Morphology & Morphometry Of Diaphysial Nutrient Foramina In Dry Humerus: An Observational Study Among Haryana Population

Background: The nutrient foramen is an opening mostly located on the anteromedial aspect of the humerus, at the middle of the shaft, providing a predictable path for vascular and neural structures. On average, the nutrient foramen is found approximately one-third of the distance from the upper end to the lower end of the humerus. However, individual variations may occur. While a single nutrient foramen is most commonly observed, multiple foramina can be present in some cases. It is the opening through which the nutrient artery of humerus passes to enter into the medullary cavity. This foramen is an essential anatomical structure that not only allows artery and nerve to penetrate the bone, ensuring its nourishment and vitality but also, helps in healing fracture & in bone grafting. Aims: Aim of the study is to evaluate morphology & morphometry of the nutrient foramen of humerus, focusing on its number, direction, distance from the upper and lower ends and also its location. Materials & methods: The present observational study carried on 50 dry adult humeri (25 right and 25 left) of unknown sexes from Department of anatomy, SGT Medical College, SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana. Length of humerus was observed & detailed morphological parameters such as number, position & direction of nutrient foramen was observed. Result: Variability was observed in the morphology of nutrient foramina such as single, double, multiple foramina were observed along with absence of foramen also. Among all variant, the incidence of single foramen was the highest (66%) followed by double (32%), triple (2%). Only 1% humerus showed absence of foramen. Most of them were in anteromedial surface of shaft & mostly situated in middle third area (zone 2) with downward direction. Conclusion: The detailed knowledge of understanding various characteristics of nutrient foramina highlights the uniqueness of each individual's skeletal structure. Moreover, it will provide a precise idea about the blood supply of humerus especially to clinicians while performing surgical interventions for repairing fracture & also for bone grafting.