The clinical significance of the nutrient artery.

The nutrient foramina of 10 dry cadaveric specimens of human radius, ulna, humerus, femur, and tibia are described. The point of nutrient artery entrance relative to bony surface and distance from proximal articular margins are recorded. The relative risks for intraoperative injury to the nutrient artery during exposure and placement of internal fixation devices in these five long bones are described. The clinical relevance of avoiding injury to the nutrient artery and further compromising existing osseous injury is discussed. Suggestions regarding placement of internal fixation devices are offered.