Morphometric Study of the Lower End of Humerus in Dry Human Bones

Abstract

Background: The humerus is a major long bone of the upper limb and is important in orthopedic surgery, prosthetic design, and reconstructive procedures. Detailed morphometric data of its distal end are useful for surgical planning and implant selection. Aim: To study the morphometric features of the lower end of the humerus using dry human bones. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 dry humeri (50 right and 50 left) of unknown age and sex were examined. Measurements were taken using a vernier caliper. Three parameters were measured: (1) distance between proximal and distal articular surfaces of the olecranon fossa, (2) distance between the proximal articular surface of the olecranon fossa and the trochlea, and (3) maximum breadth of the distal humerus. Results: The mean distance between proximal and distal articular surfaces of the olecranon fossa was 39.78 ± 2.8 mm (right) and 38.62 ± 3.6 mm (left). The mean distance between the proximal articular surface of the olecranon fossa and the trochlea was 21.32 ± 1.3 mm (right) and 21.39 ± 1.2 mm (left). The maximum breadth of the distal humerus was 56.8 ± 1.9 mm (right) and 55.4 ± 2.2 mm (left). No statistically significant difference was found between right and left sides (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The present study provides reliable morphometric data of the distal humerus that can be useful to orthopedic surgeons, prosthetic designers, and anatomists. The findings support the use of the contralateral limb as a reference during surgical reconstruction.