Femoral-tibial angle

Femoral-tibial angle (FTA) is a crucial measurement in the field of orthopedics and podiatry, used to assess the alignment of the lower limb. It is defined as the angle formed by the intersection of the femoral axis and the tibial axis.

Anatomy

The femoral-tibial angle is formed by the intersection of the longitudinal axes of the femur and tibia. The femur is the longest and strongest bone in the human body, while the tibia, also known as the shinbone, is the second largest bone.

Measurement

The measurement of the femoral-tibial angle is typically performed using radiographic imaging. The patient is positioned in a standing position with the patella facing forward. The angle is then measured using a goniometer.

Clinical Significance

The femoral-tibial angle is an important parameter in the evaluation of knee alignment. Abnormalities in this angle can lead to various conditions such as genu varum (bow-leggedness), genu valgum (knock-knees), and osteoarthritis.

See Also

• Genu Varum
• Genu Valgum
• Osteoarthritis
• Orthopedics
• Podiatry