The dominant nutrient foramen at the clavicular midshaft: an anatomical study.

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to describe the prevalence and topography of the dominant nutrient foramen at the clavicle.

METHODS

317 macerated human clavicles (167 right and 150 left) were available for the study. After detecting the dominant nutrient foramen, the total distance from the sternal surface to the examined nutrient foramen was measured. A foramen index (FI) was used for further data processing.

RESULTS

We detected a dominant foramen in 300/317 (94.64%) clavicles, which was located in the middle third in 287/300 (95.7%) clavicles. The average clavicular length was measured at 14.9 cm ± 1.0 cm (range 11.6-17.5 cm) with an average foraminal distance from the sternoclavicular joint surface of 7.9 cm ± 1.3 cm (range 0.9-12.6 cm) in total. The mean FI was 53.2% ± SD 7.4% (range 5.5-79.3%).

CONCLUSION

The present study provides a topographic mapping of the foraminal area (46-60% of the total clavicular length). The findings help to assess clavicular fracture patterns, which pass through the foraminal area.