Supratrochlear Foramen of Humerus and its Clinical Significance - A Morphological Study in South Indian Population

ABSTRACT

Supratrochlear foramen is formed as a result of perforation of bony septum that separates olecranon fossa and coronoid fossa at the lower end of humerus. It is more common in lower animals and primates. The incidence is increasing in different human races. Aim: To study the prevalence, shape and morphometry of supratrochlear foramen in south Indian population. Methods: 156 Adult dry humeri (84 left and 72 right) irrespective of sex were studied in Department of Anatomy, Government Coimbatore medical college, Coimbatore. Presence of supratrochlear foramen was studied on the basis of its shape, size and dimensions. Also their distance from the epicondyles and lower trochlear margin were noted. Results: Out of total 156 bones studied STF was present in 43 humeri (27.5%) more common in left humeri (30.9%). Most common shape reported was oval shape in 21 humeri (48.8%). The mean transverse diameters on right and left side were 9.5 mm and 9.18 mm; while mean vertical diameters on right and left side were 6.7 mm and 6.9 mm. The mean diameter for round foramen was 4.5 and 6 mm for right and left sides respectively. The distance from the STF to medial epicondyle, lateral epicondyle and lower trochlear margin were measured and the values were tabulated. Conclusion: The knowledge of STF is important for the anatomists, orthopedicians, surgeons, radiologists and anthropologists. It is helpful for the orthopaedicians in preplanning for intramedullary nailing in supracondylar fracture of humerus.