International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology | Vol. 15, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 013–024

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/000169

Article Type: Original Research Article

Title: Morphometric Analysis of the Nutrient Foramina in Human Long Bones of the Upper Limb Within a Contemporary West African Cohort

Names of Authors: Chidi E. Okafor¹, Amara K. Bello²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; ²Department of Human Anatomy, College of Health Sciences, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract:
Knowledge of the location and number of nutrient foramina is critical in orthopaedic surgeries, particularly in bone grafting, fracture repair, and microsurgical vascularized bone transplantation. This study investigated the morphometric characteristics, position, and number of nutrient foramina in 120 dry human long bones of the upper limb (60 humeri, 30 radii, and 30 ulnae) obtained from contemporary West African anatomical collections. The nutrient foramina were identified macroscopically using a hand lens and verified with a 24-gauge needle. The foraminal index (FI) was calculated to determine the precise position of each foramen relative to the total length of the bone. In the humerus, 72.3% of the foramina were located on the anteromedial surface, with a mean FI of 56.4 ± 3.2%, positioning them primarily in the middle third of the diaphysis. The radius exhibited a single nutrient foramen in 93.3% of specimens, predominantly located on the anterior surface with a mean FI of 35.8 ± 2.1% (proximal third). For the ulna, 86.7% of the foramina were observed on the anterior surface, yielding a mean FI of 38.1 ± 1.9%. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in the distribution or number of foramina based on the side of the body (p > 0.05). These data demonstrate distinct topographical variations specific to this population group, underscoring the necessity of pre-operative planning to preserve the periosteal and diaphyseal blood supply during surgical interventions involving the upper limb.

Keywords: Nutrient Foramina, Humerus, Radius, Ulna, Foraminal Index, Morphometry, Bone Grafting

Manuscript Timeline: Received: May 12, 2026; Revised: June 28, 2026; Accepted: July 19, 2026; Published: August 05, 2026

Citation: Okafor C.E., & Bello A.K. (2026). Morphometric Analysis of the Nutrient Foramina in Human Long Bones of the Upper Limb Within a Contemporary West African Cohort. International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology, 15(8), 013–024. DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/000169

Subscribe to read the full article: https://internationalscholarsjournals.org/subscribe-to-read