Abstract

Supratrochlear foramen (STF) if present lies on the lower end of humerus just above its articular surface on the bony septum separating the Olecranon and Coronoid fossae. Aims: To check the incidence, shapes and various diameters of STF in 86 adult dry humeri. Materials and methods: The present study was conducted on 86 humeri (34 right and 52 left) of unknown sex from Government Medical College, Srinagar. The presence of STF in these humeri was noted, their shapes were also observed and the various diameters were measured with the help of Vernier Caliper. The damaged and broken bones were excluded from the study. Results: Out of 86 humeri observed, STF was found in 24 bones i.e. total incidence of 27.90%. Further out of 34 right sided humeri, STF was found in 7 bones, which accounts for 20.59%. Similarly, out of 52 left sided humeri, STF was found in 17 bones which accounts for 32.70%. This shows STF was more common on the left side as compared to that of the right side. The commonest shape noted was oval. Other shapes such as round and irregular were also observed. The transverse and vertical diameters were observed in oval STF, and the mean diameters were measured in round STF using Vernier caliper. In the oval STF, the transverse and vertical diameters on the left side were measured to be 5.84mm (mean) with the range of 3-8mm, S.D= 1.62mm and 4.15mm (mean) with the range of 2-6mm, S.D= 1.37 respectively, while as on the right side, the transverse and vertical diameters were measured to be 4.84mm (mean) with the range of 3-9 mm, S.D= 1.47 and 3.75mm (mean) with range of 2-6mm, S.D= 1.02 respectively. In the round STF, the mean diameter on the left side was observed to be 4.63mm with the range of 3-8mm, S.D of 1.82mm and on the right side the mean diameter was observed to be 4.21mm with the range of 3-8 mm, S.D= 1.47mm. Conclusion: The knowledge of STF is important for the Anatomists, Orthopaedicians, Anthropologists and Radiologists. In Supracondylar fracture of humerus, the knowledge of STF is useful for planning the treatment e.g. intramedullary nailing

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