[Supracondylar process and supratrochlearforamen of the humerus: a case report and a review of the literature].

UNLABELLED

The authors present a case where the main variants of the humerus were associated on the same specimen: the supracondylar process and the supratrochlear foramen. The supracondylar process, a bony prominence situated on the anteromedial surface of the humerus in the vicinity of the medial epicondyle, could be at the origin of ulnar or median nerve and brachial artery compression syndromes, especially when associated with Struthers' ligament.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The anatomic specimen was discovered accidentally during a larger study aimed at establishing a current norma anatomica and morphometry of the humerus. The supracondylar process and the supratrochlear foramen were morphologically and morphometrically analyzed.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The supracondylar process was situated on the anteromedial surface of a left humerus, roughly 5 cm above the medial epicondyle. It was 12.4 mm in length, mediodistally directed. The supratrochlear foramen was situated above the lateral part of the humeral trochlea, just adjacent to the middle branch of trifurcation of the anterior border of the humerus. It was ovoid in shape with the long axis transversally (6.3/3.7 mm).

CONCLUSIONS

Presentation of such variants contributes to increasing the anatomical data capital and might be important for diagnosis of peripheral neurovascular compression syndromes.