Metaphyseal filling and a good fit between the implant and the proximal femur improve initial stabilization and optimize the transmission of forces to the bone. Precise knowledge of the three-dimensional femoral shape is essential to the design and selection of adapted implants.

The morphology of the proximal femur. A three-dimensional radiographic analysis.

Biological fixation of cementless femoral implants requires primary stability by optimal fit in the proximal femur. The anatomy of the bone must then be known precisely. We analysed in vitro the accuracy of bone measurements of 32 femurs and compared the dimensions obtained from radiographs and CT scans with the true anatomical dimensions.