Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: The nutrient artery is the principal source of blood supply to a long bone, particularly important during its active growth period in the embryo and foetus, as well as during the early phase of ossification. The present study was conducted to assess variations in nutrient foramina of clavicle. Materials & Methods: 82 dried adult human clavicles of both genders were taken. The foraminal distance from the sternal end (DNF) and the total length of the clavicle (TL) were measured in millimeters using Vernier caliper. The foramen index (FI): FI = (DNF/TL) ×100, DNF = Distance of nutrient foramen from the proximal end (sternal end) of the clavicle, TL = total length of clavicle was calculated. Results: Out of 82 bones, 40 were of males and 42 were of females. There were 50 right and 32 left clavicles. There were 81 nutrient foramens in right and 48 in left clavicles. The mean total length of clavicle was 142.3 mm of right and 140.9 mm of left clavicle. The mean distance of foramina from sternal end (DNF) was 63.1 mm in right and 60.7 mm in left clavicle. The mean foramen index (FI) of right clavicle was 44.3 % and of left clavicle was 42.1%. The difference was not significant (P> 0.05). Conclusion: Morphometric knowledge related to nutrient foramen and its variations are of importance to orthopedic surgeons and radiotherapists while treating clavicular pathologies.