title: Morphological study of the supracondylar process of the humerus and its clinical implications.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The supracondylar process of the humerus, which is also called the supra-epitrochlear, epicondylar, epicondylic process or a supratrochlear spur, is a hook-like, bony spine of variable size that may project distally from the anteromedial surface of the humerus. It represents the embryologic vestigial remnant of climbing animals and seen in many reptiles, most marsupials, cats, lemurs and American monkeys.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two hundred and forty dried humeri were studied from department of Anatomy, Sri Siddhartha Medical College, Tumkur, Karnataka, India. The bones were examined for supracondylar process. On finding, the dimensions were recorded and photographed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Out of 240 dried humeri examined we found only 1 humerus of the left side with an osseous spine on the anteromedial surface. The incidence calculated in this study was 0.41%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The supracondylar process is frequently misjudged as a pathological condition of the bone rather than as a normal anatomical variation. Though, this process has been of more interest to anatomists and anthropologists because of a possible link to the origins and relations of the human races than to clinicians, many of whom are not aware of its occasional presence. It is usually clinically silent, but may become symptomatic by presenting as a mass or can be associated with symptoms of median nerve compression and claudication of the brachial artery.
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, Sri Siddhartha Medical College , Tumkur-572117, Karnataka, India .
authors.forename: Shivaleela
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: C
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Sri Siddhartha Medical College , Tumkur-572117, Karnataka, India .
authors.forename: Suresh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: B S
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Sri Siddhartha Medical College , Tumkur-572117, Karnataka, India .
authors.forename: Kumar
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: G V
authors.affiliation: Professor & HOD, Department of Anatomy, Sri Siddhartha Medical College , Tumkur-572117, Karnataka, India .
authors.forename: Lakshmiprabha
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: S
keywords: Humerus; Struther’s ligament; Supracondylar process