Supra-trochlear foramen and its clinical significance

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Supra-trochlear foramen and its clinical significance

 

A thin plate of bone which separates the coronoid fossa in front and the olecranon fossa behind of humerus is known as the coronoid-olecranon septum (COS). This septum is lined in fresh state by the synovial membrane of elbow joint and its thickness varies from 0.5mm to 1cm. Sometimes, this thin bony plate becomes transparent or may contain several perforationsor in some humeri it may become perforated to form a foramenwhich is known as supra-trochlear foramen (STF) or septal aperture. In 1825, Meckel described this foramen. This thin plate is always present until the age of seven years. STF occurs due to intralamellar space enlargement and gradual absorption ofcoronoid-olecranon septum.STF is more frequent in higher primates other than man. Many researchers studied the incidence of STF in human population and higher primates. It was described in dogs, hyenas, cattle, and other primates. Incidence of STF in adults varies from 6.9% to 60% in different races and it is more frequent in females.[6]This foramen is one of the points in establishing relationship between man and lower animals therefore it is of great interest to anthropologists.The presence of STF is significant not only for anatomist and anthropologist but for radiologist and orthopedic surgeons in cases of humeral fractures and their management as concerns the STF. The objective of present study was to describes the incidence of supra-trochlear foramen in the humeri of Indian population.

 Supra-trochlear foramen is not described in textbooks of anatomy and orthopedics. However, its high incidence in Indian population requires special attention during surgery especially intramedullary humeral nailing of humerusand interpretation of X-rays by radiologists. This data will be helpful for orthopedic surgeons, radiologist and anatomist. Also, erroneous study should be done in different ethnic groups as well as individuals of the same ethnic groups with similar habits and occupation with the help of dry bones, cadaveric study and new imaging techniques which will provide us detail knowledge.

With Regards,

Annie Grace Sarah

Editorial Assistant

Asian Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences