Odontoid Process and Femur: A Novel Bond in Anatomy

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Orthopedics
• Forensic Anthropology

Background:

• The axis vertebra (C2) and femur are key anatomical structures.
• Quantitative anatomy of the dens (odontoid process) is of interest to medical professionals.
• No prior studies have correlated dens height with femur length.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between the height of the axis vertebra's dens (odontoid process) and the maximum length of the femur.
• To establish a predictive mathematical model for this relationship.

Main Methods:

• Measurement of dens height and femur length from 45 adult dry skeletons (23 male, 22 female).
• Statistical analysis including correlation and linear regression.
• Development of a regression equation to model the relationship.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant positive correlation (r=0.709, p <0.001) was found between dens height and femur length.
• Mean dens height: 19.13±2.74 mm (male), 16.83±2.45 mm (female).
• Mean femur length: 43.04±2.32 cm (male), 39.90±2.40 cm (female).

Conclusions:

• A novel linear regression equation predicts femur length based on dens height: Femur max length (cm) = 32.874 + 0.531 x Dens height (mm).
• This provides a new method for correlating a cervical spine component with a major long bone.
• Potential applications in anthropological and forensic studies.