Publication:

A morphometric study of supratrochlear foramen of humerus in a medical institute in North-East India

Background The clinical importance of the supratrochlear foramen (STF) of the humerus, an anatomical variation, has been recognised because of its association with low-impact fractures of the distal end and narrow medullary canal of the humerus. According to the literature, STF prevalence varies between ethnic groups and even between individuals of the same ethnic group. Many studies in India also reflect variations in the prevalence of STF in different regions. However, the study of STF is still a rarity in northeast India, where different indigenous peoples are living.

Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study of dry humerus bones was conducted a medical institute in Manipur. The presence of STF, its shape, maximum dimensions (transverse and vertical), and distances from the medial and lateral epicondyles were observed.

Results STF was present in 28.57% of bones, of which 53.85% were observed in the left humerus and 46.15% in the right humerus. STF was found in different shapes, including oval (46.15%), round (19.23%), irregular (19.23%), and triangular (15.38%). The 66.67% of the STF were situated more medially in the right humerus, while 78.57% of the STF were also located more medially in the left humerus.

Conclusions The study of STF showed a prevalence of 28.57%. The oval-shaped foramen was the most common. The majority of the STF was placed more medially in both the right and left humeri.