The fibular nutrient foramen is the opening in the posterior fibular cortex in the proximal third of the fibular shaft, through which the fibular nutrient artery enters the medullary canal. Its position approximately 10-15 cm from the fibular head is a key landmark in fibular free flap harvest.
| Articulations |
|
|---|---|
| Landmarks |
|
| Ossification | Part of the fibular diaphysis present from the primary ossification centre at 7-8 weeks gestation. The nutrient foramen is formed as the nutrient artery invades the cortex during endochondral ossification. |
The fibular nutrient foramen position determines the safe osteotomy levels for fibular free flap harvest. The flap segment must include the foramen to preserve endosteal vascularity. It appears as a small canal in the posterior fibular cortex on CT, important for surgical planning. In fibular shaft fractures at this level, nutrient artery disruption increases fracture healing time. The foramen's position corresponds to where the peroneal vessels are closest to the fibular cortex.
The nutrient canal can be mistaken for a fracture line on radiographs; its oblique course and smooth margins help identify it.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
