Morphometric Evaluation of Various Segments of Adult Human Dry Humeri and Their Clinical Applications

Introduction and aimThe distal end of the humerus consists of the trochlea and capitulum, which articulate with the ulna and radius to form the elbow joint.Fractures of the distal humerus are common and often require surgical fixation, while inflammatory arthropathies may necessitate elbow arthroplasty.Morphometric measurements of the humerus are useful in forensic anthropology for estimating humeral length and stature.Detailed knowledge of distal humeral morphology is also crucial for implant design and populationspecific anatomical reference standards.This study aimed to determine the correlation between the total length of the humerus and its distal segmental dimensions, while emphasizing the morphometric significance of these segments in applied anatomy.To achieve this, the maximum length of the humerus, the epicondylar breadth, and maximum breadth of the articular surfaces at the distal end were measured and correlated with the total bone length. Materials and methodsThis study was conducted on 90 dry adult humeri (49 right and 41 left) with intact distal morphology obtained from the department of anatomy.Total humeral length was measured using an osteometric board.The maximum breadth of the distal end, as well as the individual widths of the capitulum and trochlea, were measured using a digital Vernier caliper.Descriptive tests, such as mean and standard deviation, along with inferential statistics, such as linear regression and the unpaired t-test, were used to derive the findings.Descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis were employed to evaluate the relationship between distal humeral dimensions and total humeral length. ResultsThe mean maximum length of the right and left humeri was 273.23±43.57mm and 262.95±46.49mm, respectively.Linear regression analysis demonstrated a moderately positive relationship between total humeral length and all measured distal humeral segments.Regression equations were derived separately for right and left humeri, indicating that distal segment dimensions can reliably be used to estimate total humeral length. ConclusionDistal humeral measurements show a positive correlation with total humeral length and may aid in the estimation of stature when only fragmentary skeletal remains are available.These morphometric data may also contribute to the selection and design of prostheses for elbow replacement surgeries and provide population-specific anatomical reference values.