A Morphometric Study On The Nutrient Foramen Of Metacarpal Bones In Jharkhand Population

A study was performed on nutrient foramen of metacarpal bones; it included a total of 161 bones of unknown sex and age. The objective was to examine the topography and morphology of nutrient foramen. Nutrient foramen were identified macroscopically and with the help of magnifying glass. It’s location in relation to the surface of the bone was examined. The total length of the bone and distance of foramen from the base of metacarpal bone was measured for calculation of foramen index. All the first second and third metacarpal bones showed single foramen whereas 18.75% fourth metacarpals and 9.38% fifth metacarpal bones showed absent foramen also. In majority of first and second metacarpals foramen were located on medial side of palmer surface whereas in case of third fourth and fifth metacarpal bones it was located on lateral side of palmer surface. Mean value of foramen index of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th metacarpal bones were found respectively as 54.85, 45.84, 41.00, 42.63 and 44.33. An idea of foramen index of metacarpal bones can help surgeons in planning reconstruction surgery on hand.