Carlos Aa Chagas1, Gabriel Gutfiten-Schlesinger2, Túlio Fo Leite3, Lucas As Pires4, Julio G Silva5. 1. Anatomy Professor, Department of Morphology, Fluminense Federal University , Brazil . 2. Researcher, Imunopharmacology Laboratory, FIOCRUZ , Brazil . 3. Vascular Surgeon, Interventional Radiologist, Interventional Radiology Unit, Radiology Institute, University of São Paulo Medical School , Brazil . 4. Nursing Student, Department of Morphology, Fluminense Federal University , Brazil . 5. Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro , Brazil. Rehabilitation Science Program Augusto Motta University Center, Brazil .
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The supratrochlear foramen is an anatomic variation of great clinical and anthropologic interest. Although many studies addressed this subject in different ethnic groups, there are no studies regarding Brazilians. AIM: To verify the incidence and morphometric measures of the supratrochlear foramen in Brazilian humeri. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 330 dry humeri were analysed and divided in three groups: bones presenting the supratrochlear foramen (Group 1), bones displaying a translucent foramen (Group 2) and humeri without the foramen (Group 3). The aperture was measured with a digital vernier caliper. Radiographic pictures with different incidences were taken. RESULTS: Our analysis showed that 22.5% of humeri belonged in Group 1, 41.2% in Group 2, and 36.3% in Group 3. The mean vertical diameter and the mean horizontal diameter of the supratrochlear foramen on the left side were 2.779±2.050 mm and 2.332±1.23 mm, respectively. The mean vertical diameter and the mean horizontal diameter of the foramen on the right side were 2.778±2.197 mm, and 2.365±1.396 mm, respectively. The student's t-test showed that there was no significant difference regarding the size of the foramen between both sides. The best X-ray machine setup was 50 kilo voltage and 0.08 milliamperage per second, associated with a slight increase in the distance of the x-ray tube. CONCLUSION: The aperture seems to be the key point during the pre-operative planning of intramedullary fixation, since it has direct relation to the size of the intramedullary canal, thus, being an entity of clinical, anatomical, anthropological, radiological, and surgical interest.
INTRODUCTION: The supratrochlear foramen is an anatomic variation of great clinical and anthropologic interest. Although many studies addressed this subject in different ethnic groups, there are no studies regarding Brazilians. AIM: To verify the incidence and morphometric measures of the supratrochlear foramen in Brazilian humeri. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 330 dry humeri were analysed and divided in three groups: bones presenting the supratrochlear foramen (Group 1), bones displaying a translucent foramen (Group 2) and humeri without the foramen (Group 3). The aperture was measured with a digital vernier caliper. Radiographic pictures with different incidences were taken. RESULTS: Our analysis showed that 22.5% of humeri belonged in Group 1, 41.2% in Group 2, and 36.3% in Group 3. The mean vertical diameter and the mean horizontal diameter of the supratrochlear foramen on the left side were 2.779±2.050 mm and 2.332±1.23 mm, respectively. The mean vertical diameter and the mean horizontal diameter of the foramen on the right side were 2.778±2.197 mm, and 2.365±1.396 mm, respectively. The student's t-test showed that there was no significant difference regarding the size of the foramen between both sides. The best X-ray machine setup was 50 kilo voltage and 0.08 milliamperage per second, associated with a slight increase in the distance of the x-ray tube. CONCLUSION: The aperture seems to be the key point during the pre-operative planning of intramedullary fixation, since it has direct relation to the size of the intramedullary canal, thus, being an entity of clinical, anatomical, anthropological, radiological, and surgical interest.
Authors: Vally De Wilde; Michel De Maeseneer; Leon Lenchik; Peter Van Roy; Paul Beeckman; Michel Osteaux Journal: Eur J Radiol Date: 2004-07 Impact factor: 3.528