Study of the Anatomical Variations in the Nutrient Foramina of Fibula

Abstract

Background: The main blood supply to a growing bone is through its nutrient artery. It enters the bone through nutrient foramina (NF). Fibula is commonly used as a bone graft. The anatomical location of NF on fibula is valuable during surgeries. Objective: Topographic assessment of nutrient foramina on human fibulae. Study Design: Cross Sectional Observational Study. Settings: Anatomy Department, Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore Pakistan. Duration: 4 months (from 1-12-2018 to 31-3-2019). Methodology: 100 fibulae were obtained from the bone bank of anatomy department, Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore. The number of NF and their position on the fibular shaft were observed. Results: Single foramen was observed in 90 (90%) fibulae, 4 (4%) had two foramina, while 6 (6%) had no NF. 86 (93%) foramina were seen on the middle third of the bone. 47 (50%) NF were present on the posterior aspect. 2 (2%) foramina were on the proximal third and 4 (4%) were on the distal third of the fibulae. Conclusion: The posterior aspect and the middle third of the bony shaft bore most of the nutrient foramina.