Osteometric analysis of the intertubercular sulcus of the humerus
Keywords:
bicipital groove morphology, osteometric analysis, clinical significance, biomechanical phenomena, anthropometry, Anatomic Variation, shoulder joint, range of motion, humerus, tendonsArticle Sidebar
Main Article Content
Background
The anatomical variations and deviations from the expected intertubercular sulcus morphometry are associated with the physiology of the long head of the biceps brachii tendon. These variations may affect tendon biomechanics, potentially impacting shoulder joint stability.
Aim
To evaluate the osteometric features of the intertubercular sulcus, including its dimensions, angles, and bony protrusions, and to compare these variables according to side and sex.
Methods
The descriptive, cross-sectional study included a sample of 85 humeri. Morphometric analysis involved measurements of the intertubercular sulcus width, depth, and length; distances between its walls and the lesser and greater tubercles; and calculations of angles. Measurements were obtained using ImageJ (version 150i). Additionally, a non-metric method was used to determine sex based on the shape and prominence of structures at the distal end of the humerus.
Results
The distances between the head and the greater and lesser tubercles were statistically significantly greater on the right humeri. The length of the lateral lip of the sulcus was greater in males compared with female humeri (114.2 mm vs. 108.7 mm). The right side's opening angle was higher than on the left (78.7° vs. 74.4°). Bony spikes were observed on the greater tubercle in four humeri (4.7%), on the lesser tubercle in seven humeri (8.2%), and supratubercular ridges were identified in a total of 10 humeri (11.8%).
Conclusions
The dimensions of the intertubercular sulcus were larger on the right humeri. Analysis of the angles of the intertubercular sulcus provides a more precise account of its morphology.
Dragana Radošević, University of Novi Sad, Medical Faculty, Department of Anatomy, Novi Sad, Serbia.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8407-3797
University of Novi Sad, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor at the Department of Anatomy, Novi Sad, Serbia.
Stefan Dimić, University of Novi Sad, Medical Faculty, Department of Anatomy, Novi Sad, Serbia.
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1265-228X
University of Novi Sad, Medical Faculty, Medical Researcher at the Department of Anatomy, Novi Sad, Serbia.
Nikola Vučinić, University of Novi Sad, Medical Faculty, Department of Anatomy, Novi Sad, Serbia.
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4419-6255
University of Novi Sad, Medical Faculty, Associate Professor at the Department of Anatomy, Novi Sad, Serbia.
Dušica Marić, University of Novi Sad, Medical Faculty, Department of Anatomy, Novi Sad, Serbia.
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7613-6631
University of Novi Sad, Medical Faculty, MD, PhD, Full Professor at the Department of Anatomy, Novi Sad, Serbia.
Radmila Perić, University of Novi Sad, Medical Faculty, Department of Radiology, Novi Sad, Serbia.
https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3750-1297
University of Novi Sad, Medical Faculty, MD, Radiologist, Teaching Assistant at the Department of Radiology , Novi Sad, Serbia.
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