Morphological and Topographical Study of Nutrient Foramina in Adult Humerii

Abstract

Fracture of long bones is very common and major complications of these fractures are non-union and delayed union. There are various reasons for these complications and blood supply to the bone plays an important role in it. Blood supply of long bones is mainly by nutrient artery. This study was done to analyse the nutrient foramina in dry adult human humerii. The study was aimed to note the number of nutrient foramina, their size and location with respect to surface and zones on the shaft of humerus.

Total 100 dry adult humerii were studied and maximum bones had 1 nutrient foramen located on anteromedial surface in middle 1/3^rd of shaft. Maximum number of foramen found in this study was 3. Nutrient foramina were also located on anterolateral and posterior surface. None was located in upper 1/3^rd; few bones showed nutrient foramen in lower 1/3^rd.

This study helps in enhancing the knowledge about the anatomy of nutrient foramina and is important for orthopaedic surgeons to plan the reduction of fractures and reduce the chances of post reduction complications.