Morphometric Study of Nutrient Foramina of Fibula

Abstract

Background: The fibula serves as an important donor bone in reconstructive surgery and plays a vital role in lower limb biomechanics. The nutrient foramen is the entry point for the nutrient artery, essential for medullary blood supply and bone healing. Detailed morphometric analysis of nutrient foramina is clinically significant to avoid vascular compromise during surgical procedures. Objectives: To study the number, position, location, and direction of nutrient foramina in the fibula, and to compare findings with previous literature. Materials: A total of 50 adult dry human fibulae (25 right, 25 left) of unknown age and sex were examined macroscopically. The number, position, and location of nutrient foramina were recorded, and the foraminal index was calculated. The direction of each foramen relative to the growing end was also noted. Data were tabulated and expressed as percentages. Results: Out of 50 fibulae, 42 (84%) had a single nutrient foramen, 5 (10%) had double foramina, and 3 (6%) showed no foramen. The middle third of the shaft contained 90.38% of foramina, with 9.62% in the distal third; no foramina were found in the proximal third. Posterior surface location was most common (94.23%), followed by the lateral surface (5.77%); no foramina were found on the medial surface. All single foramina were directed away from the growing end; among double foramina, 40% had both directed away, and 60% had one directed towards the growing end. Conclusion: The fibula most commonly contains a single nutrient foramen in the middle third of the shaft on the posterior surface, directed away from the growing end. This constancy has significant clinical relevance in preserving vascular supply during orthopedic and reconstructive procedures, and the findings provide a useful baseline for anatomical, anthropological, and forensic applications.