Study of Vascular Foramina of Humerus in Central Karnataka Population

Abstract

Background: The humerus forms the longest bone of appendicular skeleton of upper limb. The nutrient arteries form major blood supply to the long bones, which enters the bone through the nutrient foramina. Materials and Methods: The present study was undertaken on 200 dry normal adult humerus bone obtained from the Department of Anatomy, SSIMS & RC, Davangere. 100 humeri belong to right and 100 belong to left side. Results: After the completion of this particular study on the vascular foramina, especially the nutrient foramina on 200 dry humeri, it was able to arrive at following conclusions: Among the segments, upper end shows maximum density of vascular foramina indicating the highest intensity of blood supply. The shaft being, supplied mainly by nutrient artery, the location and direction of nutrient foramina was thus important to find out. The position of nutrient foramina in most cases is found to be in the middle 1/3 rd of the anteromedial surface of the shaft and the direction of nutrient foramina was towards the elbow. Middle 1/3 rd of anteromedial surface is more vulnerable to surgical or traumatic injuries that may damage nutrient artery, thus highlights its significance. Discussion and Conclusion: Nutrient foramina plays vital role in nutrition and growth of the bones. Majority of the nutrient arteries follow the rule, 'to the elbow I go, from the knee I flee' but they are very variable in position. Their number, location, direction & its importance in the growing end of long bones were studied in the long bones of upper limb. The present study has variations in the position & direction. The study of nutrient foramina is important for surgeons operating on humerus, it is not only of academic interest but also in medico-legal practice in relation to their position. The present study also emphasizes importance of length of humerus. With the observation and information of variations in the vascular foramen, placement of both external and internal fixation devices on humerus can be appropriately done.