Clinical and Medicolegal Significance of Variations in The Nutrient Foramen of the Adult Dry Human Tibia

Abstract

Background: The long bones receive their blood supply through the nutrient artery. The nutrient foramina of the tibia are commonly located on the posterior surface, near the soleal (popliteal) line, in the proximal third of the bone. However, variations in their number and position have been observed, which hold clinical and medicolegal significance. In the medical profession, anatomical knowledge and variations of the nutrient foramen is crucial, particularly for forensic and bone transplant applications.

Material and Methods: A total of 180 fully ossified dry tibiae were obtained from the bone bank of the Anatomy Department, Khyber Girls Medical College, for this study. Bones without any pathological abnormalities, such as fractures or structural deformities were selected.

Results: Out of a total of 180 tibiae studied, 58 had a length of ≥1.27 mm, while 55 measured at least 1.27 mm. The average length of the left tibia was 37 cm, and the right tibia measured 36.2 cm. The mean distances of the nutrient foramina were 13.6 cm in the left tibia and 13.4 cm in the right tibia. Additionally, eight tibiae exhibited double the usual number of nutrient foramina. In the upper third region of the tibia, 72 foramina were observed on the left side and 76 on the right side.

Conclusion: The study's findings are helpful in both surgical operations and the resolution of medical malpractice claims. The study's findings add to the body of knowledge regarding the changes in the nutrient foramen of the arid human tibia and their potential therapeutic consequences. The surgeons can better grasp the variances with the use of this data, leading to improved surgical treatment outcomes.