Diaphysial nutrient foramina in human phalanges.

Abstract

1770 phalanges of the hand and 660 phalanges of the foot, of unknown sex, were studied to determine the number, position and direction of the nutrient foramina. It was found that, in general, these bones had one nutrient foramen in the middle third of the shaft. The proximal phalanges of the fingers often showed double foramina. Most of the foramina were situated on the border between the palmar/plantar and dorsal surfaces. The distal phalanges of the toes, and particularly of the great toe, may have a nutrient foramen on the dorsal surface. In the intermediate phalanges of the toes it is not possible to identify the nutrient foramen with certainty. All the foramina were directed away from the growing end.