Supracondylar Foramen of Humerus - Embryology and Clinical Aspect.

Introduction: supracondylar foramen of humerus is a rare finding while supracondylar spur has been found with variable incidences in different population groups. Presence of complete foramen can be attributed to ossification of struther's ligament. Reporting about this type of variation is sparse in literature. It may cause supracondylar syndrome by compression of median nerve, ulnar nerve and brachial artery leading to neurovascular compromise in forearm and hand. Case Report: during routine bone demonstration of humerus to undergraduate MBBS students, supracondylar foramen was found in one specimen. Completely ossified bony bridge extending from medial epicondyle to anteromedial surface of humerus was found. Conclusion: generally, this type of variation is asymptomatic. Sometimes, it can be symptomatic if median nerve, ulnar nerve or brachial artery is/are compressed within this foramen. It is important to include this variation in differential diagnosis in patients with neurovascular symptoms around elbow, forearm and hand. Also, it can mimic as benign and malignant tumors involving lower end of humerus. The mainstay of management is removal of ossified bony bridge by either open or arthroscopic surgical approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]