Aperture in coronoid-olecranon septum: A radiological evaluation

BACKGROUND: The humerus bone with coronoid-olecranon septal aperture have very narrow medullary canal and extreme anterolateral bowing proximally and/or extreme anterolateral compressed surface at distal part. Septal perforation might make nailing through a retrograde technique more difficult or possibly with an increased risk of iatrogenic fracture at the site of insertion. Coronoid-olecranon perforation might be very important in preoperative planning for successful nailing. Since the data available has been obtained from the ancient studies using the skeletal material, the present study is aimed at investigating originally the presence of the coronoid-olecranon septum perforation in the living subjects, using a radiographic method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed on direct radiograms and computed tomography of the elbow obtained from the 709 volunteers (367 males, 342 females). RESULTS: The incidence of the perforation was found to be 8.6 %. Bilateral occurrence was found to be more common significantly. The highest incidence occurred in second decade. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests female prepronounced and left asymmetry in case of septal perforation. Bilateral occurrence from our study might be peculiar to the clinician.