Abstract
Background and objectiveNutrient foramina in supracondylar, medial condyle, lateral condyle, and intercondylar fossa have been described in the literature. The author of the present study observed a vascular foramen on the trochlear groove, which has not been previously reported in the literature. The aim of the study was to elaborate on the morphology, morphometry, and associated clinical implications of this foramen.Materials and methodsForty-five unpaired femora of unknown sex available in the Department of Anatomy at the Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Science (UPUMS), Saifai, India were observed to examine the incidence, shape, size, and location of the foramen on the trochlear groove of the distal femur. The incidence and shape were observed and its location in relation to the upper and lower articulating margin of the patella was recorded using a divider and scale.ResultsThe trochlear foramen was observed in 25 femora, accounting for 55.6% of the total. The average diameter of the foramen was 4 mm. The average distance of the foramen from the upper patellar articulating surface was 2.4 cm and its distance from the lower margin was 0.7 cm. All the foramina were round in shape. The largest number of foramina were located in the midline, and seven foramina were located to the left of the midline of the trochlear groove.ConclusionsThe incidence of the trochlear foramen was 55.6%, meaning that more than half of the population possess this foramen on the trochlear groove. The maximum number of these foramen, amounting to 64%, were found in the midline of the trochlear groove. The morphologic and topographic knowledge of the trochlear foramen is essential for orthopedic surgeons during operative procedures in the region of the distal femur.
Highlights
The bone is a highly vascular structure and a typical long bone is irrigated by four arterial systems, namely epiphyseal, diaphyseal, metaphyseal, and periosteal arteries
The trochlear foramen was observed in 25 femora, accounting for 55.6% of the total
The largest number of foramina were located in the midline, and seven foramina were located to the left of the midline of the trochlear groove
Summary
The bone is a highly vascular structure and a typical long bone is irrigated by four arterial systems, namely epiphyseal, diaphyseal, metaphyseal, and periosteal arteries. These are known as nutrient arteries or vascular channels. The femur is the long bone of the thigh and its distal end is supplied by the branches of the descending genicular, lateral circumflex, and fouth perforating arteries. The arteries that supply this long bone enter into it via numerous foramina known as nutrient/vascular foramina. The author of this study observed a trochlear foramen on the trochlear groove of the distal femur, which has not been previously reported. The aim of the study was to elaborate on the morphology, morphometry, and associated clinical implications of this foramen
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
