Morphometric study of nutrient foramina of humerus in North Indian population

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Original Article

Author Details : Arvind Kumar Pankaj, Rakesh Kumar Verma, Archana Rani, Anita Rani, Navneet Kumar

Volume : 4, Issue : 2, Year : 2017

Article Page : 169-172

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Abstract

Introduction: Knowledge of location and relevant anatomy of nutrient foramina is important in surgical procedures to preserve circulation. Non- union of fracture shaft of humerus one common complication and a great challenge to surgeons. Nutrient artery along with others play important role in treatment and healing of such problems. Therefore precise location and morphometry of nutrient foramina of humerus should be known. The role of nutrient artery in healing of fractures is well known. It is also important in medico-legal practices. Three hundred fifty human humerii were studied to determine the number, size, direction, site and location of nutrient foramina.
Materials and Method: The present study was conducted on 350 dried adult humerii of both sexes of North Indian origin, obtained from the Department of Anatomy, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. With the help of osteometric board all type of measurement were taken and observation were recorded. The number, size, site, direction and location of nutrient foramina were observed macroscopically.
Results: The nutrient foramen was absent in 5.43% of humerus single in 80.86%, double in 13.42% and three foramen was noted in0.29% on left side only. Majority of humerii showed medium size (1-2 mm) of nutrient foramina both on right and left sides. The maximum number of foramina was present on the antero-medial surface followed by posterior surface. Majority of foramen was present on the middle third region of the diaphysis of humerus. The direction of nutrient foramina in all the humerii was downward.
Conclusions: Knowledge of number, size, site, direction and location of nutrient foramina could be of interest to surgeons and clinicians who are involved in procedures such as bone grafting and surgical approach for internal fixation.

Keywords: Humerus, Diaphysis, Nutrient artery, Nutrient foramina

How to cite : Pankaj A K, Verma R K, Rani A, Rani A, Kumar N, Morphometric study of nutrient foramina of humerus in North Indian population. Indian J Clin Anat Physiol 2017;4(2):169-172

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