Supracondylar process of the humerus: Anatomical and clinical considerations

Abstract

© 2018 Japan Health Sciences University & Japan International Cultural Exchange Foundation. Objective: The supracondylar process is a bony beak like spur in the supracondylar region of the humerus. It is a congenital deformity. It may be present with or without symptoms. The main objective of the present study was to observe any bony beak like spur in the supracondylar process in the humerus of cadavers. Design: A study on the humerus to observe the presence of any supracondylar process in the humerus. Materials and Methods: Three hundred humerus (n = 300) presented in the osteological repository of Forensic Osteology Research Centre, Chiang Mai University were taken for the study. The supracondylar region of each humerus was studied in detail for any abnormal spurs, if present. The specimen was photographed and morphometric measurements were taken. Results: Out of 300 bone specimens, only one single specimen exhibited the presence of supracondylar process i.e. spur (0.003%). The spur was observed on the condylar region of left humerus bone. The length of the spur was 2.44 cm. The spur was located at a distance of 17.82 cm from the upper end and 11.12 cm from the lower end of the humerus, respectively. No other abnormalities were observed. Conclusion: Presence of spur in any bone may mislead radiologists interpreting radiographs. Spurs may also impinge on surrounding soft tissue structures and cause unnecessary pain or even remain undetected without any symptom.