The Supratrochlear Foramen of the Humerus: Implications for Intramedullary nailing in distal Humerus

Abstract

Supratrochlear foramen (STF) is an important anatomical variation resulting from perforation of Olecrano- Coranoid septum. In spite of high incidence of STF in Nigerians, there is paucity of literature on STF morphometry and clinical implications.65 dried humeri of unknown sex and age were collected from bone bank of Department of Anatomy, University of Ibadan. The dimensions of STF were taken using the digital vernier calliper. The STF was seen in 27.7% of total humeri occurring more frequently on the left side. The commonest shape is oval while the least is triangular. The radiolucency of bones without STF was determined using X-ray. The STF is an important single factor which determines the route and mode of insertion of intramedullary nail during the management of supracondylar fractures.

Keywords: Humerus, supratrochlear foramen, intramedullary nailing.