Study of Nutrient Foramina of Human Radii of Saurashtra Region

Abstract

Introduction:In long bones including radius, surface opening of nutrient canal is known as nutrient foramen, which transmits nutrient artery to supply cortical bone and medullary cavity. Topographical information about nutrient foramen is very crucial during various orthopedic surgical procedures. Objective: Present study was conducted to study number of nutrient foramina, its location and direction in relation to growing end of bone and to calculate foraminal index of human radius. Subjects and Methods: In present study 63(31 right and 32 left sided) radii bone of unknown age and sex were studied. Only fully intact bone without any disease were included. Surface location and direction of nutrient foramina were recorded. Total length of radius was measured with osteomatric board. Distance of nutrient foramen from proximal end was measured with digital vernier caliper. And foraminal index was calculated. All data was tabulated and analyzed statistically. Results: All radii had single nutrient foramen. Majority (82.54%) of the nutrient foramina were detected on the anterior surface, 14.29% were on posterior surface and only two bone have nutrient foramen on other surface. Zone I contained 30.16% and Zone II contained 66.67% and Zone III contained 3.17% foramina. Direction of all foramina were towards upper end of radius except two bones. Conclusion: Almost all the results coincided with previous studies from different geographical regions. Thorough knowledge of morphology of nutrient foramina is necessary for preserving circulation. Because it is very crucial in bone grafting, fracture healing, joint replacement therapy and vascularized bone micro surgeries.