Atlas of African health statistics 2022: Health situation analysis of the WHO African Region

The population of the World Health Organization's (WHO) African Region was estimated to be 1 120 161 000 in 2020 and about 14.4% of the world's population of 7 758 157 000. It was 8 billion in 20211 . It is the third largest population among the WHO regions after South-East Asia and the Western Pacific. Between 2019 and 2020, the population differential was equivalent to that of a state of more than 28 million inhabitants. The five most populated countries account for more than 45% of the Region's population. Among these, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo represent about 50% of the population of the West African and Central African subregions, respectively, and Ethiopia represents about 20% of the population of the East and Southern Africa subregions. The average annual population growth in Africa was 2.5% in 2020. If the heterogeneity of the population growth between the regions of the world and between countries in the same subregion is considered, countries from and East and Southern Africa subregions seem to have lower population growth rates than countries in other large subregions, which show significantly higher increases. The current population density of Africa is low, estimated to be 36 inhabitants per km2 for the whole continent. However, many areas are uninhabitable and some countries have relatively large populations. High population density is a concern that must be addressed through policies, because it could generate surges and high concentrations of populations in mega cities and urban slums, which can be an issue when it comes to accessing various qualitative services. Gross domestic product (GDP) reflects a country's resources and therefore its potential to provide access to services to its people, particularly health services. This dynamic creates a circle, with healthier people going to work and contributing to the production of wealth for the benefit of the country. The most vulnerable people live from agriculture in rural areas, or in conflict-affected states. Difficulties in accessing health services, low education and inequalities between men and women are additional obstacles to poverty reduction. The population of sub-Saharan Africa is expected to almost double over the next three decades, growing from 1.15 billion in 2022 to 2.09 billion in 2050. The world's population is expected to grow from 7.94 billion at present to 8.51 billion in 2030 and 9.68 billion in 2050. The demographic dividend2 for African countries will emanate from the acceleration of economic growth following a de crease in fertility with a change in the structure of the age pyramid where the active population, that is those aged 18­65 years, will be more important, reaching a certain optimum to make positive the ratio between the population able to finance health and education systems and the population that benefits from these systems. This is the human capital for development at a given moment. The demographic dividend appears to be an opportunity and an invitation to action, but it is also a real challenge, that of creating sustainable jobs to generate the development to activate the economic growth lever.

Atlas of African Health Statistics 2022: Health situation analysis of the WHO African Region - Country profiles

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Atlas des statistiques sanitaires africaines 2022: Analyse de la situation sanitaire de la Région africaine ­ Profils Pays

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Morphometric Study of the Atlas / Estudo morfométrico do atlas

Abstract Objective To determine the anatomical parameters of the atlas (C1) in a sample of the Brazilian population and compare them with the results already presented in the literature for other populations and, thus, to identify and change the indications of implants used in the treatment of the upper cervical spine. Methods We performed a retrospective observational study of a prospective database, including 100 patients seen between January 2012 and December 2013. We used axial and sagittal sections of computed tomography (CT) scans. The parameters studied were; axial: distance from posterior tubercle to the screw entry point (DPT_EP), safety angle of the axial screw (SA_AS), ideal axial screw length (_ASL) and distance of the spinal canal from the transverse foramen (DSC_TF); Sagittal: ideal sagittal screw length (_SSL), safety angle of the sagittal screw (SA_SS) and posterior arch thickness (_PAT). All of the parameters were divided according to age, gender, and left and right sides. Results The minimum mean point of entry ranged from 20 mm to 22.7 mm. The average security zone ranged from 18.09º to 23.68º. The mean posterior arch thickness ranged from 7.21 mm to 8.95 mm. The lowest averages were found in females. Using an original and reproducible technique of CT evaluation. Conclusion The anatomical parameters of the atlas found in the sample of the studied population were similar to those previously presented in the literature. However, differences between the sexes were observed.

Resumo Objetivo Determinar os parâmetros anatômicos do atlas (C1) em uma amostra da população brasileira, compará-los aos resultados já apresentados na literatura para outras populações e, assim, identificar e alterar as indicações dos implantes utilizados no tratamento das afecções da coluna cervical alta. Métodos Foi realizado um estudo observacional retrospectivo de um banco de dados prospectivo, incluindo 100 pacientes atendidos entre janeiro de 2012 a dezembro de 2013. Foram utilizados cortes axiais e sagitais de tomografias computadorizadas (TCs). Os parâmetros estudados foram; axial: ponto de entrada do parafuso (DTPPE), ângulo de segurança (ADSPA), tamanho ideal do parafuso (TPA) e tamanho da massa lateral entre os forames vertebral e transverso (DCVFT); sagital: tamanho ideal do parafuso (TPS), ângulo de segurança (ADSPS) e espessura do arco posterior (EAP). Todos os parâmetros foram divididos de acordo com a idade, gênero e lado esquerdo e direito. Resultados A média mínima do ponto de entrada variou de 20 mm a 22,7 mm. A zona de segurança média variou de 18,09º a 23,68º. A espessura média do arco posterior variou entre 7,21 mm e 8,95 mm. As menores médias foram encontradas no sexo feminino. Por meio de uma técnica original e reprodutível de avaliação de TC. Conclusão Os parâmetros anatômicos do atlas encontrados na amostra da população estudada foram semelhantes aos apresentados previamente na literatura. No entanto, foram observadas diferenças entre os sexos.

Atlas de citohistopatología del cervix: una alternativa en el proceso enseñanza-aprendizaje de la asignatura Citodiagnóstico / Cytohistopathology atlas of the cervix: an alternative in the teaching-learning process in the cytodiagnosis subject

La Informática ha tenido en los computadores, un representante primordial para la solución de múltiples problemas educacionales con la utilización del software educativo. La imagen, como parte esencial de éste, es clave en la actividad médica, en el estudio y el diagnóstico citológico de pacientes con múltiples afecciones. Para el tecnólogo de la salud con perfil Citohistopatología, resulta de vital importancia el aprendizaje de procesos citopatológicos cervicovaginales a través de imágenes, pues permite adquirir las habilidades necesarias y perfeccionarlas durante los estudios de pregrado y postgrado respectivamente. A partir de estas consideraciones y con el empleo de las Nuevas Tecnologías de la Informática y las Comunicaciones (NTIC), se elaboró un atlas de Citohistopatología cervicovaginal, utilizando la herramienta informática Macromedia Dreamweaver MX, sustentado en una exhaustiva revisión bibliográfica relacionada con la informática educativa y recursos multimedia(AU)

The Informatics has had in the computers, a primary representative for the solution of multiple educational problems with the utilization of the educational software. The image as essential part of this is key in the medical activity, in the study and patient´s cytological diagnosis with multiple affections. For the technologist of health with profile Cytohistopathology, the learning of cervicovaginal processes though images is very important because it permits to acquire necessary abilities and to make them perfect during the studies of grade and post grade respectively. Starting from these considerations and with the job of New Technologies of Information Technology and the Communications (CINT) a Cervicovaginal Cytopathology´s Atlas using Macromedia Dreamweaver MX tool, sustained in an exhaustive bibliographic related revision with the educational information technology and multimedia resources(AU)

Parafuso de massa lateral do atlas para fixação da coluna cervical superior: resultados cirúrgicos / Tornillos de masa lateral del atlas para la fijación de la columna cervical superior: resultados quirúrgicos / Lateral mass screws of the atlas for upper cervical spine fixation: surgical results

OBJETIVO: Apresentar os resultados cirúrgicos de uma série de casos de estabilização da coluna cervical superior com o uso de parafusos de massa lateral do atlas. MÉTODOS: Avaliação retrospectiva dos resultados cirúrgicos de pacientes submetidos à estabilização da coluna cervical superior com o uso de parafusos de massa lateral do atlas. RESULTADOS: Seis pacientes foram operados durante o período de janeiro de 2009 a abril de 2010, quatro homens e duas mulheres. Não houve morbidade permanente ou morbidade nessa série de casos. A principal causa de instabilidade atlanto-axial foi trauma e houve apenas um caso de fratura patológica do odontoide por metástase de próstata. A fixação do áxis foi obtida com o uso de três diferentes técnicas de parafusos (pars, pedicular e de lâmina), com igual distribuição entre os pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: O uso de parafusos na massa lateral do atlas é uma importante técnica para se obter estabilidade e fusão na coluna cervical superior, e com o conhecimento da anatomia e da técnica cirúrgica, bons resultados podem ser atingidos.

OBJECTIVE: To present the surgical results of a case series of upper cervical spine stabilization with the use of lateral mass screws of the atlas. METHODS: Retrospective review of the surgical results of patients submitted to upper cervical spine stabilization with the use of lateral mass screws of the atlas. RESULTS: Six patients were operated in the period between January 2009 to April 2010, four men and two women. There was no permanent morbidity or mortality in the presented series. The main cause of atlanto-axial instability was trauma and there was just one case of odontoid pathologic fracture from a prostate metastasis. Axis fixation was achieved with the use of three different screw techniques (pars, pedicle and laminar), with equal distribution among the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The use of lateral mass screws of the atlas is an important technique to achieve fusion and stability of the upper cervical spine and with the knowledge of the anatomy and of the surgical technique good results can be achieved.

OBJETIVOS: presentar los resultados quirúrgicos de una serie de casos de estabilización con el uso de tornillos de masa lateral del atlas. MÉTODOS: evaluación retrospectiva de los resultados quirúrgicos de los pacientes sometidos a estabilización de la columna cervical superior con el uso de tornillos de masa lateral del atlas. RESULTADOS: Seis pacientes operados entre enero 2009 y abril 2010, siendo cuatro hombres y dos mujeres. No hubo mortalidad o morbilidad grave en esta serie. La principal causa de inestabilidad atlantoaxial fue traumática con apenas un caso de fractura patológica del odontoide por una metástasis de tumor de próstata. Fijación del axis fue alcanzada con el uso de tres diferentes técnicas (pars, pedicular, laminar), con dos casos cada una. Conclusión: el uso de tornillos de masa lateral en el atlas es una importante técnica para alcanzar la fusión y la estabilidad de la columna cervical, y con el conocimiento de la anatomía y de la técnica quirúrgica es posible obtenerse excelentes resultados.

Avaliação da trajetória dos parafusos bicorticais pela técnica de harms e melcher em relação à artéria carótida interna: estudo experimental em cadáveres / Evaluación de la trayectoria de los tornillos bicorticales en la técnica de harms y melcher en relación con la arteria carótida interna: un estudio experimental en cadáveres / Evaluation of the trajectory of the bicortical screws in relation to the internal carotid artery, in fixation by the harms and melcher technique: an experimental study in cadavers

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste trabalho é estudar, em peças anatômicas; a relação entre os parafusos bicorticais pela técnica de Harms e Melcher e a artéria carótida interna. MÉTODOS: Nossa amostra consiste em cinco cadáveres. RESULTADOS: Os resultados encontrados foram: a média da menor distância entre o orifício de saída do parafuso e a borda medial da artéria carótida interna direita foi de 11,55 mm (com variação de 10,05 a 14,23 mm), enquanto do lado esquerdo a média foi de 7,50 mm (variando de 2,75 a 12,42 mm). A média da menor distância entre a borda posterior da artéria carótida interna e a cortical anterior da massa lateral de C1 à direita foi de 4,24 mm (variando de 2,08 a 7,48 mm), enquanto do lado esquerdo a média obtida foi de 2,98 mm (com variação de 1,83 a 3,83 mm). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados encontrados estão de acordo com os estudos similares existentes na literatura que enfatizam a necessidade de uma avaliação imaginológica criteriosa da posição anatômica da artéria carótida interna antes da utilização de parafusos bicorticais na massa lateral de C1 por via posterior.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to study the relationship between bicortical screws and the internal carotid artery, in anatomical body parts, in screw fixation by the Harms and Melcher technique. METHODS: Our sample consisted of five cadavers. RESULTS: The results were as follows: the average shortest distance between the outlet of the screw and the medial edge of the right internal carotid artery was 11.55 mm (range 10.05 to 14.23 mm), while on the left side, the average was 7.50 mm (ranging from 2.75 to 12.42 mm). The average shortest distance between the posterior edge of the internal carotid artery and the anterior cortical C1 lateral mass on the right was 4.24 mm (ranging from 2.08 to 7.48 mm), while the left side, the average was 2.98 mm (ranging from 1.83 to 3.83 mm). CONCLUSION: The results are consistent with similar studies in the literature that emphasize the need for a careful assessment of images of anatomical position of the internal carotid artery prior to the use of bicortical screws in the C1 lateral mass by posterior access.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo de este estudio es, en las piezas anatómicas, la relación entre los tornillos bicorticales, mediante la técnica de Harms y Melcher, y la arteria carótida interna. MÉTODOS: La muestra se compone de cinco cadáveres. RESULTADOS: Los resultados fueron: la distancia más corta promedio, entre la salida del tornillo y el borde medial de la arteria carótida interna derecha, fue 11,55 mm (rango de 10,05 a 14,23 mm), mientras que, en la izquierda, el promedio fue 7,50 mm (rango 2,75 a 12,42 mm). La distancia más corta promedio, entre el borde posterior de la arteria carótida interna y la cortical anterior C1 de la derecha, fue 4,24 mm (que van desde 2,08 hasta 7,48 mm), mientras que, en el lado izquierdo, el promedio fue 2,98 mm. (que van desde 1,83 hasta 3,83 mm). Conclusión: Los resultados son consistentes con estudios similares en la literatura que hacen hincapié en la necesidad de una evaluación cuidadosa de las imágenes y posición anatómica de la arteria carótida interna, antes del uso de tornillos bicorticales de masa lateral de C1 por acceso posterior.

Avaliação retrospectiva dos casos de síndrome de Grisel (fixação rotatória C1-C2) no IOT-HCFMUSP / Evaluación retrospectiva de casos de síndrome de Grisel (fijación rotatoria C1-C2) en IOT-FMUSP / Retrospective evaluation of Grisel's syndrome (C1-C2 rotatory fixation) at IOT-HCFMUSP

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o perfil dos casos de fixação rotatória C1-C2, seu tratamento e complicações. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de 35 casos com fixação rotatória C1-C2 no período de 1982 a 2008. Foram analisados a idade, sexo, quadro clínico, classificação, tratamento e complicações. RESULTADOS: Dos 35 casos avaliados, 19 eram meninas e 16 meninos, sendo a idade média de 6,9 anos. O principal sintoma foi dor (85 por cento), seguida por deformidade (71 por cento) e perda de mobilidade cervical (62 por cento). Foram encontrados de acordo com a classificação Fielding e Hawkins 11 casos tipo I, 14 tipo II e 5 casos tipo III. Nenhum caso foi classificado como tipo IV. Em cinco casos a classificação não pode ser obtida. O tratamento mais utilizado foi o uso do colar cervical (20 casos), seguido pela tração (seis casos) e a artrodese C1-C2 (seis casos). CONCLUSÃO: A fixação rotatória C1-C2 é uma doença muito mais frequente na infância, em geral causada por uma contratura do músculo esternocleidomastoideo seguida de uma IVAS. Na maioria dos casos a fixação é reversível somente com tratamento conservador, em especial se o tratamento for precoce. Em casos com evolução tardia, pode ser necessária a tração mentoneira ou craniana e nos casos irredutíveis a artrodese C1-C2.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the profile, treatment and complications of patients with C1-C2 rotatory fixation. METHODS: A total of 35 patients with diagnosis of C1-C2 rotatory fixation at IOT-HCFMUSP, between 1982 and 2008, were retrospectively studied. Age, gender, clinical features, classification, type of treatment and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Of a total of 35 cases, 19 were girls and 16 were boys, with a mean age of 6.9 years. The most common symptom was pain (85 percent), followed by deformity (71 percent) and loss of cervical mobility (62 percent). According to Fielding and Hawkins classification, we found 11 cases type I, 14 cases type II, and 5 cases type III. There were no type IV cases. In 5 cases we couldn't obtain classification. The use of collar was the most used treatment (20 cases). Traction was performed in 6 cases and C1-C2 arthrodesis in 6 cases. CONCLUSION: C1-C2 rotatory fixation is a disorder more common in children. The cause is a contracture of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, usually after an upper airway tract infection. The fixation is reduced with conservative treatment, mainly with early treatment. When treatment starts late, the use of cervical traction can be necessary and for irreducible cases C1-C2 arthrodesis.

OBJETIVOS: Evaluar el perfil de los casos de fijación rotatoria C1-C2, su tratamiento y complicaciones. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de 35 casos con fijación rotatoria C1-C2 en el período de 1982 a 2008. Se analizó edad, sexo, cuadro clínico, clasificación, tratamiento y complicaciones. RESULTADOS: De los 35 casos, 19 eran niñas y 16 niños, siendo 6,9 años la edad promedio. El principal síntoma fue dolor (85 por ciento), seguido por deformidad (71 por ciento) y pérdida de movilidad cervical (62 por ciento). Fueron encontrados 11 casos tipo I de Fielding y Hawkins, 14 casos tipo II y 5 casos tipo III. Ningún caso fue clasificado como de tipo IV. En 5 casos, no se pudo obtener la clasificación. El tratamiento más utilizado fue el uso del collar cervical (20 casos), seguido por la tracción (6 casos) y la artrodesis C1-C2 (6 casos). CONCLUSIÓN: La fijación rotatoria C1-C2 es una enfermedad mucho más frecuente en la infancia, causada generalmente por una contractura del músculo esternocleidomastoideo seguida de una IVAS. En la mayoría de los casos, la fijación es reversible solamente con tratamiento conservador, principalmente si el tratamiento fuere precoz. En casos con evolución tardía, puede ser necesaria la tracción mentoniana o craneana y, en los casos irreductibles, la artrodesis C1-C2.

Morphometry and variations of bony ponticles of the atlas vertebrae (C1) in kenyans / Morfometría y variaciones de puentes óseos de la vértebra atlas (C1) en kenianos

Atlas bridges, the bony outgrowths over the third segment of the vertebral artery are associated with compression of the artery and nerves. There are limited studies comparing morphometry of the complete atlas bridges and that of the ipsilateral transverse foramen. Bilateral and gender differences in the morphometry of the complete bridges remain relatively unexplored. One hundred and two atlas vertebrae (49 male and 53 female) obtained from the Osteology Department of the National Museums of Kenya were used for this study. The presence of complete posterior atlas bridge (retroarticular canal) and lateral bridge (supratransverse foramen) was noted. Measurements were taken for the diameters of foramina, and the ipsilateral transverse foramina and their areas calculated. Complete posterior bridges occurred in 14.6 percent and 13.6 percent on the right and left sides respectively. The lateral bridge was found in 3.9 percent of the cases on the right side only. The complete posterior bridges had a cross-sectional area of 23.44mm2 on the right and 24.98mm2 on the left side. The lateral bridges had a mean cross-sectional area of 27.30mm2. The right and left transverse foramina had mean crosssectional area of 36.30mm2 and 37.20mm2 respectively, which was significantly larger than that of the ipsilateral complete and posterior bridges. The smaller dimensions of the complete atlas bridges compared to the ipsilateral transverse foramen suggest that they may predispose to vertebrobasilar insufficiency, Barre-Lieou and cervicogenic syndromes due to compression of the contents in the foramina.

Puentes del atlas, sobrecrecimientos óseos en el tercer segmento de la arteria vertebral se asocian con la compresión de la arteria y los nervios. Hay pocos estudios que comparan la morfometría de los puentes completos del atlas y el foramen transversal ipsilateral. Diferencias bilaterales y de género en la morfometría de los puentes completos permanecen relativamente inexplorados. Ciento dos vértebras atlas (49 hombres y 53 mujeres) obtenidos del Departamento de Osteología de los Museos Nacionales de Kenya se utilizaron para este estudio. Fueron identificados la presencia de puentes completos posteriores del atlas (canal retroarticular) y puentes laterales (foramen supratransverso). Se realizaron las mediciones de los diámetros del foramen y los forámenes transversos ipsilaterales, y se calcularon sus áreas. Puentes completos posteriores se observaron en el 14,6 por ciento y 13,6 por ciento de los lados derecho e izquierdo, respectivamente. El puente lateral se encontró en el 3,9 por ciento de los casos en el lado derecho solamente. Los puentes completos posteriores tuvieron un área transversal de 23,44mm2 en el lado derecho y 24,98mm2 en el lado izquierdo. Los puentes laterales tuvieron un área media de sección transversal de 27,30mm2. En los lados derecho e izquierdo se encontrron forámenes transversos con un área promedio de sección transversal de 36,30mm2 y 37,20mm2 respectivamente, lo que fue significativamente mayor que el de los puentes completos ipsilaterales y posteriores. Las dimensiones más pequeñas de los puentes atlas completos en comparación con los forámenes transversos ipsilaterales sugieren que pueden predisponer a la insuficiencia vertebrobasilar, síndromes de Barre-Lieou y cervical debido a la compresión de los contenidos en los forámenes.

Anatomia do sulco da artéria vertebral / Vertebral artery groove anatomy

INTRODUÇÃO: Diversas técnicas cirúrgicas têm sido realizadas na região craniocervical devido a diversas patologias. Durante o acesso cirúrgico a essa região existe um risco potencial de lesão iatrogênica da artéria vertebral, relacionado ao acesso lateral amplo e à avaliação inadequada da anatomia local. Variações no trajeto da artéria vertebral ocasionam maior risco de lesão vascular. O estudo pré-operatório por imagem da anatomia da artéria vertebral e do seu sulco tem sido realizado para aumentar a segurança cirúrgica. OBJETIVO: Estudar a morfometria da artéria vertebral no atlas através da tomografia computadorizada do sulco da artéria vertebral (SAV) em 30 atlas isolados de cadáveres. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: O SAV e suas relações com a linha média foram avaliados através de oito medidas lineares e duas angulares, bilateralmente. A média, valor máximo e mínimo, e desvio padrão foram calculados para cada parâmetro. RESULTADOS: O SAV apresentou uma maior largura e maior espessura do lado esquerdo (p<0,05) CONCLUSÃO: os nossos dados sugerem que a dissecção posterior e superior do arco posterior devem permanecer a uma distância lateral de 11,2mm e 7,4mm da linha média para que haja segurança no procedimento.

INTRODUCTION: Several surgical techniques have been carried through in the skull-cervical region due to various pathologies. During the surgical access to this region, a potential risk of iatrogenic injury of the vertebral artery exists, related to extended lateral access and the inadequate evaluation of the local anatomy. Variations in the groove of the vertebral artery lead to a greater risk of vascular injury during surgery. Preoperative image study of the vertebral artery anatomy and its groove has been realized to enhance surgical safety. OBJECTIVE: to study the morphometry of atlas vertebral artery on computed tomography scan images of the vertebral artery groove (VAG) in 30 dry atlas. METHODS: VAG and its relationship with the midline were evaluated through eight linear and two angular measures, bilaterally. The average, maximum and minimum values, and standard deviation were calculated for each parameter. RESULTS: VAG has shown to be wider and thicker on the left side (p<0,05). CONCLUSION: our data suggest that the posterior and superior dissection of the posterior arch must be made at lateral distance of 11,2mm and 7,4mm to the midline in order to provide safety during the procedure.

Avaliação radiológica da transição crânio-vertebral / Radiological evaluation of the craniovertebral junction

A transição crânio-vertebral compreende o occiput, o atlas, o axis, suas articulações e suporte ligamentar. Para sua avaliação, além do estudo radiológico convencional, são necessários exames com parâmetros específicos - campo de visão, espessura de corte e deslocamento adequados na tomografia computadorizada e na ressonância magnética de alta resolução -, bem como estudo dinâmico que viabilize a análise da estabilidade da transição crânio-vertebral e da repercussão sobre a transição bulbo-medular. Este trabalho tem como objetivo revisar a técnica utilizada para estudo da transição crânio-vertebral, os parâmetros da semiologia radiológica e avaliação das entidades que mais freqüentemente a comprometem. Revisamos a literatura e exemplificamos com imagens do arquivo didático do Serviço de Radiologia da Med Imagem do Hospital da Beneficência Portuguesa de São Paulo, casos demonstrativos da anatomia normal, principais entidades patológicas congênitas e adquiridas da transição crânio-vertebral, através de radiologia convencional, tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética. Na prática diária, afecções da transição crânio-vertebral são detectadas por tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética do encéfalo e da coluna cervical. O conhecimento dessas entidades é fundamental para indicação de exames específicos que possibilitem estudo detalhado da transição crânio-vertebral, fornecendo subsídios para programação terapêutica quando indicada.

Arcuate foramen and its clinical significance

The present study determines the degree of ossification of the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane in dry bone, plane lateral cervical spine radiographs and computer tomography [CT]. The average length, width and the area of the arcuate foramen were measured on dry bone and on cervical CT. Further, age, gender and complaints of the patients of shoulder and arm pain, neck pain, headache, vertigo, and lacrimation in relation to the presence of bony complete or incomplete arcuate foramen were evaluated. From February 2004 to January 2005 60 dry atlases were obtained from the Anatomy Department, University of Marmara, Istanbul, Turkey and 416 lateral cervical spine radiographs were obtained from the Radiology department for neurological and orthopedic evaluations. Each complete arcuate foramen was calculated with the aid of Clemex Vision PE demo version computer program. Among the 60 dry atlases examined 7 [11.7%] had complete and 2 [3.3%] had incomplete bony bridge formation. Of the 416 plane lateral cervical spine radiographs examined, 30 [7.2%] had complete and 26 [6.25%] had incomplete bony bridge formation. Of the 30 complete arcuate foramen 24 [80%] were females and 6 [20%] were males. The frequency of having a complete arcuate foramen in females was 8.45%, and in males it was 4.55%. Further, of the 26 incomplete arcuate foramen 20 [76.9%] were females and 6 [23.1%] were males. The frequency of having an incomplete arcuate foramen in females was 7%, and in males was 4.55%. The statistical evaluations showed that patients with complete arcuate foramen had significant complaints of shoulder-arm pain [p=0.0072], neck pain [p=0.0072] and vertigo [p=0.0598] compared to patients with incomplete arcuate foramen. The patients with complete arcuate foramen had a headache ratio of 12:30 and this ratio was 2:26 in patients with incomplete arcuate foramen and the difference between complete and incomplete arcuate foramen was statistically significant [p=0.0062]. Further, no statistically significant relation was observed between both complete and incomplete arcuate foramen and lacrimation. No relationship between age and the presence of complete and incomplete arcuate foramen was observed. Presence of an arcuate foramen is always underestimated. Its presence should always be keep in mind in patients complaining of shoulder-arm and neck pain, headache and vertigo are examined

Variants and deformities of atlas vertebrae in eastern Anatolian people

At the craniocervical junction, developmental anomalies of the atlas may produce clinical symptoms by compressing on the vertebral artery, particularly during extreme rotational movements of the cervical spine. The aim of the present study was to investigate several varieties and deformities of the atlas vertebra from the skeletal specimens of Eastern Anatolian people. This study was carried out over a 3-year period, 2000 through to 2002 in the Department of Anatomy, Firat, Yuzuncu Yil and Ataturk University, Turkey. Developmental anomalies and the variants of the first vertebrae were investigated on 86 atlas. Ponticulus posterior was observed with a low frequency on right as 2.3%. The bilateral localization was 10.5% and the left-side localization was 9.3%. Ponticulus lateralis showed an equal localization as 1.2% on the right, 1.2% on the left and 1.2% bilateral. In the present study, a complete subdivision of the joint surface was observed in 11 atlases [12.8%]. Processus infratransversarius atlantis with a frequency between 1.2-7%, arthrotic formation and corona atlantis peridentals in 8 cases [9.3%] were also found. The low frequency for fonticulus posterior might be peculiar to the population living in this area

Agenesis of the posterior arch of the atlas

PURPOSE: To illustrate the radiological findings and review the current literature concerning a rare congenital abnormality of the posterior arch of the atlas. CASE REPORT: An adult female without neurological symptoms presented with an absent posterior arch of the atlas, examined with plain films and helical computerized tomography. Complete agenesis of the posterior arch of the atlas is a rare entity that can be easily identified by means of plain films. Although it is generally asymptomatic, atlantoaxial instability and neurological deficits may occur because of structural instability. Computerized tomography provides a means of assessing the extent of this abnormality and can help evaluate the integrity of neural structures. Although considered to be rare entities, defects of the posterior arch of the atlas may be discovered as incidental asymptomatic findings in routine cervical radiographs. Familiarity with this abnormality may aid medical professionals in the correct management of these cases

Atlas de mortalidad por causas externas en la República Mexicana, 1998 / Mortality atlas by extern causes in the Republica Mexicana, 1998

Proporciona información estadística de la mortalidad ocurrida en 1998 por causas externas: intencionales (violencia); no intencionales (accidentes). La información se presenta en base a mapas, según la causa de muerte a nivel nacional, y por cada estado dividido en sus respectivos municipios