Background: The nutrient foramen of the tibia is located over the proximal third of its posterior surface. The nutrient artery provides nutrition to the long bones. The nutrient foramen has been subjected to various clinical manipulations, such as bone grafting and both internal and external fixation of fractures. Proper knowledge about its location, size, number, and distance from the proximal end is crucial. This knowledge reduces the chances of ischemia in the bone and diminishes vascularization of the metaphysis and bone plate during procedures. Aim of the Study: To understand the precise topography of the nutrient foramen, aiding surgeons in minimizing the risk of damaging the tibial vasculature during surgeries. Study Design: Cross-sectional observational study. Materials and Methods: For this study, 50 dry tibias of unknown age and sex were examined in the Department of Anatomy at Government Medical College, Srinagar. The study focused on determining the size, segmental position, distance from the proximal end, number of nutrient foramen, and their direction. Results: The study analyzed 50 dry tibias of unknown age and sex from the Postgraduate Department of Anatomy at GMC Srinagar. Out of these, 26 right tibias and 21 left tibias had a single nutrient foramen. Additionally, one right tibia and two left tibias had two nutrient foramina. Observations revealed that in 70% (22right and 13 left) of the tibias, the nutrient foramen was located in the upper third of the shaft. In 30% (9right and 6 left) of the tibias, the location was in the middle third of the shaft. Across all 50 tibias, the direction of the nutrient foramen consistently pointed downwards, towards the lower end. Conclusion: Accurate knowledge of the nutrient foramen is crucial for procedures such as bone grafting, knee replacement surgery, and tumor resection. Understanding its location assists surgeons in minimizing the risk of damage to the tibial vessels.
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