An anatomical study of the supratrochlear foramen of the Jining population.

Background/aim: The supratrochlear foramen (STF) is an important variation in the lower end of the humerus where the septum separating the coronoid and olecranon fossa is perforated. There are no studies in the literature on the STF of the Jining population. This study will make a contribution to anatomy and anthropology by adding new data. Materials and methods: STF was studied in detail in 262 adult dried humeri of unknown sex and age. The topographical anatomy of the STF was studied, morphometric measurements were taken, and the specimens were photographed with a digital camera. Results: The prevalence of the STF was 10.3%, with 18 cases on the left side and 9 cases on the right side. The STF occurred in 4 shapes: oval, 19 cases; round, 4 cases; triangular, 2 cases; and rectangular, 2 cases. The mean transverse diameter of STF was 4.47 mm and 3.26 mm on the left and right sides, respectively; the mean vertical diameter of STF was 5.07 mm and 3.56 mm on the left and right sides, respectively; and the average surface area of STF was 13.1 mm(2) and 18.43 mm(2) on the left and right sides, respectively. Conclusions: The STF of the Jining population was more common on the left side, with oval being the most common shape. The two sides did not show any statistically significant differences. The findings of this study may be of clinical significance to surgeons and osteologists and may have anthropological or forensic importance.