Morphometric Evaluation of Rarely Seen Supratrochlear Foramen and Supracondylar Process in the Humerus in Turkish Population

Abstract

Abstract Background: Sometimes seen distal to humerus foramen supratrochleare and supracondylar process are rare variations. Supracondylar process is a variations observed on the distal side of humerus. The supracondylar process is a variant located 1/3 distal side of the humerus. The supratrochlear foramen may appear between the coronoid fossa and olecranon fossa. Since the foramen may appear in a semi-transparent form, it may be misdiagnosed as an osteolytic lesion. The aim of the present study was to identify the prevalence and morphology of supratrochlear foramen and the supracondylar process of the humerus inTurkish population . Furthermore, we believe considering these variations by looking at this variation in the previously taken radiological images of the people, help identification of that person in any forensic case. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on 460 humerus samples (237 right; 223 left) with unclear age and gender in the Anatomy Laboratories of Necmettin Erbakan Meram, KTO Karatay, Yozgat Bozok, Kayseri Erciyes Faculties of Medicine. Morphometric measurements of such formations on the humerus were performed through a digital calliper and osteometric board. Furthermore, along with supratrochlear typing, the prevalence in the process and humerus was also detected. Results: In the present study, the supracondylar process was detected in 11 (2.4%) individuals (4 right; 7 left); however, it was not detected in 449 (97.6%) humerus samples. The supratrochlear foramen was detected in 63 (13.7%) of 460 humeri. The foramen supratrochlear was seen in 10.8% of the humerus on the right side in 16.5% (29) and in 16.5% of the left humerus. The prevalence of both process and foramen on the humerus was 0.7% (3). The average lengths of right supracondylar process and left supracondylar process were 9.47±1.94 mm and 16.24±14.06 mm, respectively. The vertical diameter was 3.45±1.07 mm on the right supratrochlear foramen, and 3.57±1.17 mm on the left supratrochlear foramen; mean transverse diameter of the right foramen was 4.73±2.81 mm, and mean transverse diameter was detected 4.41± 2.49 mm on the left. Conclusions: The prevalence of supratrochlear foramen and the supracondylar process was higher on the left side; however, both are detected on the right side. We believe that the data obtained would be helpful for an orthopaedic surgeon during intramedullary nailing, and for differential diagnosis of some osteolytic lessons for a radiologist. In addition, these variations can be an important indicator in the differentiation of different races.