THE INCIDENCE OF TROCHANTER TERTIUS IN DRY FEMORA -AN INSTITUTIONAL STUDY
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Keywords
Femur, Third trochanter, Orthopedics
Abstract
Background: The third trochanter (TT), also known as the trochanter tertius or innominate tubercle, is a non-metric anatomical variant observed on the proximal femur. It serves as an attachment site for the gluteus maximus muscle and is associated with functional adaptations and variations in the femur's morphology. Understanding its incidence and morphometry is essential for clinical and orthopedic applications, particularly in surgical planning and fracture management.
Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the TT's incidence, morphological characteristics, and morphometric measurements in dry femoral specimens from the Department of Anatomy at Government Medical College, Srinagar.
Materials and Methods: A total of 110 dry human femora were analyzed. Femora with proximal damage were excluded. The incidence of the TT was recorded, and its length and breadth were measured using a digital caliper. Measurements were compared between right and left femora using independent samples t-tests to identify any significant differences.
Results: The incidence of the TT was 37.2% (41/110), with a slightly higher prevalence on the right femur (38%) compared to the left (36.1%). The mean length and breadth of the TT were 16.8 ± 5.1 mm and 7.31 ± 2.4 mm, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found in the TT's length (t = 0.768, p = 0.44) or breadth (t = -0.261, p = 0.80) between right and left femora.
Conclusion: The TT was present in 37.2% of the analyzed femora, with slight right-sided predominance. Its development is influenced by the mechanical pull of the gluteus maximus muscle and may impact fracture patterns in the proximal femur. Knowledge of the TT is critical in orthopedic practice, particularly for surgical access and the design of pre-contoured femoral plates. Further studies focusing on genetic and biomechanical factors can provide deeper insights into its development and clinical implications.
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Farah Syed
Senior Resident, Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College Srinagar
Midhat Syed
Senior Resident, Department of Anatomy, SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, Srinagar
Masooma Syed
Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College, Baramulla
Ghulam Mohd. Bhat
Professor and Head, Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College Srinagar