Anatomical variations of nutrient foramina on the long bones of the upper extremities - importance and application in everyday clinical practice

Clinical importance of nutrient foramina

Abstract

Objective: Anatomic characterization of the nutrient artery of upper extremity long bones varies among the several textbooks on human anatomy. To clarify the anatomic characteristics of the nutrient foramina throughout passes nutrient artery, we re-examined morphology and topography of nutrient foramina on long bones diaphysis of upper extremities.Methods: A total of 150 (50 humerii, 50 radii, 50 ulnae) macerated and degreased adults, long bones of the upper extremities, unknown age and gender. For each bone following parameters were determined: total number of nutrient foramina (NF), foramina index (FI), total bone length, position of the NF according to the value of FI and according the surface of the shaft/ body of the bones, and obliquity of the nutritional canal (NC). Results: The study revealed predominance of single foramen on middle third of anteromedial surface of humerus diaphysis, with nutrient canal directed towards the elbow. Radius and ulna had predominantly one nutrient foramina, on middle third of anterior surface, with nutrient canal directed proximally. Conclusion: This study provides additional and important information on the location and number of nutrient foramina in the long bones of the upper and lower limbs in the Bosnian and Herzegovinian population.