Anthropometric study of the bicipital groove in Indians and its clinical implications

Abstract

Since morphometric data on the upper end of the humerus from Indian anatomical samples are scarce, this study was undertaken with reference to orthopedic surgery. The aim was to determine the length, width and depth of the bicipital groove and to find the incidence of a supratubercular ridge of Meyer in an Indian population. The study included 104 unpaired dry humeri (48 right side and 56 left) which belonged to the anatomy laboratory of our institution. The length, width and depth of the bicipital groove were measured with a digital vernier caliper. The data were tabulated as mean ± SD and statistically compared between the right and left sides. The mean length, width and depth of the bicipital groove were 84.6 ± 10.9 mm, 8.5 ± 2.3 mm and 4.4 ± 1.8 mm, respectively, which corresponded to 27.8% of the total length, 32.2% of the transverse width and 17% of the anteroposterior widh of the humerus, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in these parameters between the left and right sides (p > 0.05). A supratubercular ridge of Meyer was seen in 24 (23.1%) of the humeri. The study determined the morphometric parameters of the bicipital groove in an Indian population. We believe that this study will be an important reference for scientific research, and the details are also important for anthropologists and clinical anatomists.