Midline neck swellings - frequency of occurrence of thyroglossal cyst

To study the frequency of occurrence of thyroglossal duct cyst in comparison to other midline neck swellings. It is a prospective descriptive study. It is conducted in SUI in Allied hospital Faisalabad from March 2006 to March 2008. In this study 35 patients were studied. They were admitted through outdoor to surgical unit I with midline neck swellings. Patients of both sexes from 5 to 45 years old were examined. Their detailed history and physical examination were carried out. It was determined on physical examination that the midline swellings were solid or cystic, tender or non tender and moved with swallowing and tongue protrusion or not, All patients with central midline swellings of the neck, Patients with lateral neck swellings were excluded from this study, In our study of 35 patients of midline neck swellings, 21 were males and 14 were females, Out of 35 patients 20 patients [57.14%] were having acute or chronic lymphadenitis, One out of 35 patients had Hodgkin's lymphoma [2.85%],3 patients [8.5%] had thyroglossal cysts,8 patients [22.85%] had solitary thyroid nodule of isthmus,2 patients [5.7%] were suffering from dermoid cyst while 1 patient [2,8%] had plunging ranula, Out of 3 patients of thyroglossal cysts 2 [5.71%] were males and 1 [2.85%] was female, The age range was between 5 to 45 years. Lymph node enlargement are among the most common causes of midline neck swellings. Thyroglossal cysts are also found among the midline neck swellings but not as frequently as solitary thyroid nodules of the isthmus. Dermoid cysts and plunging ranulas are quite rare causes of midline neck swellings

Mandibular canine index [MCI]; its role in determining gender

Dental evidence is valuable in identification of individuals, especially following mass disasters; estimation of age at death of skeletonised remains and establishing guilt in cases of criminal injury by biting. Mandibular canines are found to exhibit the greatest sexual dimorphism amongst all teeth. To investigate the accuracy with which gender can be differentiated by using the mandibular canine index in the Punjabi - Pakistani population. Independent Medical College and Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad. Dec. 2008 to Dec. 2009. The present study was performed on 200 students, between the age group of 18-25 years, randomly sampled with informed consent [Through 3rd party]. Mandibular canine width and intercanine distance were measured with the help of Vernier caliper after observing aseptic conditions. MandibuIar canine index was calculated and the observed MCI was compared with the standard MCI value. The data was then analyzed using student's "t" test. No significant statistical difference was noted between the right and left mandibular canines amongst males and females [same sex] but when comparing between males and females, there was highly statistical significant difference [P < 0.001]. The calculated standard MCI for canines of males and females found to be 0.2504. With these calculations we could predict sex correctly at 75.97% in this study [Male: 71.67% and Female: 78.72%]. MCI is a quick and reliable method for sexual identification when a standard for the population is available. With these calculations, we could predict the sex correctly at 75.97% in this study. This method can be used as adjunct to other available tools for sex determination. DNA studies can reveal sex accurately. Availability of comprehensive database with "NADRA" can also be used as adjunct to "MCI" to enhance the accuracy in determination of sex and identity of the person in Pakistan

Human calcanium; variations in the articular facets of the sustentaculum Tali

Sustentaculum tali is a projection at the apex of the longitudinal arch and thus occupies a key position in the subtalar joint. The articular facets of the sustentaculum tali have a variety of configurations. Objectives To study the variations of articular facets of the sustentaculum tali of the calcanium. Material and Methodss Total two hundred human calcanei were studied with naked eye obtained from the Anatomy department of the Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad and K.E. Medical College, Lahore. Results Type 1- 78.5% calcanei with long continuous facets. Type II - 13.5% calcanei with two facets and Type III - 8% calcanei with medial facets only. Conclusion The variations in the facets are due to different regions and races and may predispose people to subtalar joint instability