3D Morphological Study of the Indian Arthritic Knee: Comparison with Other Ethnic Groups and Conformity of Current TKA Implant*

Abstract

Background: Studies have shown that there are striking variations in knee morphology between Asian and Western population. However, most of the existing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) implants are designed to suit the anatomy of Western population. Our study investigated anthropometry of Indian arthritic knees and compared them to international ethnic groups. Methods: Computed tomography was used to create 3D knee models and obtain anthropometric data of distal femur and proximal tibia of Indian arthritic knees. Femoral measurements included mediolateral length, medial and lateral anteroposterior length, medial and lateral condylar width and aspect ratio. Tibial measurements included mediolateral length, medial, lateral and central anteroposterior length and aspect ratio. A preoperative virtual implantation using Western TKA implants was carried out to visualize anatomical conformity. Results: Statistical analysis results showed that Indian males had significantly larger femoral and tibial mediolateral and anteroposterior width than Indian females; however, femoral and tibial aspect ratio was similar for both. In case of females, significant difference was observed between medial and lateral condylar widths. When compared to knee anthropometry of other ethnic groups, femoral and tibial aspect ratio of Indian knees was found to be similar to the Asian population and different from the Western population. The virtual implantation showed overhang of the femoral component in both lateral and medial regions. Conclusion: Morphological mismatch between Western and Indian knees established the fact that Western implants have drawbacks when implanted in Indian patients. The study also provided a basis for designing gender-specific TKA implants for the Indian population.