An Osteological Study On Nutrient Foramina Of Human Dry Adult Ulna Bones

ABSTRACT

Background: Nutrient artery is the major source of blood supply to long bones. This artery enters the shaft of thelong bone through nutrient foramen. Vascular insults to the Ulna during fracture dislocation or during surgicalcorrection of fracture may result in delayed healing or non-union of fracture.Materials and Methods: The present study was undertaken on 100 dry adult ulna bones of unknown sex (50 eachof right and left sides) from Department of Anatomy, Gadag Institute of Medical Sciences, Gadag, Karnataka. Theulna bones were numbered using a marker pen. Using Hepburn’s osteometric board, length of the bone wasmeasured. The size and direction of the nutrient foramina was assessed using 19, 22 and 25 gauge hypodermicneedles.Results: Among the total 100 ulna studied, 86 had single nutrient foramina, 13 had two nutrient foramina and 1had three nutrient foramina. 59.13% of nutrient foramina were of medium sized and 20% were of large size.85.22% of nutrient foramina were located in upper third of shaft of ulna; 12.17% in middle third and 2.61% inlower third. 1% of NF were directed horizontally, 2% lower oblique and remaining upper oblique. No correlationcould be demonstrated between the length of ulna and number of nutrient foramina in the present study.Conclusion: The present study conducted on nutrient foramina of 100 dry adult ulna arrived at a conclusion thatmajority of nutrient foramina were located in the upper third of the shaft in anterior surface. The results of thepresent study are consistent with most similar studies. The knowledge of location, direction and number ofnutrient foramen on shaft of ulna is of utmost importance to the Orthopaedicians and Oncologists.