European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Introduction & Aim:The fibula is a long bone present lateral to tibia in leg. It is used in grafting and reconstructing surgeries in case of large bony tumour resection, grossly fractured mandible, spine surgeries and even stabilizing the tibia. Aim of the study is to describe the relative location, number & course of fibular nutrient foramina and observe any variations by comparing with earlier studies by various authors.
Materials and Methods:Study was done by examining 51 adult dried fibulae consisting of 31 right sided bones and 20 left side bones. Each bone was carefully observed for various parameters as regards the surface anatomy of nutrient foramina present in the shaft. Foramen index was computed and compared with others.
Results:Nutrient foramina were found singly in 82.35% fibulae, 7.84% fibulae showed two foramina and 9.8% fibulae were devoid of any nutrient foramen. 16% foramina proceeded towards the growing end while 84% nutrient foramina were directed opposite to the growing end. 6% foramina were detected in upper zone and 94% were detected in the middle zone. Grossly the total nutrient foramina were placed on the posterior aspect of the fibulae, out of which, 72% surfaced on the medial crest, 20% were present between the posterior border and the elevated medial crest and 8% were sited between the interosseous border and the medial crest. Worked out Mean foramen index of the study was 50.02.
Conclusions: The anatomical knowledge of nutrient foramina aids the orthopaedic and plastic surgeons in planning bone grafting and bone reconstruction surgeries.