Three-dimensional topography of scapular nutrient foramina.

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Surgical Anatomy

Background:

• Nutrient foramina are vital for bone vascularization.
• Precise knowledge of their location in the scapula is limited.
• This information is critical for orthopedic and trauma surgery involving the shoulder girdle.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the number and precise anatomical locations of nutrient foramina in human scapulae.
• To provide data that can aid in minimizing intraoperative blood loss during scapular surgery.

Main Methods:

• Maceration of 30 human cadaveric scapulae to isolate bone structure.
• Identification and labeling of nutrient foramina (≥0.51 mm) using glass beads.
• CT scanning and surface modeling to map foramina locations, followed by scaling for comparison.

Main Results:

• An average of 5.3 nutrient foramina per scapula were identified (range 0-10).
• The supraspinous fossa was the most common site (29.7%).
• Foramina were frequently located inferior to the suprascapular notch on the costal surface and under the spine on the posterior surface, being least common near the glenoid.

Conclusions:

• The majority of scapulae (90%) possess multiple nutrient foramina.
• These foramina are consistently found in specific regions on both the posterior and costal surfaces of the scapula.
• This detailed anatomical mapping can enhance surgical planning and reduce risks.