Correlation between number and size of nutrient foramina to bone length: An anatomical study in lower limb long bones

Abstract

Background: The maintenance of normal longitudinal growth of bone is dependent upon a sufficient blood supply to the region of the epiphyseal cartilage line. Long bones are supplied by a nutrient artery that enters individual bones obliquely through a nutrient foramen. The aim of our study was to determine the number, position and size of nutrient foramina and if correlation exists between the length of the bone and number of nutrient foramina. Material and Method: The study was done in Department of Anatomy, S.S. Medical College Rewa (M.P.). 201 adult human long bones of lower limb were collected from Department of Anatomy. Results: In respect to number of nutrient foramina majority of bones have single nutrient foramina and most of the bones possesses dominant foramina. No correlation was noted between number of nutrient foramina and length of the bone. Conclusion: The findings in the present study was compared and analyzed with previous researchers. Information obtaining from anatomical description of these foramina is helpful to preserve the circulation of affected bony structures during orthopedic surgeries. It is also of relevance for those clinicians involved in surgical procedures where patency of the arterial supply to long bones is important.