Abstract :
Introduction: The collar bone is an atypical long bone having a nutrient foramen in the middle one third
of the clavicle, along its superior border. The knowledge of the neurovascular foramina of the clavicle
is clinically important as the structures are routinely dealt in surgical practice. The aim of the present
investigation was to study the topographic anatomy and morphology of the neurovascular foramina in
human adult clavicles as it is enlightening for the operating surgeon in vascularized bone grafts surgeries.
Materials and Methods: The study included 104 adult clavicles (54 right sides and 50 left) of unknown
age and sex without any external damage, which were obtained from the osteology section of the anatomy
laboratory of our department. All the bones were observed using a magnifying lens for the number,
location, and direction of the nutrient foramina. The data were collected on a standardized sheet and
morphologically analyzed. Results and conclusions
Results and Conclusions: The neurovascular foramina were observed in 101 (97.11%) clavicles and
found absent in 3 clavicles (2.88%), the foramen was observed on the posterior surface contrary to
mentioned in literature. The present study has provided additional information about the topographical
anatomy and morphology of the foramina of this bone. Knowledge of the localization of nutrient foramina
can be useful in certain surgical procedures to preserve the circulation. As the microvascular bone transfer
is becoming more popular, we believe that a convention for the accurate anatomical description of these
foramina is important.
Keyword :
Clavicle, Nutrient foreman, Long bone.