A study of the topographic anatomy and morphology of the nutrient foramina in human adult upper limb long bones from East Indian populations

Abstract

Background: The nutrient artery is a long bone's primary source of blood supply, and it is particularly necessary during the embryonic and foetal stages of development, as well as during the early stages of ossification.Aim: The aim of the present study was to study the topographic anatomy and morphology of the nutrient foramina in human adult upper limb long bones. Materials and Method: This prospective observational study was conducted in the department of Anatomy, Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH) and Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) Patna, Bihar, India. The study was conducted over a period of 3 years and 6 months from January 2018 to June 2021. The scientific and ethics committee of the institution gave its approval to the project. The study was performed on 120 upper limb long bones which include 40 humeri, 40 radii, 40 ulnae. Results: The number and location of nutrient foramen in distinct upper limb bones were discovered to differ. Double and triple foramina were found in the humerus. At the maximum, double foramina were seen in the radius and ulna. Radius was found to be absent of nutrient foramen.Conclusion: Most studies agree that the incidence and distribution of nutrient foramina in upper limb long bones are similar. The knowledge about these foramina is useful in the surgical procedure to preserve the circulation. The findings are important for the clinicians who are involved in bone graft surgical procedures and are enlightening to the clinical anatomists and morphologists.