A study of size of nutrient foramina of humerus of Gujarat region

Delayed union or non-union of fracture shaft humerus occurs if there is damage to nutrient artery of humerus during surgical procedure of open reduction of fracture or by displaced bone fragments of fracture or any soft tissue interposition. This implies vital role of nutrient artery of humerus in fracture healing. 200 human dried humeri were studied for its anatomy of size and number of nutrient foramina. Size of nutrient foramen and thereby size of nutrient artery was decided with use of hypodermic needle No. 20 G & No. 24 G from Eastern medikit Limited. Observations made were compiled and tabulated. In present study, out of 282 nutrient foramina, 98 (35%) were large sized. Single nutrient foramina were found on 63% of humerus which is indicative of single nutrient artery to humerus and amongst them 40% humerus having large sized nutrient foramina. 65% of large sized nutrient dominant foramina were found on humerus having more than one nutrient foramina. 60 (49%) large sized nutrient foramina were found on right side humerus which is points to more use of right arm. Orthopaedic surgeons treating opened or displaced fracture shaft humerus can very well prevent damage to nutrient artery of humerus with sound knowledge of size of nutrient foramina and thereby its artery and add to better prognosis of fracture healing.