Vascular Foramina of Dry Human Talus: A Morphological Study.

Background The talus is the second largest tarsal bone and makes the osseous link between the leg and foot region. The branches of the dorsalis pedis, posterior tibial, and peroneal arteries enter vascular foramina (VF) on the various surfaces of the talus and provide intraosseous blood supply. Understanding the morphology and morphometry of VF might be helpful in reducing the risk of vascular injury associated with surgical interventions to the talus.  Aim and objectives The purpose of this study is to contribute reference data for the morphology of VF of talus in a sample from Türkiye. Materials and methods This study was performed on 62 dry talus samples from Türkiye. The number, location, size, and foraminal index of the VF were evaluated on each talus. The total and medial surface lengths, distances of the closest and furthest foramina on the inferior surface, and distances of the closest and furthest foramina on medial surface were measured. Results No VF was detected on articular surfaces and the head of the talus. The majority of VF (1754; 81.17%) were detected on the neck, and 708 (40.36%) were located on the inferior surface of the neck. On the body, VF was mostly detected on the medial surface (233; 57.25%). The mean foraminal indices of the closest and furthest foramina on the inferior surface were 38.85% and 77.89%, respectively. The mean foraminal index of the closest foramina on the medial surface was 33.52%, and the furthest foramina on the medial surface was 63.91%. The total number of VF on 62 tali was determined as 2161. The majority (1521; 70.38%) of the size of VF was ≥0.6 mm. The mean total length was 55.14±4.69 mm, and the medial surface length was 49.18±4.18 mm. Conclusion Knowing the morphologic and morphometric properties of the VF gains importance during surgical interventions to the talus to reduce vascular damage. According to our results, lateral approaches to the talus may be safer than other approaches. To our knowledge, there is no study about the morphology of VF of the talus in Türkiye samples. We believe that the results of this study will provide reference data for morphology and morphometry of VF of talus.

Anatomical features of the proximal end of the radius and its implications for implant design.

PURPOSE: The proximal radio-ulnar joint allows supination and pronation of the forearm and the humeroradial joint allows flexion and extension movements at the elbow joint. Although the proximal end of the radius is less common than other fractures, it is more common nowadays due to the prolongation of life expectancy, increased incidence of osteoporosis. There have been reports in the literature that success has not been achieved due to the lack of anatomical fit of the prosthesis. Knowledge of the morphometric features of the proximal end of the radius is important for the design of anatomically and biomechanically appropriate prostheses. METHODS: In this study, measurements of head and neck of radius, and radial tuberosity were measured in 80 dry radii. Parameters important for prosthesis design were analysed and their correlations examined. RESULTS: The shapes of radial head was found 36% oval and 64% circular. The mean heights of the radial head at anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral sides were 8.52 ± 1.32 mm, 9.02 ± 1.23 mm, 9.20 ± 1.59 mm, 8.05 ± 1.13 mm, respectively. The mean depth of articular facet were 1.85 ± 0.37 mm. It was determined that there was no high correlation between the parameters affecting the prosthesis design. CONCLUSIONS: Morphological and morphometric features of the proximal radius are important for prosthesis design and implantation. The ideal radial head prosthesis design is challenging due to numerous parameters, wide ranges and low correlation, although modular designs facilitate compatibility. The widespread use of 3D printing technologies is expected to reduce the potential complications associated with prosthesis applications.

Morphometric and topographic evaluations of principal nutrient foramina of the ilium.

BACKGROUND: Nutrient arteries pass through the nutrient foramina and reach the spongious part or medullary cavity of the bones. The arterial blood supply and nutrient foramina of the ilium have not been well described in the literature. The aim of this study is to define the numbers and localizations of nutrient foramina of the ilium on the internal surface in accordance with the pelvic brim, as well as the external surface, and furthermore the distances between these foramina with certain anatomical landmarks. METHODS: This study was performed on 57 dry hip bones. The foramina on the external and internal surfaces of the ilium were evaluated separately. The external surface of the ilium was divided into 4 regions in accordance with the gluteal lines to determine the localizations of the nutrient foramina. The foramina on the internal surface were evaluated according to whether they were above or below the pelvic brim. The diameters of the foramina and their nearest distances to certain anatomical landmarks were measured. Furthermore, the risk area of the region above the pelvic brim was determined. RESULTS: : The foramina that were found on the external surface of the ilium were distributed mainly between anterior and inferior gluteal lines (42 foramina-37.17%) and below the inferior gluteal line (57 foramina-50.44%). On the internal surface, 54 nutrient foramina were found above the pelvic brim and 81 were found below. DISCUSSION: The localizations and configurations of all nutrient foramina on the ilium were evaluated morphometrically for the first time.