Number, Position, and Direction of Clavicular Nutrient Foramina: An Anatomical Variation Study

Abstract

Background: Anatomical variation in nutrient foramina can affect interpretation of bone anatomy and has implications for surgical approaches. This study presents a structured description of number, position, and direction of nutrient foramina in the clavicle. Methods: The supplied study examined 100 dried human clavicles. Nutrient foramina were identified and categorized according to number, surface, longitudinal location, and direction. Morphometric parameters were also recorded. Results: Single, double, and triple foramina occurred in 70%, 24%, and 6% of specimens, respectively. Posterior, inferior, and superior surface frequencies were 55.88%, 41.17%, and 2.94%. Medial, middle, and lateral third frequencies were 10.29%, 70.58%, and 19.11%. Mean distance from the sternal end was 69.63 mm and foramen index was 52.25. Conclusion: The findings confirm that nutrient foramina are variable in number and position but show a predominant pattern of one foramen, posterior surface placement, and middlethird location.