A study of nutrient foramina in dry adult radii of South Indian subjects

Abstract

Abstract Background : Vascular insults to the radius either during fracture dislocation or during surgical correction of fracture may result in delayed healing or non-union of fracture. It is useful to find the number, location and size of nutrient foramina. The knowledge regarding nutrient foramina helps to protect them during conservative operative procedures of the bone, thus to concentrate upon the viability of the fractured segments. Objectives : To observe the location of nutrient foramina with reference to the different segments of shaft of radius, to note variations in number, direction and size of nutrient foramina. Further to examine if a correlation exists between the length of radius and number of nutrient foramina. Materials and methods : The study was undertaken on 100 dry normal adult radii. Observations were made using Hepburn's osteometric board and hypodermic needles of different gauges. Statistical methods (SPSS) were used to analyze these observations. Results : The common site of location of diaphyseal nutrient foramina in radius was in upper third of shaft on anterior surface. Majority of nutrient foramina were of medium size and directed upward obliquely. Conclusions : The study will help in planning the surgical treatment of radius which will possibly reduce the post-operative complications.