ABSTRACT
Introduction: The sacrum is considered as a highly variable bone. Several morphological variations have been documented which exhibit differences in the frequency of occurrence and morphological characteristics in various study populations. Variant anatomy of the sacrum may be associated with backache, enuresis, neurological anomalies of the lower limb and functional disorders of lower urinary tract. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify and describe morphological variations of sacrum in Indian population and enable comparison with different populations. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 108 dry adult human sacra and morphological characteristics and variations were noted. Results: Sacral skewness was observed in 7.4% sacra with right sided skewness being predominant. The presence of accessory auricular surface (AAS) was noted in 13% sacra which was at the level of S3 vertebra in most sacra. Spina bifida (SB) was observed in 11.1% sacra and it was most commonly located at S1 vertebral level. Furthermore, the lumbo-sacral transitional vertebra (TV) was documented in 10.2% sacra. Conclusions: Sacrum displays numerous variations in Indian population such as skewness, AAS, SB and TV. Thorough knowledge of morphological characteristics and variations of sacrum is vital and should be contemplated during diagnosis and treatment of sacrum-related diseases.
ABSTRACT
Background: Plantaris is small fusiform muscle, with its long, slender tendon. Actually it’s a vestigial muscle inhuman beings hence its rupture does not result in any significant loss of function. Muscle tear associated withbleeding and swelling leads to a posterior compartment syndrome. It can mimic other serious conditions likeDVT, ruptured baker’s cyst and calf neoplasms.The present study aims to find out the various patterns of proximal and distal attachment of plantaris muscle,which will help the clinician deciding in diagnosis and the plastic & orthopaedic surgeons for different types ofreconstructive surgeries.Materials and Methods: Forty-eight limbs from 24 embalmed cadavers of known sex(male) & age (40-75 years)were dissected in the department of anatomy of Lady Harding medical college, New Delhi during 2016-2017.Plantaris muscle identified with its proximal and distal attachment. Length of muscle belly & tendon wererecorded.Result: In the present study out of 48 limbs specimens, Plantaris muscle was absent in 12.5%. Its proximalattachment to lateral supracondylar ridges observed in 29% & with lateral head of gastrocnemius muscle &fibrous capsule in 58.3%. Its distal attachment deep to tendocalcaneus was noted in 25% and superficial totendocalcaneus in 62.4%. Length of muscle belly was 7- 9 cm in 37% and tendon length was 34- 36cm in 37.5%.Conclusion: The Morphological aspects of the attachment of plantaris play a significant role in the Pathologiesassociated with Calf & knee region. Their exact attachment is importance for reconstructive surgeries to therepair of ankle joint injury and flexor tendon replacement in hand.
ABSTRACT
An ideal education system is in-separable from the evaluation system. There has always been a need for an evaluation system which can determine whether predetermined educational objectives have been achieved. As an exercise last 10 years annual MD question papers (anatomy) of university of Delhi were given to the residents and the Post graduate students of anatomy department, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi. The analysis of question papers reflected that the emphasis on different parts of the syllabi was not uniform. All the questions were of long and short essay type. Multiple choice questions that are based on recall and problem solving attitude of the students were not at all included. There is need to revise the pattern in which question are being asked that will develop cognitive skills and problem solving attitude among the students. An ideal question paper should give equal weight-age to different content areas/topics and it should include all analytical, objective, long and short answer type questions with an uniform marking scheme for all students. When it comes to medical education, evaluation becomes very important because here lays the responsibility of bringing out the best doctor amongst the best.