Morphometric study of nutrient foramen of adult human dry tibia bones in Gujarat region

Introduction: The nutrient foramen is an oblique opening in the tibial shaft that transmits the nutrient artery, the largest of its kind in the body, arising from the posterior tibial artery. Accurate knowledge of its location is vital for surgeons undertaking operative procedures and fracture repairs, as preservation of bone vascularity is crucial for optimal healing. This study aimed to examine the morphological characteristics of the nutrient foramen in adult human dry tibia bones to support surgical practice.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Anatomy Department, P.D.U. Government Medical College, Rajkot. A total of 126 dry adult human tibia bones were examined for numbers, location, and direction of the nutrient foramen, its distance from the proximal end, soleal line and lateral border. Total tibial length and foraminal index.Results: Of 126 tibiae studied, 117 (92.86%) had a single nutrient foramen, 8 (6.35%) had double, and 1 (0.79%) showed complete absence. Foramina were located in the upper one-third of the shaft in 55 (43.65%) and the middle one-third in 70 (55.56%). In 123 (97.62%) they were directed downward, while 2 (1.59%) were upward. The mean foraminal index was 34.04 ± 4.50.Conclusion: This study provides details of morphology and morphometry of tibial nutrient foramen. Precise knowledge of the same is important for surgeons and orthopaedics in order to preserve the nutrient artery during surgical procedures, fracture repair, and bone grafting. Preserving this vascularity is essential for optimal bone healing. Damage to the nutrient artery may result in non-union of bone fragments.