Determination of the Location of Nutrient Foramina in the Scapula of Thoroughbred Horses

Objective: The nutrient arteries of bones may be compromised due to traumatic, pathological, or mechanical factors. For this reason, numerous studies have focused on nutrient foramina, which serve as entry points for these vessels. The aim of the present study was to determine the positional variations of nutrient foramina on the scapula of Thoroughbred horses.. Materials and Methods: A total of eight scapulae were examined. The distances of the nutrient foramina to the proximal, caudal, and cranial borders were measured, along with the overall length and width of the bone, and foraminal indices were calculated. Results: The average number of nutrient foramina per scapula was determined to be one. The nutrient foramina were most frequently observed on the lateral surface, ventrally, particularly in the region of the collum scapulae. These foramina were located ventrolateral to the spina scapulae, often within a depression partially surrounded by a prominent bony ridge. Conclusion: This study aims to contribute to the veterinary anatomical and orthopedic surgical literature by providing a detailed description of the topographical distribution pattern of nutrient foramina in horses.