Study of Diaphyseal Nutrient Artery Foramina in Dried Human Fibulae and Its Clinical Implications

Original Research | 2026 | Volume 2 | Issue 1 | Page 116-134

DOI 10.66715/ijcar/2026.v2.i1.116134 | Dr. Narendra Sharma¹ Dr. Shivam Kumar Raut², Dr. Chandan kumar³

Department of Anatomy¹ Department of Microbiology², Department of Microbiology³, Dr. Rajendra Gode Medical College & Hospital Amravati, Maharashtra¹, Jakir Hossain Medical College & Research Institute (WB)², Ramchandra Chandravansi University, Jharkhand³. narendra120892@gmail.com ¹, shivam9799kumar@gmail.com ², aaryachanan568@gmail.com ³.

Corresponding Author:-

Dr. Narendra Sharma

Tutor

Department of Anatomy,

Dr. Rajendra Gode Medical College &Hospital Amravati, Maharashtra

Study of Diaphyseal Nutrient Artery Foramina in Dried Human Fibulae and Its Clinical Impli.

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Abstract

The nutrient artery is the primary source of blood supply to the shaft of long bones and plays a crucial role in bone growth, remodeling, fracture healing, and the survival of vascularized bone grafts. The fibula is frequently used as a donor bone in reconstructive surgeries such as mandibular reconstruction, spinal fusion, and repair of large skeletal defects. Therefore, precise knowledge of the anatomical characteristics of the diaphyseal nutrient artery foramina is essential for preserving vascular integrity during surgical procedures. This study was conducted to evaluate the number, position, direction, and foraminal index of diaphyseal nutrient artery foramina in dried human fibulae and to assess their clinical significance. A cross-sectional observational study was performed on 50 fully ossified dried human fibulae collected from the Department of Anatomy. Morphometric measurements were obtained using standard osteometric techniques, and the foraminal index was calculated to determine the topographical location of the nutrient foramina. The findings revealed that most fibulae possessed a single dominant nutrient foramen, predominantly located in the middle third of the shaft on the posterior surface. The majority of nutrient canals were directed away from the growing end, consistent with the normal anatomical pattern. These observations provide valuable information for orthopedic surgeons, reconstructive surgeons, and anatomists in planning surgical procedures involving the fibula. Preservation of the nutrient artery during graft harvesting and fracture fixation can improve graft viability, accelerate bone healing, and reduce postoperative complications. The study also contributes to the anatomical database by documenting variations in nutrient foramina, thereby enhancing the understanding of fibular vascular anatomy and supporting safer and more effective orthopedic and reconstructive surgical practices.

Keywords: Fibula, Nutrient artery, Nutrient foramen, Diaphysis, Foraminal index, Bone graft, Clinical anatomy, Orthopedic surgery