ABSTRACT
The commonest procedure for adult diaphyseal femoral fractures is intramedullary nailing. A thorough preoperative examination of facture pattern and its morphology are necessary. Previous studies are non-homogenous and with conflicting results. So the study was planned to find out, any relation between femur and forearm plus little finger length and its association with height/ arm span and upper segment/lower segment ratios in an individual, with its statistical validity. The study was carried on 75 male and 75 female students of more than 18 years of age, studying at AIIMS Rishikesh after taking their informed consent and ethical approval. The forearm plus hand length and the length offemur were measured as per protocol, by simple measuring tape. The mean forearm plus hand length and the length of femur were 42.85 (SD, ±1.87) and 45.88 (SD, ±2.95) cm, respectively with the mean difference between these 2 measurements of -3.03 (95% CI, -3.83 to -2.22) cm, in male and 39.56(SD, ±1.68), 40.96 (SD, ± 2.75) cm and -1.400 (95% CI, -1.917 to -0.883) cm in female volunteers. The Pearson correlation co efficient and p value 0.575, 0.0001 and 0.585, 0.0001 in male and female respectively. There was no significant variation with height, upper segment and lower segment ratios. So we conclude that there is extremely significant correlation between the forearm plus hand length and the length of femur of the individuals. The forearm plus hand length represents the maximum length of the nail to be used in femur. The length of the femur nail can be definitely predicted by the forearm plus hand length in both sexes but it has to be different in both, for the same femoral fracture and there is no significant variation in the femur length with height, upper segment and lower segment variation in the same individ
ABSTRACT
The commonly used examination procedures of the upper cervical spine depend upon the symmetry for comparison and interpretation of joint functions. If symmetry is not normal, then these assessments may mislead the examiners, allowing them implementation of incorrect treatment plans. Objectives of this study are to explore the possibility that asymmetry is more common than symmetry and, if it is true, to find out the effects of asymmetry on the biomechanics of these joints. The study was carried out on 30 atlas vertebrae of cadavers of Indian origin. The different intra-atlas distances were measured on both sides by digital vernier calliper. All the parameters studied showed statistically significant differences between the right and left side i.e. a p value of < 0.05. The anteroposterior diameter of the foramen transversarium, the transverse diameter of the foramen transversarium, the distance from the midline to medial edge of the vertebral artery groove (inner as well as outer cortex) and the length of the superior articular facets were more on the right side as compared to the left side. The breadth as well as the length of the inferior articular facet, the breadth of the superior articular facet and the difference of posterior arch thickness at the site of vertebral artery groove were more on the left side as compared to the right side. These differences may be explained by the handedness of an individual, which influences the intra-osteal asymmetry in a characteristically distinct manner, which needs to be confirmed or refuted in a further study.
Subject(s)
Cervical AtlasABSTRACT
The knowledge of the relationship of the vertebral artery with the atlas is very important, in order to avoid any injury to the vertebral artery, during surgeries in the craniovertebral region. Different researchers have measured the distance of the vertebral artery from the midline along the posterior arch of atlas (oblique distance), but some authors have measured the perpendicular distance of vertebral artery from the midline. Usually, it is the perpendicular distance along which the surgeons are exploring in this region. Hence, the present study was planned to study and compare both oblique and perpendicular distances of the vertebral artery from the midline and find out statistical differences between these two parameters. It was carried out on 30 atlas vertebrae of Indian origin. The oblique and perpendicular distances of vertebral artery groove from midline and the thickness of vertebral artery groove were measured. The results suggest that dissection on the posterior aspect of the arch of atlas should remain 17.00 mm lateral to the midline and dissection on the superior aspect of the arch of atlas should remain 8.00 mm from the midline to prevent injury to the vertebral artery. It was also observed that “oblique distances of vertebral artery groove from the midline to the medial margin of inner and outer cortex are larger than the corresponding perpendicular distances from the midline”. Although, the differences of oblique and perpendicular distances are not statistically significant but it may be clinically significant for the surgeons operating in the craniovertebral region. Hence, it is concluded that the surgeon should be aware of both the distances while operating in the craniovertebral region to avoid any iatrogenic injury to the vertebral artery.