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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
Dissection, MicroCT Scanning and Morphometric Analyses of the Baculum
Published on: March 19, 2017
Three-dimensional distal humerus morphometry using an axis-constrained reference framework: Sexual dimorphism and
Panagiotis K Vasileiou1, Alexandros Samolis1, Dimitra Kalogirou2
1Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece.
Purpose:
Conduct a three-dimensional computed tomography (3DCT) morphometric analysis of the distal humerus (DH) using a custom, axis-constrained reference framework to explore sex differences, side variation, and geometric scaling.
Methods:
Sixty-six unpaired adult distal humeri were reconstructed from CT data. Two Python scripts automated measurements, reducing variability in model orientation and landmark placement. A distal reference axis (C-line), near the flexion-extension axis, was created by sphere fitting of landmarks on the capitellum and trochlear groove. Width, depth, and height were measured by projecting landmarks onto the C-line. Differences by sex and side were tested with t-tests, corrected for multiple comparisons. Pearson correlation and linear regression examined relationships among parameters. Intraobserver reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients.
Results:
All absolute morphometric parameters differed significantly between sexes (p < 0.001), with larger dimensions in males. After normalization to epicondylar width (EPW), most differences were markedly reduced, indicating that variation was predominantly size-dependent. No side-related differences remained significant after correction for multiple comparisons. Strong correlations were observed between depth and corresponding height measurements within discrete articular regions (r = 0.809-0.920). EPW showed strong associations with combined articular width along the C-line (r = 0.848) and with trochlear width (TW) (r = 0.815) (all p < 0.001). Linear regression showed that EPW was a significant predictor of TW (R² = 0.664, p < 0.001). Intraobserver reliability was excellent for all measurements.
Conclusion:
DH morphology exhibited clear sex differences in size, no significant side differences at the group level, and coordinated scaling across humeral measurements. The strong links between EPW and joint dimensions support using EPW as a global scale. The axis-constrained framework could aid future CT-based analyses, reconstruction, and implant design.
