Study of the Nutrient Foramina of Dried Long Bones of the Leg with Their Clinical Implications

Abstract

Background and Objective: The chief source of blood supply for the growing bones is the nutrient artery;
which enters the bone shaft through nutrient foramina (NF). The topographical and morphometric study and
understanding about the location of NF of bones of the leg is clinically significant during surgical procedures.
The purpose of the study was to identify the position of NF in the diaphysis of tibia and fibula, to help prevent
any damage to the nutrient artery during bone surgeries.
Methods: The study was carried out in the Department of Anatomy, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore,
from August 2024 to September 2024. Atotal of 140 adult dry bones including 70 tibiae and 70 fibulae were
taken from the Department of Anatomy, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore. Total length of the bones and
the distance of nutrient foramina from the proximal ends were measured and foraminal index (FI) was
calculated.
Results: Single primary nutrient foramina were observed in all the tibiae and fibulae. There were 39
(55.71%) tibiae of the left and 31 tibiae (44.28%) of the right side. Mean foraminal index of the left tibiae was
32.45± 3.08 cm and that of right was 33.82± 5.89 cm. There were 36 (51.43%) left sided fibulae and 34
(48.57%) right sided. Mean foraminal index of the left fibulae was 47.55± 10.55 cm and that of right was
51.88± 8.29.
Conclusion: This study was provided data on number, location and direction of nutrient foramina in long
bones. Location may vary but direction remains same. This knowledge will be helpful during different
surgical procedures to preserve bone vasculature and increase the success rate.
Key Words: Nutrient foramen, Dry tibia, Dry fibula, Foramen index.