A study of anterior femoral curvature in man

A study of anterior femoral curvature was carried out on a total of 874 White, Negro, Eskimo, and American Indian femora. Variations in race, sex, and side, as well as ontogenetic changes, have been investigated. The results indicate that distinct differences in the amount and location of femoral curvature exist. Sex and side differences were generally found to be small, race differences however, in both sexes, are striking. When used with other established criteria, these data on femora will be of value in identifying skeletons of certain racial groups. It seems likely that inherent racial differences provide the substrate, as well as set the developmental limitations, for any modifications which may be imposed by function. The basic curvature may be modified or maintained by variations in the inherited physical properties of the femur. The response of these physical properties to the demands of differing extrinsic influences must also be of importance in determining the amount and location of femoral curvature.