Processus supracondylaris humeri

Abstract

Supracondylar process, a congenital variation of the distal humerus, arising from the anteromedial surface 5 cm proximal to the epicondylar process. From the tip of the process, a ligament (Struthers ligament) may arise and connect to the medial epicondyle. The process and ligament are usually asymptomatic, and occasionally may cause compression on underlying neurovascular structures. This study investigates the incidence of the supracondylar process in the Turkish population on a large series of bony specimens and review the literature on this clinically important structure. This study was performed on 209 (106 right, 103 left side) adult humerus bony specimens of unknown sex. The incidence of the process was investigated, and length of the process, and the distance of the process to the upper tip of the medial epicondyle were measured using digital millimeter graph. In the series investigated, a well-developed supracondylar process 37 mm proximal to the medial epicondyle, 10.6 mm in length was observed on a left humerus; two minimal form supracondylar processes were observed on a right and left humerus as small bumps 1.8-2 mm in length. The results of this study are in accordance with the earlier studies and determine the incidence of the supracondylar process in Turkish population as 1.44 %.