Exostoses in obturator foramen - an osteological study

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Orthopedics
• Gerontology

Background:

• The obturator foramen is a key pelvic bone structure, normally closed by the obturator membrane.
• It serves as an attachment site for obturator muscles and allows passage for nerves and vessels.
• Exostoses (bone spurs) are bony growths, but their occurrence in the obturator foramen was previously unquantified.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of exostoses in the obturator foramen.
• To analyze the localization and morphology of these exostoses.
• To raise awareness among physicians regarding these ossifications.

Main Methods:

• Examination of anonymized human dry hip bone specimens.
• Minimum donor age of 60 years.
• Specimens sourced from the anatomical collection of Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz.

Main Results:

• Exostoses were found in 9.5% (21/221) of examined hip bones.
• The right side was affected twice as often as the left.
• Exostoses were more common medially and were classified into three types based on morphology.

Conclusions:

• Obturator foramen exostoses, while not a primary disease, can lead to complications like nerve compression and inflammatory reactions.
• These bony growths can complicate diagnostics and surgical procedures.
• Increased physician awareness is needed for accurate diagnosis and prevention of complications.