Morphometric Analysis of Proximal and Distal Humeral Segments in an Adult Population: A Dry Bone Study with Clinical and Forensic Implications

Abstract

Background: Morphometric characteristics of the humerus are of paramount importance in the fields of anatomy, forensic medicine, and orthopedic surgery. Precise anatomical data is essential for skeletal identification in forensic investigations and for the development of anatomically congruent prostheses in clinical practice. This study aimed to evaluate various morphometric parameters of the proximal and distal segments of the humerus in a specific adult population.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 dry, completely ossified right human humeri. Morphometric parameters, including the Vertical Diameter of the Head (VDH), Transverse Diameter of the Head (TDH), Maximum Transverse Diameter (MTD), Epicondylar Breadth (EB), and Condylar Breadth (CB), were measured using a digital sliding vernier caliper accurate to 0.01 mm. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 and expressed as Mean ± Standard Deviation (SD).

Results: The mean VDH was 42.28 ± 3.43 mm, while the mean MTD and TDH were 39.84 ± 3.45 mm and 39.42 ± 6.29 mm, respectively. The calculated Ellipticity Index (1.07 ± 0.12) confirmed the predominantly elliptical shape of the humeral head. In the distal segment, the mean EB was 56.09 ± 6.24 mm and the mean CB was 40.42 ± 3.35 mm.

Conclusion: Understanding the morphometric variations of the humerus is crucial for anatomists and forensic specialists in establishing identity from skeletal remains. Furthermore, the population-specific data provided by this study serves as a reliable baseline for surgeons, facilitating more accurate diagnostic planning and improved outcomes in humeral implantation operations.

Keywords: Anatomy; Condyle; Forensic Identification; Humerus; Morphometry; Orthopedic Surgery..