The supratrochlear foramen of the humerus and its relation to the medullary canal: a potential surgical application.
| Title | The supratrochlear foramen of the humerus and its relation to the medullary canal: a potential surgical application. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2010 |
| Authors | Paraskevas, G. K., Papaziogas B., Tzaveas A., Giaglis G., Kitsoulis P., & Natsis K. |
| Journal | Med Sci Monit |
| Volume | 16 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pagination | BR119-123 |
| Date Published | 2010 Apr |
| ISSN | 1643-3750 |
| Keywords | Anatomy, Bone and Bones, Bone Nails, Female, Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary, Humans, Humeral Fractures, Humerus, Male, Models, Anatomic, Sex Factors |
| Abstract | BACKGROUND: The supratrochlear foramen of the humerus is located at the septum separating the coronoid from the olecranon fossa. Beyond its anthropologic interest, that trait seems to have clinical significance as well.MATERIAL/METHODS: The supratrochlear foramen was studied in 240 macerated adult humeri. The foramen was recorded in each sex and each side. We attempted to enlighten the likely relation of the foramen with the inferior edge of the medullary canal, as well as that of the dimensions of that canal of humerus and compare it to contralateral humeri without foramen.RESULTS: The medullary canal width at the entry point of a retrograde intramedullary nail was statistically smaller in humeri with foramen than in humeri without it. Furthermore, the medullary canal of the humeri with foramen ends more proximally than the canal of nonforamen humeri.CONCLUSIONS: In cases of humeral fractures of the supratrochlear foramen, the surgeon must keep in mind that it is better to perform an antegrade medullary nailing than a retrograde one; as there is higher chance of a secondary fracture, due to the extreme narrowness of the canal at the distal portion of humeri with the supratrochlear foramen. |
| Alternate Journal | Med. Sci. Monit. |
| PubMed ID | 20357712 |
