Abstract

Introduction: Supratrochlear foramen of the humerus is usually not mentioned in most of the anatomy and orthopaedics literature. Knowledge of supratrochlear foramen is important in the treatment of supracondylar fractures of the humerus, intramedullary humeral nailing, and preventing misinterpretation of X-Rays at the elbow joint, alteration of fracture patterns. Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out on 132 dried human humeri of unknown sex and age. Incidence, shape, and size of the supratrochlear foramen was recorded. Vertical and transverse diameters were measured by using a double tipped compass and sliding calipers. Results: Out of the 132 bones studied, 34 bones showed the presence of supratrochlear foramen. It was observed that the incidence was more on the left side than on the right. The most common shape observed was oval in 19.69%, round in 3.03%, bilobed in 1.51% and irregular in 1.51% of the specimens. Mean transverse diameter of the supratrochlear foramen on the left and right sides were 7.25mm and 8.1mm respectively. The mean vertical diameter of supra trochlear foramen on the left and right sides were 5.3mm and 5.4mm respectively. Conclusion: Knowledge of supratrochlear foramen of the humerus helps clinicians in diagnosis and treatment strategies, while dealing with the elbow pathologies, fractures of the lower end of the humerus and supracondylar fractures of the humerus.

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