Osteometric Variability of Humerus and Femur in a Central Indian Population: Implications for Prosthesis Design and Orthopedic Practice

Background: Orthopedic implant design and surgical outcomes are highly dependent on accurate anatomical dimensions of long bones. Most commercially available prostheses are based on Western population data, which may not be suitable for Indian populations due to significant anatomical variability. Objective: To evaluate osteometric variability of the humerus and femur in a Central Indian population and assess its implications for prosthesis design and orthopedic practice. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 adult dry human long bones (humeri and femora). Osteometric parameters including maximum bone length, femoral head diameter, bicondylar width, humeral head diameter, and epicondylar breadth were measured using standard instruments. Descriptive statistics and comparative analyses were performed to assess variability and sexual dimorphism, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Significant variability was observed across all osteometric parameters. Femoral dimensions demonstrated greater variability compared to humerus measurements. All parameters showed statistically significant sexual dimorphism (p < 0.001), with males exhibiting larger values. The observed measurements were generally smaller compared to Western reference data, indicating potential implant-bone mismatch when standard prostheses are used. Conclusion: Substantial osteometric variability exists in the Central Indian population, which has important implications for orthopedic implant design and surgical planning. Population-specific anatomical data are essential to improve implant fit, reduce complications, and enhance clinical outcomes.