Anatomy of Nutrient Foramina of Adult Humerii in the Pakistani Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Scapular foramina - a systematic review with meta-analysis based on 3316 scapulae

PURPOSE

In the present study, we want to systematize the previous studies on the scapular foramina (SF) and nutrient foramina (NF) with emphasis on the clinical relevance of this topic. Although seemingly not important, radiologists, clinicians and surgeons should be aware of the presence and characteristics of the SF and NF and look out for possible mistakes that may cause harm to the patients during either the diagnostic process or surgery.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted in multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. The whole process was divided into three stages. In the first stage, the following search terms were used: ((scapular foramina) or (scapular foramen) or (scapular nutrient foramina) or (scapular nutrient foramen) or (scapula foramen) or (scapula foramina) or (scapula nutrient foramina)).

RESULTS

The results of the present meta-analysis were based on a total of 3316 studied scapulae. A pooled prevalence of scapulae in which at least one SF was found was set to be 11.29%. The most common localization of the SF was found to be the infraspinous fossa, in which the SF occurred with the prevalence of 52.31%. Subsequently, a pooled prevalence of scapulae in which at least one NF occurs was established at 74.23%.

CONCLUSION

The presented data contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence, distribution, and characteristics of suprascapular and nutrient foramina in scapulae, considering different topographical areas, genders, and sides.

Topographic Anatomy and Clinical Impact of Vascular Foramen on the Trochlear Groove of Adult Human Dry Femora

Objective

In this study, we aimed to assess the topographic anatomy and clinical impact of the vascular foramen on the trochlear groove of adult human dry femora.

Materials and methods

The incidence, shape, size, and location of the foramen present on the trochlear groove of the distal femur were studied using 33 adult human dry femora of unknown age and gender at the Department of Anatomy at Nowshera Medical College, Nowshera, Pakistan. Using a divider and scale, the incidence and structure of the vascular foramen in the trochlear groove were examined and its position in relation to the trochlear groove's upper and lower articulating edges was recorded.

Results

Out of 33 femora, 20 (60.6%) were right-sided and 13 (39.4%) were left-sided. All the foramina had round morphometry. In each of the 33 adult human dry femora, 15 (45.5%) had a single trochlear vascular foramen. One solitary trochlear vascular foramen was found in eight (53.3%) of the left femora and seven (46.7%) of the right femora. The diameter of each trochlear vascular foramina was about 2.5-4.5 mm with a mean diameter of 3.5 mm. Trochlear groove upper margin and foramen were 1.75-2.5 cm apart, whereas the lower margin was 0.5-01 cm apart. On average, foramen was 2.2 cm away from the upper margin, and 0.8 cm away from the lower margin. In the midline, nine (60%) trochlear vascular foramina were found, with five (55.5%) resting on the trochlear groove lower margin, and four (44.5%) lying mid-way at varying places from the upper and lower margins. The left of the centerline had six (40%) of the trochlear vascular foramen, whereas no trochlear vascular foramen was seen on the right side of the midline.

Conclusions

Based on our findings, a significant segment of our population has trochlear vascular foramen present on the trochlear groove as the rate of occurrence of this was found to be 45.5%. The trochlear groove center has the most foramen, accounting for 60% of all the foramen.