A Study of the Supratrochlear Foramen of the Humerus: Anatomical and Clinical Perspective
Introduction: The Supratrochlear Foramen (STF) is a variably shaped perforation present in the bony septum that separates the olecranon and coronoid fossae at the distal end of the humerus, between the two epicondyles. Its incidence varies widely from 0.3% to 58% in different races. Aim: This s...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited
2016-02-01
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| Series: | Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://jcdr.net/articles/PDF/7237/17893_CE[Ra]_F(Sh)_PF1(BMAK)_PFA(AK)_PF2(PAG).pdf |
| Summary: | Introduction: The Supratrochlear Foramen (STF) is a variably
shaped perforation present in the bony septum that separates
the olecranon and coronoid fossae at the distal end of the
humerus, between the two epicondyles. Its incidence varies
widely from 0.3% to 58% in different races.
Aim: This study aims to describe its prevalence and
morphometry in relation to its shape and size and distance from
the epicondyles.
Materials and Methods: A prospective study of 244 unpaired
humerii, 130 of the left side and 114 of the right side of
unknown age and sex were examined for the presence of STF
and prevalence stated. The STF was classified according to
shape and their metric assessment was carried out, along with
measures of its distance from the epicodyles and trochlear
margin.
Results: Of the 244 humeri studied 60 showed presence of the
foramen, 45 were opaque and 139 showed translucent septum.
The sidewise prevalence of opacity, translucent septum and
foraminae were tabulated. The commonest shape noted was
oval. Other shapes such as round, triangular, rectangular, sieve
and reniform were visualised. In the oval STF, transverse and
vertical diameters were measured. The transverse and vertical
diameters on the left were 4.9 and 3.27 mm and on the right it
was 5.12 and 3.48mm respectively. The distance from the medial
epicondyle, lateral epicondyle and trochlea to the STF margins
was measured and the mean values were calculated separately
for right and left sides. The mean diameter of the round foramen
was 3.23 and 4.89mm for left and right sides respectively. In the
triangular type the maximum vertical and transverse diameters
were recorded. There was only one sample of the rectangular
type. Its length was 4.1mm and the breadth was 2.27mm and
it belonged to the right side. The reniform type totalled 7 of
which 6 were of the left side. The average vertical length at the
hilum was 4.52 mm and the transverse measurement was 7.44
mm. The foraminae of the right side were found to be larger,
regardless of shape.
Conclusion: Its existence is important to the orthopaedician
in the preoperative planning of nailing fractures of the distal
humerus and to the radiologist for differentiating it from an
osteolytic or cystic lesion. |
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| ISSN: | 2249-782X 0973-709X |