Morphometry of the human bicipital groove (sulcus intertubercularis)

Background

The bicipital groove is located between the greater and lesser tubercles at the proximal extremity of the humerus and extends inferiorly. Citations that anatomic variations of the groove could give rise to sliding of the biceps brachii muscle tendon led us to initiate a morphometric study on this groove.

Materials and methods

The study was done on 50 dry humeral bones from adults of both genders and from both sides. A digital caliper rule was used to measure the length, thickness and width of the bicipital groove and the humerus. The angles of the bicipital groove were measured with a goniometer.

Results

The average length of the groove was 8.1 cm and it corresponded to 25.2% of the length of the humerus. The width at the midpoint of the groove was 10.1 mm and corresponded to 49.7% to 54.5% of the width of the humerus. The depth was 4.0 mm and corresponded to 18.8% of the depth of the humerus. The mean angle formed by the groove lips was 106°.

Conclusion

This study confirmed the variability of the measurements presented by the groove in relation to all the aspects considered.

Level of Evidence

Basic Science.

Keywords: Humerus, bicipital groove, biceps brachii muscle, morphometry