Radiographical Evaluation of the Tibiofemoral Angle among Bini Tribe in Southern Nigeria and Assessment of its Significance

Abstract

Introduction: the tibiofemoral angle (TFA) is an anthropometric parameter used to describe the lower limb alignment and to determine the degree of deformity during malalignment of the knee. This study aimed to evaluate the TFA and its significance among the Bini tribe in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: this study was conducted using the anterior-posterior hip-to-ankle radiographs of 200 adults (100 males and 100 females) between 25 to 55 years. The TFA was evaluated as the angle between the intersection of longitudinal axes of femoral and tibial bones bilaterally. Data was statistically analyzed and presented as mean and standard deviation (SD). Statistical comparisons were conducted across bilateral values and sex groups using t - test with P < 0.05 regarded as statistically significant level. Results: among the study population, the mean TFA values for the the male subjects - 169.76 ± 4.23 (right TFA) and 170.42 ± 3.79 (left TFA) were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than the values for the female subjects - 174.07 ± 3.55 (right TFA) and 175.44 ± 3.32 (left TFA). The bilateral (combined) mean TFA value among males was 169.58 ± 4.15, among females was 175.26 ± 3.64 while the total mean value among the entire study population was 173.92 ± 3.93. The comparison with other study population indicated alternating outcomes. conclusion: this significant sex-linked variation in the bilateral TFA values bilaterally indicates the significance of the TFA as a parameter for sexual distinction among the study population. This study further presents the reference TFA values for the study population which offers great significance during clinical procedures involving the lower limb or knee articulation and alignment.