Tibiofemoral angle in Malawians.

We determined the tibiofemoral angle from 323 unilateral radiographs of the knee joint in adult black Malawians, comprising 219 males and 104 females, aged 18-55 years. The mean tibiofemoral angle in males was 174.14 with a standard deviation (SD) of 3.47 degrees and, in females, 174.46 SD 4.30 degrees. The range of the angle for both genders was 164-185 degrees. There was no significant difference in the angle between male and female Malawian subjects (P > 0.1). The results showed ethnic differences from Caucasian values (often quoted in standard textbooks of anatomy and orthopedics) and did not show the sexual dimorphism seen in Caucasian subjects. Comparison of the results with those in Nigerians and East Africans demonstrated regional and country-to-country variations. The clinical importance of the angle in the diagnosis and management of valgus and varus deformities is stressed for practicing orthopedic surgeons.