Incidence of third trochanter/crista glutei in human femora in Central Indian population

Background: the third trochanter is a rounded bony projection which may be present along the superior border of the gluteal tuberosity of the femur.sometime there is linear elevation along the gluteal tuberosity called as crista glutei. if conical projection is present in the gluteal tuberosity,it is called as third trochanter. aim and objectives: to undertake the study of incidences of third trochanter and crista glutei in central indian population this study was undertaken and to compare it with occurrence in other series. material and methods: fifty dry adult human femora collected from the department of anatomy and examined carefully. the third trochanter was considered to be present only if distinct oval elevation was separate from gluteal ridge. when there is linear elevation along the gluteal tuberosity we considered it as crista glutei. this classification was distinguished from that of a gluteal tuberosity. the length and width was measured using a digital vernier caliper. results: the total incidence of third trochanter (oval elevation) and crista glutei (linear elevation) were found to occur in 14% and 24% with left sided predominance. conclusion: important findings of present work highlight the morphometric indices of third trochanter and crista glutei. parameters that have been studied in the present work can be utilized for anthropometric,comparative and functional studies. © journal of krishna institute of medical sciences university.