Early patellar failures in tricompartmental total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have been related to universal designing of implants. Establishing the appropriate patellar bone–prosthesis composite thickness is one of the important steps in ensuring functional success in arthroplasty. Since there is a paucity of data concerning the anthropometric measurements of Indian patella, the objective of this study was to obtain anatomic information of the patella of the northern Indian population and to analyze how it differs from western patellae that will improve patellar component design and implantation in TKA.

A total of 266 consecutive knee radiographs were evaluated. All data were collected by a single doctor using X-ray console, where height (mm) and breadth (mm) were taken in anteroposterior views and thickness (mm) in lateral view.

The mean, standard deviation, 95% confidence interval and P value of the measurements were calculated. It was found that Indians had thinner and smaller patella as compared to westerners and also males had significantly (P < .001) larger patella as compared to females.

Anthropometric patellar dimensions can influence implant design and surgical outcomes and can be used as a guideline for future designing of more regional and gender-specific patellar component and patellar plate.