A Study of Morphometric and Topographic Anatomy of Nutrient Foramen in Fibula

Abstract

Introduction: Long bones receive its primary blood supply from the nutrient arteries. They are transmitted through oblique canals, called nutrient foramina, into its diaphysis. Knowledge of foraminal topography helps to preserve bone vascularity during surgeries. Aim: To estimate the morphometric and topographic characteristics of diaphyseal nutrient foramina of fibula. Materials and Methods: A descriptive osteometric and morphological assessment of 50 dry fibulae of unknown age and sex were done. The samples were obtained from the Department of Anatomy, Kanyakumari Government Medical College, Asaripallam, Tamil Nadu, India. The length of each bone was measured directly using a measuring tape. Number, location and the direction of nutrient foramina were observed and the data were presented in a tabulated format. Results: The mean height of the fibula on the right side was 35.86±2.441 cm, whereas on the left was 36.64±2.537 cm. It was observed that 92% of the right and 96% of the left bones presented a single foramen. The nutrient foramina were predominately present on the posterior surface of the middle third of the shaft and were directed away from the growing end of the bone. Conclusion: As vascularised osteocutaneous fibular graft is recommended as a useful treatment option for bone transplant surgeries, the data gathered in this study could be useful for the orthopaedic surgeons.

Keywords

• bone grafting
• diaphyseal nutrient foramina
• nutrient artery