Supernumerary muscles in the posterior leg compartment: a case report / Músculos supernumerarios en el compartimento posterior de la pierna: reporte de un caso

SUMMARY: The leg muscles are organized in anterior, lateral and posterior compartments. The posterior compartment is usually divided in two layers: superficial and deep. The deep muscles of the posterior compartment of the leg are known to mainly plantar flexion and toes flexion. In comparison to the other leg compartments, variations of the posterior one are rare. These variants often involve the presence or absence of one or more muscles, and they have differences among origin and insertion, which leads to confusion between anatomists. We aim to describe a case of a male cadaver that possessed three supernumerary muscles in the lateral and posterior compartments of both legs: the peroneus quartus muscle and two accessory bellies of the flexor digitorum longus. This presentation seems to be very rare and scarcely reported in the literature. These variants have the potential of causing nervous or vascular compression, thus leading to tarsal tunnel syndrome or a symptomatic peroneus quartus. The clinical and surgical implications of this abnormal presentation is discussed.

RESUMEN: Los músculos de la pierna están organizados en compartimentos anterior, lateral y posterior. El compartimento posterior por lo general es dividido en dos capas: superficial y profunda. Se sabe que los músculos profundos del compartimento posterior de la pierna se caracterizan principalmente por participar de la flexión plantar y la flexión de los dedos de los pies. En comparación con los otros compartimentos de la pierna, las variaciones musculares en el compartimiento posterior son raras. Estas variantes suelen implicar la presencia o ausencia de uno o más músculos y presentan diferencias en el origen y en la inserción, lo que conduce a confusión entre los anatomistas. Nuestro objetivo fue describir el caso de un cadáver masculino que poseía tres músculos supernumerarios en los compartimentos lateral y posterior de ambas piernas: el músculo fibular cuarto y dos vientres accesorios del músculo flexor largo de los dedos. Esta presentación parece ser muy rara y escasamente reportada en la literatura. Estas variantes musculares tienen el potencial de causar compresión nerviosa o vascular, lo que conduce al síndrome del túnel del tarso o un cuarto músculo fibular sintomático. Se discuten las implicaciones clínicas y quirúrgicas de esta presentación anormal.

An accessory muscle of the posterior compartment of leg of clinical significance: a cadaveric case report / Un músculo accesorio del compartimento posterior de la pierna de importancia clínica: reporte de un caso cadavérico

SUMMARY: Accessory and anomalous muscles are common in humans, although their unique morphologic characteristics can make accurate identification difficult. In this case report, we attempt to identify an anomalous accessory muscle of the posterior compartment of the leg [Compartimentum posterius cruris] detected during cadaveric dissection and discuss its clinical significance. The muscle was found on the right lower limb of an 81-year-old female cadaver and extended from the distal femur to attach to the gastrocnemius muscle at the point where the medial and lateral heads fuse. At its origin, the muscle was found lateral to the popliteal vessels and crossed posterior to these vessels and tibial nerve. It displayed characteristics similar to both an accessory plantaris muscle and gastrocnemius tertius, thus making its ultimate identification difficult. Though the muscle displayed a morphologically similar appearance to the plantaris, we suggest that its common insertion with the gastrocnemius best identifies it as a gastrocnemius tertius. In addition, due to its relationship with the popliteal neurovasculature, it is possible that this muscle could have resulted in neurovascular entrapment although it is unknown whether or not this cadaver exhibited symptoms.

RESUMEN: Los músculos accesorios y anómalos son comunes en los seres humanos, aunque sus características morfológicas pueden dificultar la identificación precisa. En este reporte de caso, intentamos identificar un músculo accesorio anómalo del compartimento posterior de la pierna [Compartimentum posterius cruris] detectado durante la disección cadavérica y discutir su importancia clínica. El músculo fue encontrado en el miembro inferior derecho de una mujer de 81 años de edad y se extendía desde la parte distal del fémur para unirse al músculo gastrocnemio en la fusión de sus cabezas medial y lateral. En su origen, el músculo se encontraba lateral a los vasos poplíteos y cruzaba posteriormente a estos vasos y al nervio tibial, presentando características similares tanto al músculo plantar accesorio como al gastrocnemio tercero, lo que dificultaba su identificación final. Similar al músculo plantar, sugerimos que debido a su inserción común con el gastrocnemio lo identifica mejor como un músculo gastrocnemio tercero. Además, debido a su relación con la neurovasculatura poplítea, es posible que este músculo haya dado lugar a un síndrome de compresión neurovascular aunque se desconoce si este individuó presentó síntomas o no en vivo.

Associations of Sarcopenia, Handgrip Strength and Calf Circumference with Cognitive Impairment among Chinese Older Adults / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

Objective@#To evaluate the associations of sarcopenia, handgrip strength and calf circumference with cognitive impairment among Chinese older adults.@*Methods@#Totally 2,525 older adults were recruited from the Healthy Aging and Biomarkers Cohort Study. Cognitive impairment was assessed by the Chinese Mini-Mental State Examination. Handgrip strength was calculated from the means of the right and left hand values. Calf circumference was measured at the site of maximum circumference of the non-dominant leg. The formula developed by Ishii was used to define sarcopenia. Multiple logistic regression was performed to evaluate the associations of sarcopenia, handgrip strength, and calf circumference with cognitive impairment.@*Results@#The prevalence of cognitive impairment was 34.36%. The adjusted odds ratio ( @*Conclusion@#Sarcopenia, identified by low handgrip strength and low calf circumference, was positively associated with cognitive impairment.

Bases anatómicas de las fasciotomias de la pierna / Anatomical bases of the fasciotomies of the leg

Introducción: El síndrome compartimental de la pierna es una complicación grave, de baja incidencia y en muchos casos ocasionado por un traumatismo de alta energía. El síndrome compartimental es una situación en la cual el incremento de la presión dentro de un espacio cerrado, por encima de la presión de perfusión puede generar un daño irreversible en los tejidos. Una vez diagnosticado el síndrome compartimental, la realización de una fasciotomia es esencial para la recuperación de la perfusión de los tejidos y así evitar las complicaciones. Objetivos: Evaluar los reparos anatómicos de los compartimientos de la pierna para la correcta realización de las fasciotomias. Material y Método: En un primer tiempo se realizaron jornadas demostraron cadavérica. En un segundo tiempo clase teórica, practica en preparaciones cadavéricas frescas. En esta instancia práctica, el docente participa solo con el rol de supervisor. Se analizo el desempeño de 10 residentes de cirugía general en el Hospital Aeronáutico Central y en la III Cátedra de Anatomía de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Buenos Aires, en el período de Agosto 2016 -Junio de 2017. Se realizaron encuestas anónimas, comparando el conocimiento previo de la región y el posterior. Resultados: 20 encuestas fueron analizadas, en cada una de ellas se tomó en cuenta el contenido de las mismas dividiéndolas en preguntas de categorización y preguntas teóricas. Se analizaran cuantitativamente las respuestas teóricas. En la primera serie de encuestas, denominadas pretest, de los 10 (100%) encuestados, 2 (20 %) contestaron correctamente las 8 preguntas de la encuesta, 3 (30%) contestaron 6 preguntas, 4 (40 %) contestaron 5 preguntas, 1(10%) contestó correctamente sólo dos. En la segunda serie de encuestas, al final de la actividad práctica, denominada postest, se puede apreciar una gran mejoría ya que en ese momento, de los 10 (100%) encuestados, 5 (50 %) contestaron correctamente las 8 preguntas de la encuesta, 4 (40%) contestaron 6 preguntas, 1 (10 %) respondió 5 preguntas. Conclusión: El conocimiento anatómico de las diferentes regiones del cuerpo humano aplicado a la cirugía y al desarrollo de las diferentes patologías resulta vital en el proceso de formación de los cirujanos novatos. Ya que toma un rol fundamental en la toma de decisión. La enseñanza de la anatomía quirúrgica en los programas de formación ha sido y continúa siendo un desafío. La incorporación de diferentes estrategias de enseñanza desde recursos audiovisuales hasta simulación sobre modelos cadavéricos es una herramienta sumamente varios para el cumplimiento del objetivo principal, el cual es mejorar la calidad asistencial y la capacidad resolutiva en situaciones de emergencia.

Introduction: Compartmental leg syndrome is a serious complication, low incidence and in many cases caused by high energy trauma. The compartment syndrome is a situation in which the increase of the pressure within a closed space, above the perfusion pressure can generate irreversible tissue damage. Once the compartment syndrome has been diagnosed, the realization of a fasciotomy is essential for the recovery of perfusion of the tissues and thus avoid complications. Objectives: To evaluate the anatomical repairs of the compartments of the leg for the correct realization of the fasciotomies. Material and method: In a first time, days of cadaverous showed were performed. In a second time theoretical class was realized (with audiovisual resources) and practice (with the performance of the maneuver) by a qualified teacher where the surgical approaches of the leg were made in fresh cadaveric preparations. In this practical instance, the teacher participates only with the role of supervisor. We analyzed the performance of 10 residents of general surgery at the Hospital Aeronautico Central and the Tercera Catedra de Anatomia of the Universidad de Buenos Aires, during the period of August 2016-June 2017. Anonymous surveys were carried out, comparing prior knowledge of the region and the later. Results: 20 surveys were analyzed. In the first series of surveys, called pretest, of the 10 (100%) respondents, 2 (20%) answered answered correctly the 8 questions of the survey, 3 (30%) answered 6 questions, 4 (40%) answered 5 questions , 1 (10%) correctly answered only two. In the second series of surveys, at the end of the practical activity, called posttest, you can see a great improvement since at that time, of the 10 (100%) respondents, 5 (50%) answered correctly the 8 questions of the survey, 4 (40%) answered 6 questions, 1 (10%) answered 5 questions. Conclusions: The anatomical knowledge of the different regions of the human body applied to surgery and the development of different pathologies is vital in the training process of novice surgeons. Since it takes a fundamental role in the decision making. The teaching of surgical anatomy in training programs has been and continues to be a challenge. The incorporation of different teaching strategies from audiovisual resources to simulation on cadaveric models is a very different tool for the fulfillment of the main objective, which is to improve the quality of care and the resolutive capacity in emergency situations.

Sindrome compartimental en miembro inferior - Pierna: consideraciones anatomo - quirúrgicas / Lower limb compartment syndrome - leg: anatomical and surgical considerations

Introducción: El síndrome compartimental es una situación en la cual el incremento de la presión dentro de un espacio cerrado, por encima de la presión de perfusión, afecta la circulación y altera la función de los tejidos que están dentro de dicho espacio comprometiendo la vitalidad de los mismos. Objetivos: Evaluar el conocimiento anatómico de los compartimientos de la pierna con posibilidad de sufrir un síndrome compartimental para la realización de abordajes quirúrgicos de urgencia. Material y Método: Encuestas anónimas realizadas a cirujanos en formación del Servicio de Cirugía General del Hospital Aeronáutico Central y a ayudantes de anatomía de la III Cátedra de Anatomía de la Facultad de Medicina dela Universidad de Buenos Aires en el período de Marzo-Mayo/2015. Resultados: 45 (100%) encuestados. 15 (33.33%) cirujanos en formación: 5 (33,33%) contestaron correctamente las 10 preguntas, 3 (20 %) contestaron 6, 3 (20 %) contestaron 3 y 2 (13,33 %) ninguna correctamente. 30 (66.66%) ayudantes de anatomía: 15(50%) contestaron correctamente las 10 preguntas, 7 (23,33%) contestaron 6, 4 (13,33 %) contestaron4, 2 (6,67%) sólo una y 2 (6,67%) ninguna correctamente. Conclusiones: El estudio acabado de anatomía de los compartimientos que son susceptibles de padecer un síndrome compartimental, en este caso en miembro inferior, y de las estructuras que los componen, resulta de vital importancia a la hora de tomar una conducta

Introduction: Compartment syndrome is a condition in which increased pressure within a closed space affects circulation and alters the function of tissues. Objectives: To evaluate the anatomic or magazines leg with possibility of having a compartment syndrome for performing surgical approaches urgency knowledge. Material and method: Anonymous surveys to training surgeons of the General Surgery Department at the Hospital Aeronáutico Central and to anatomy assistants of the III Chair of Anatomy of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Buenos Aires during the period March-May 2015. Results: 45 respondents (100%). 15 (33,33%) training surgeons: 5 (33,33%) correctly answered 10 questions, 3 (20%) answered 6, 3 (20%) answered 3and 2 (13,33%) no right answers. 30 (66,66%) anatomy assistants: 15 (50%) correctly answered 10 questions, 7(23,33%) answered 6, 4 (13,33%) 4 questions, 2 (6,67%) correctly answered only one question and 2 (6,67%) no right answer. Conclusions: Complete study of the compartments' anatomy Susceptible of having a compartment syndrome is vital when taking behavior

Radiologic Measurement of Tibial Tuberosity-Trochlear Groove (TT-TG) Distance by Lower Extremity Rotational Profile Computed Tomography in Koreans

BACKGROUND: Tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance is important in the assessment and treatment of patellofemoral disorders. However, normal and pathological TT-TG values have not been established in Koreans. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the TT-TG distance in the Korean population using lower leg rotational profile computed tomography (CT) scans. METHODS: One hundred rotational profile CT scans were retrospectively collected from patients without knee joint problems aged between 25 to 82 years. TT-TG distances were measured, and statistical analysis was performed. Each CT scan was measured twice in a blinded, randomized manner by three reviewers. Patients with pre-existing knee joint problems were excluded from the study; hence 15 of the 100 patients were excluded because of deformity or unreadable CT scans. Thus, 85 of the 100 patients were included in the study. RESULTS: Interobserver and intraobserver reliability of TT-TG distance measurements was good. The median TT-TG distance for this Korean population was 11.24 mm (mean, 10.24 +/- 0.8 mm). TT-TG distance measured nearly 2 mm less on rotational profile CT scans. CONCLUSIONS: Some of the TT-TG distances on rotational profile CT scans were significantly correlated, indicating that they could be accepted. Furthermore, the values on CT scans showed good reliability. In this study, the TT-TG distance in normal Korean people was approximately 10.24 mm without significant differences in TT-TG values between genders.

Impact of leg length and body mass on the stride length and gait speed of infants with normal motor development: A longitudinal study / Impact of leg length and body mass on the stride length and gait speed of infants with normal motor development: A longitudinal study

BACKGROUND: Gait acquisition is supported by changes in the neuromusculoskeletal system of the child. Changes in the dimensions of the body structures resulting from the growth of the child partly explain gait improvement in the first year of life. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether changes in body mass and leg length modulate the effect of independent gait practice (experience) on gait speed and stride length. METHOD: Thirty-two infants with normal development were monitored monthly from the acquisition of independent gait until six months post-acquisition. Longitudinal evaluations included measurements of the body mass and leg length of each child. Temporospatial variables of gait (speed and stride length) were documented using the Qualisys Pro-reflex(r) system. The data were analyzed using multilevel regression models, with a significance level of α=0.05. RESULTS: An effect of the practice time on speed (p<0.0001) and stride length (p<0.0001) was observed. The change in leg length had a marginal effect on the rate of gait speed change: children whose leg growth was faster showed a higher rate of speed change (p=0.07). No other effects of anthropometric parameters were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the practice time promotes the improvement of the gait pattern of infants in the first year of life. However, the effects of the leg length and body weight of infants on the benefit of practice time remain undefined. .

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: A aquisição da marcha é suportada por mudanças no sistema neuromusculoesquelético da criança. a literatura aponta que modificações nas dimensões das estruturas corporais resultantes do crescimento da criança explicam, em parte, o aprimoramento da marcha no primeiro ano de vida. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar se mudanças na massa corporal e comprimento da perna modulam o efeito da prática da marcha independente nos seguintes parâmetros da marcha: velocidade e comprimento da passada. MÉTODO: Trinta e dois lactentes com desenvolvimento normal foram acompanhados mensalmente a partir da aquisição da marcha independente até seis meses pós-aquisição. Avaliações longitudinais incluíram mensurações da massa corporal e do comprimento da perna de cada criança. As variáveis temporoespaciais da marcha (velocidade e comprimento da passada) foram documentadas utilizando-se o sistema Qualisys Pro-Reflex (r) . Os dados foram analisados por modelos de regressão multinível, com nível de significância α=0,05. RESULTADOS: Encontrou-se um efeito do tempo de prática nas medidas de velocidade (p<0,0001) e comprimento da passada (p<0,0001). a mudança no comprimento da perna teve um efeito marginal na taxa de mudança da velocidade de marcha: crianças cujo crescimento da perna foi mais acelerado apresentaram uma taxa de mudança de velocidade maior (p=0,07). Nenhum outro efeito dos parâmetros antropométricos foi observado. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados sugerem que o tempo de prática promove o aprimoramento do padrão de marcha de lactentes no primeiro ano de vida. Por sua vez, os efeitos do comprimento da perna e da massa corporal ...

Unilateral third/accessory head of the gastrocnemius muscle: a case report / Tercera cabeza unilateral del músculo gastrocnemio: reporte de un caso

The superficial muscle group of the posterior compartment of leg forms a powerful muscular mass in the calf. The two-headed gastrocnemius is the most superficial muscle of this group, and forms the proximal, most prominent part of the calf. Gastrocnemius muscle exhibits numerous variations in the origin and/or insertion. The present report describes the incidental occurrence of the third/accessory head of gastrocnemius muscle in the left lower limb. During routine educational dissection of a 54-year old American female cadaver in the Anatomy lab of the Medical University of the Americas, Nevis, West Indies, we found an unusual 10.8 cm long muscle in the left popliteal region, attached proximally to the lateral aspect of the popliteal surface of femur, and distally terminated as a tendon which was attached at the junction of the medial and lateral heads of gastrocnemius muscle. No such variation was found on the right side. This is described as a case of third / accessory head of gastrocnemius muscle...

El grupo muscular superficial del compartimento posterior de la pierna forma una poderosa masa muscular. El músculo gastrocnemio de dos cabezas es el más superficial de este grupo y forma la parte proximal, más prominente de la pantorrilla. El músculo gastrocnemio presenta numerosas variaciones en el origen y/o inserción. El informe describe la presencia de una tercera/accesoria cabeza del músculo gastrocnemio, encontrada. durante una disección de rutina en un cadáver de una mujer americana de 54 años, en el Laboratorio de Anatomía de la Medical University of the Americas, Nevis, West Indies. La variación muscular inusual medía 10,8 cm de longitud y se originaba en la región poplítea izquierda, proximalmente en la cara lateral de la superficie poplítea del fémur, y se insertaba en un tendón que se adhería a la unión de las cabezas medial y lateral del músculo gastrocnemio. La variación no se encontró en el lado derecho. Este hallazgo se describe como un caso de tercera/accesoria cabeza del músculo gastrocnemio...

Estimation of stature from measurements of long bones, hand and foot dimensions.

Estimation of stature holds a special place in the field of Forensic anthropometry. The present study is an attempt to evaluate a possible correlation between stature of an individual & six parameters; hand-length, hand-width, foot-length, foot-width, forearm length & knee-to-ankle length individually in a local population of Mumbai. A sample of 300 medical students; 147 male & 153 female studying in Grant Medical College & Sir JJ Group of Hospitals was considered & measurements were taken for each of the parameters. It was found that all the six parameters showed a correlation with stature but at different degrees (significance calculated through the paired t-test). Forearm-length showed the highest degree of correlation (r = 0.6558) followed by foot-length (r = 0.6102). Knee-to-ankle length showed the lowest degree of correlation (r = 0.2086). Mathematical formulae for estimating stature were developed for each of these parameters through basic linear regression. It can be concluded that the present study has provided regression equations for six different parameters that can be used for stature estimation in the population of Mumbai. These equations should not be used for other Indian population groups.

Feathered fibres of human soleus muscle / Fibras penniformes del músculo sóleo humano

The large size of superficial group of muscles of back of leg is a characteristic feature of the musculature of man being related directly to its erect posture and mode of progression. Triceps surae is one of the powerful muscles of the body after Gluteus maximus and Quadriceps femoris. To make the muscle more powerful nature has devised a unique method of packing the fibers in a small space by pennation. There exists a bipenniform mass as a peculiarly human feature. Its feathered fasciculi arise from the deep (anterior) surface of the soleus muscle. Most of the textbooks of Anatomy and the available literature on the triceps surae or the tendoachillis do not appreciate and describe this fascinating aspect of the muscle. It was Schafer et al. (1923) who gave a detailed account of this muscle. Standring et al. (2005) have also described this muscle in great detail. We have studied the unique features of this part of soleus muscle. Bipennate arrangement was seen in 86 percent (right-83 percent; left-89 percent); and its maximum width was found to be 3.63 cm (Rt-3.71cm; Lt-3.55cm). Median tendinous septum was directed backwards and medially. Thus this muscle will further increase the power of contraction of soleus, which is so very important for a bipedal gait.

El gran tamaño de los grupos musculares superficiales de la parte posterior de la pierna es un rasgo característico de la musculatura del hombre siendo relacionado directamente con su postura erguida y el modo de progresión. El músculo tríceps sural es uno de los músculos más potentes del cuerpo después de los músculos glúteo magno y cuadríceps femoral. Para hacer al músculo más potente, la naturaleza ha ideado un método único de empaquetamiento de las fibras en un pequeño espacio por pennación. Existe una masa bipenniforme como una característica peculiarmente humana. Los fascículos pennados surgen desde la superficie profunda (anterior) del músculo sóleo. La mayoría de los textos de Anatomía y la literatura disponible sobre el músculo tríceps sural o el tendón de Aquiles no se aprecia ni se describe este aspecto fascinante que tienen los músculos. Fue Schafer (1923) quien dió una detallada descripción del músculo sóleo y posteriormente, Standring et al. (2005) también describieron detalladamente al músculo. Estudiamos las características únicas de esta parte del músculo sóleo, observando una disposición bipenniforme en el 86 por ciento de los casos (derecha 83 por ciento; izquierda 89 por ciento). El ancho máximo del músculo fue de 3,63 cm (derecha 3,71cm; izquierda 3,55cm). El septo tendinoso mediano se dirigió hacia posterior y medial, aumentando así aún más el poder de contracción del músculo sóleo, el cual es muy importante para la bipedestación.

Veias soleares: bases anatômicas e seu papel na origem da trombose venosa profunda em membro inferior / Soleus veins: anatomic basis and their role in the origin of deep venous lower limb thrombosis

OBJETIVO: Estudar o número, a setorização e a terminação das veias soleares. MÉTODOS: Em 100 pernas de 50 cadáveres, excluídos aqueles com alterações congênitas ou adquiridas dos membros inferiores, foram realizadas, a fresco, na região crural posterior, dissecções anatômicas minuciosas, estratigráficas. Após o rebatimento da pele, foram realizadas a individualização das veias superficiais e perfurantes, rebatimento da tela subcutânea e da fáscia, individualização e rebatimento dos músculos gastrocnêmio e plantar, desinserção tibial do músculo sóleo, individualização das veias soleares e o estudo morfométrico. A região foi dividida em seis setores: súpero-medial, súpero-lateral, médio-medial, médio-lateral, ínfero-medial e ínfero-lateral. No estudo estatístico utilizaram-se os testes não-paramétricos Wilcoxon e Friedman. RESULTADOS: Foram encontradas 4.679 veias soleares. O setor com maior número de veias soleares foi o súpero-lateral com 1.529 veias (32,7 por cento), seguido do médio-medial com 1.256 veias (26,8 por cento) e do médio-lateral com 975 veias (20,8 por cento). As terminações ocorreram em veias comunicantes (1.207 veias - 25,8 por cento), veias tibiais posteriores (964 veias - 20,6 por cento), veias fibulares (709 veias - 15,2 por cento) e em mais 32 tipos (1799 veias - 38,4 por cento). CONCLUSÃO: A drenagem venosa do músculo sóleo é realizada por um grande número de veias soleares, freqüentemente localizadas nos setores súpero-lateral, médio-medial e médio-lateral, terminando comumente em veias tibiais posteriores e fibulares e, em veias comunicantes.

OBJECTIVE: Study of the number, sectorization and termination of the soleus veins. METHODS: Meticulous, stratigraphical, anatomical dissections were carried out in the posterior crural region of 100 legs of 50 fresh cadavers. Those belonging to subjects with congenital or acquired pathologies in the lower limbs were disregarded. After the skin was reflected on both sides, dissection of superficial and perforating veins, was performed. Then reflection of the subcutaneous tissue and fascia, detachment and reflection of the gastrocnemius and plantaris muscles, detachment of the tibial origin of the soleus muscle, differentiation of the soleus veins and study of morphometric parameters were carried out. The region was divided into six sectors: superior-medial, superior-lateral, medio-medial, medio-lateral, inferior-medial and inferior-lateral. Data obtained from Wilcoxon and Friedman nonparametric tests were utilized for statistical analysis. RESULTS: In the dissected legs 4679 soleus veins were found. The sector with the greatest number of soleus veins was the superior-lateral (1529 veins - 32.7 percent), followed by the mediomedial (1.256 veins - 26.8 percent) and the mediolateral sectors (975 veins - 20.8 percent). The extremities drained into communicant veins (1.207 veins - 25.8 percent), posterior tibial veins (964 veins - 20.6 percent), peroneal veins (709 veins - 15.2 percent) and into 32 other types (1.799 veins 38.4 percent). CONCLUSION: The venous drainage of the soleus muscle is carried out by a great number of soleus veins which are frequently located in the superior-lateral, mediomedial and mediolateral sectors, more often going into the posterior tibial, peroneal and communicant veins.

Sitting height and subischial leg length of Thai schoolboys in Bangkok.

Anthropometry is an important way to evaluate a child's growth pattern. The measurement of sitting height helps to define body proportion. Every country should have its own normal data and use it as a national reference. The measurements of standing height, sitting height, and weight were performed in 2,650 schoolboys, aged 11-18 years, and then the subischial leg length, and the sitting height/height (SH/H) ratio were calculated. The results were compared to the data of British boys studied by Tanner et al. The authors found that, in boys aged less than 15 years, the sitting height in Thai schoolboys was similar to that of British boys but the subischial leg length was longer. However, the sitting height and subischial leg length in Thai schoolboys became shorter than that of British boys after 15 years of age. This resulted in shorter adults when compared with British boys. In addition, the SH/H ratio in Thai schoolboys was the same as that in British boys when they reached the near final height. More data in both genders should be studied in order to construct our national references.

Mid upper arm and calf circumferences as indicators of nutritional status in women of reproductive age

Mid upper arm circumference [MUAC] is recognized as an effective means of screening for poor nutritional status in adults. The efficacy of calf circumference [CC] as a screening tool, however, is not well reported. We studied 2000 healthy women [age range: 15-49 years] in Mashed, Islamic Republic of Iran, to assess anthropometric measurements at reproductive age and the usefulness of MUAC and CC for estimating body mass index [BMI] and screening of women at nutritional risk. We found a strong correlation between MUAC and CC with weight and BMI, suggesting that MUAC and CC can be used to estimate BMI and detect nutritional disorders

The anatomic basis of fasciocutaneous flap based on the posterior tibial vessels.

The skin of the medial aspect of the leg is supplied by the cutaneous perforating branches of the posterior tibial artery and can be raised as a flap based on the main artery or perforating branches. There are several studies regarding this vascular system but nothing about the true length of the perforating vessel has been mentioned. The present study was conducted in 20 cadaveric legs and the results showed that 1) The average diameters of perforators in the proximal, middle and distal thirds were 1.43, 1.20 and 1.12 mm respectively; 2) the average lengths were 35.11, 20.94 and 12.71 mm respectively; 3) the average location of the first branch was 7.35 cm from the tibial tubercle while the last branch resided 2.31 cm from the medial malleolus. This study provides some anatomical information, involving the vascular pedicle of the flap based on posterior tibial perforators, which could be beneficial in clinical practice.

Frecuencia e importancia anátomo-clínica del músculo accesorio del músculo cuadrado plantar / Frequency and clinical importance of the accessory muscle of the quadratus plantae muscle

El músculo cuadrado plantar puede presentar, ocacionalmente, un fascículo supernumerario, el cual puede producir, depediendo de su desarrollo, alteraciones en la mécanica articular del pie. Disecamos 150 miembros inferiores de cadáveres de individuos adultos, de ambos sexos y diferentes grupos étnicos. Observamos tres casos de músculos supernumerarios en relación al músculo cuadrado plantar, siendo bilateral en uno de ellos. En el caso 1, el músculo se originaba por medio de dos cabezas, una tibial y otra fibular. En el caso 2, el músculo presentaba dos cabezas, una originada en la cara anterior del músculo sóleo y la otra en la fíbula. En el caso 3, el músculo tenía su origen en la tibia y en la fascia que recubre los músculos tibial posterior y flexor largo de los dedos. En los tres casos, estos músculos se continuaban por medio de un tendón, relacionado con la cara medial del calcáneo y envueltos por una vaina sinovial propia, encontrándose cubiertos por el retináculo de los músculos flexores y acompañando al nervio plantar lateral. Finalmente, se relacionan con el margen medial del músculo cuadrado plantar, cuyas fibras musculares se insertan en la parte lateral del tendón del músculo en estudio. La presencia de este músculo puede producir un síndrome de compresión nerviosa o síndrome del túnel tarsiano

Techniques for covering soft tissue defects resulting from plantar ulcers in leprosy: Part IV. Use of medial leg flap and medial knee flap.

The medial leg flap, based on the cutaneous branches of the posterior tibial artery is raised from the middle and lower regions of the medial aspect of the leg. It has a long pedicle, and it can be used as a free flap to reconstruct the distant soft tissue defects and also as an island flap. We have used this retrograde island flap for surfacing ulcerated areas in six leprosy patients. The flap survived in all cases. At 24 to 60 months follow-up examination, ulceration had not recurred in any of them. The medial knee flap consisting of the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the lower part of the medial side of the thigh and the upper part of the leg, is suitable for covering soft tissue cushion defects of the extremities because of the constant vessels, long pedicle, wide diameter, well-recognizable sensory nerves and less subcutaneous fat. We have used the medial knee flap for the resurfacing sizeable raw areas due to ulceration in three leprosy patients. The flap survived in all cases and there was no recurrence of ulceration during the 70-148 months follow-up period.