Knowledge and awareness of the cause, prevention and control of cervical cancer amongst female undergraduates and faculty of health sciences: a cross sectional survey

Background: Carcinoma cervix is the second most common cancer in women worldwide, and the most common in India. In this study, the current knowledge of female undergraduates and faculty of health sciences regarding the various parameters like risk factors, symptoms, screening tests and vaccinations pertaining to cervical cancer was assessed.Methods: A cross-sectional, self-administered anonymous questionnaire-based survey was carried out, in a medical college in Mangalore, which included 260 staff and students. Non random sampling was done and the study was carried out only after gaining institutional Ethical community approval and written informed consent from the subjects.Results: Majority of the participants 185 (71.4%) were aware that cervical cancer is one of the most wide- spread gynecological cancers in Asia. The awareness of causative agents of cervical cancer was known to 53.9% of the undergraduates and 50% of the faculty members. 73% of the total study groups have heard of HPV and around 68% agreed that it was detectable. 71% of the study sample had heard about the Pap smear test and 42% have undergone the test. The questions pertaining to the preventive measures of cervical cancer had good faculty preponderance with 91.8% giving a positive response. 84.1% of the students and 79.5% of the faculty members knew that abnormal vaginal bleeding was a symptom.Conclusions: In this study an attempt has been made to study the correlates of knowledge of cervical cancer in a cohort which consisted of health care undergraduate and faculty. Majority of our study group was well aware of the various risk factors of cervical cancer and its preventable nature however awareness regarding the association between diets, multiple pregnancies and use of tobacco was poor.

A Novel Method for Coloring and Labeling Specimens in the Anatomy Museum.

Introduction: In today’s medical educational programs in various institutes anatomy is an essential part of the curriculum in the first year of the medical course. An attractive and innovative anatomical museum forms a vital role in furthering the interest and educating a medical student. Once a specimen has undergone fixation it is essential to color and label the specimens in order to ensure better visualization of required structures and for its proper placement in the museum. Materials and methods: We have utilized a novel method of using commercially available nail polish as a coloring agent and as a part of the labeling of museum specimens. Results: Nail polish being non- toxic and readily available can be used without causing any complications. Discussion: Commercially available nail polish is cost effective and non-toxic. Its various usages are described along with the techniques of labeling done in our anatomy museum.

Accessory neurovascular foramina on the lingual surface of mandible: Incidence, topography, and clinical implications.

Context: It was suggested that the accessory neurovascular foramina of the mandible might be of significance in relation to the effectiveness of local anesthesia following the routine inferior alveolar nerve block. Aims: To investigate the incidence of neurovascular foramina over the lingual surface of the mandible in South Indian population. Settings and Design: The study was conducted at the department of anatomy. Materials and Methods: The study included 67 human adult dry mandibles, the exact ages and sexes of which were not known. The location and number of neurovascular foramina were topographically analyzed. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics. Results: The foramina were observed in 64 mandibles (95.5%) and were often multiple in most of the cases. They were located between the two medial incisors in 8 mandibles (1.9%), between the medial and lateral incisor in 34 mandibles (50.7%; 25-bilateral; 7-right; 2-left), between the lateral incisor and canine in 7 mandibles (10.4%; 2-bilateral; 3-right; 2-left), between the canine and first premolar in 6 cases (8.9%; 3 on each side). Foramina were also present around the genial tubercle in 56 mandibles (83.6%). Among them, 52 mandibles showed a single foramen just above the genial tubercle, 34 mandibles had foramina below the tubercles, 13 mandibles had foramina on the right side of genial tubercle and 17 were having on the left side. Conclusion: Since the anatomical details of these foramina are important to various fields of dentistry and oncology, the present investigation was undertaken. The clinical significance and implications are emphasized.

Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae: a case report and clinical implications / Vértebras lumbosacras de transición: reporte de un caso e implicancias clínicas

A lumbosacral transitional vertebra is a rare congenital anomaly which occurs because of defect in the segmentation of the lumbosacral spine during development. During routine osteology classes for the medical students at the Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, India, one of the sacra showed the fusion of the fifth lumbar vertebra with the sacrum. The specimen showed an incomplete fusion (sacralization) on the left side and the transverse process was of the large butterfly shape, while on the right it was about the usual size. Though this variation is well known, the details of this anomaly are rarely reported in the anatomical literature. Since there is a strong relationship between the lumbosacral transitional vertebrae and low back pain, this anomaly has gotten increased clinical interest. So this case was studied in detail with relevant review of literature and its surgical, radiological implications are discussed.

Una vértebra de transición lumbosacra es una anomalía congénita rara que se produce debido a defectos en la segmentación de la columna lumbosacra durante el desarrollo. Durante una clase de osteología para estudiantes de medicina en Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, India, una de las regiones sacras mostró fusión de la quinta vértebra lumbar con el sacro. El especimen mostró fusión incompleta (sacralización) en el lado izquierdo y el proceso transverso tenía forma de mariposa grande, mientras que en el derecho se observó de tamaño normal. A pesar que esta variación es conocida, los detalles de esta anomalía rara vez son reportados en la literatura anatómica. Puesto que existe una fuerte relación entre las vértebras de transición lumbosacra y el dolor de espalda baja, esta anomalía tiene gran interés clínico. Este caso fue estudiado en detalle con la revisión pertinente de la literatura, y son discutidas sus implicancias quirúrgicas y radiológicas.

Morphometric study of the humerus segments in Indian population / Estudio morfométrico de los segmentos del húmero en población india

The aim of the present study was to obtain the measurements of the different humerus segments and to estimate the length of humeri from them. For this purpose 100 (51 left and 49 right) sex-aggregated, adult dry humerus from Indian population, were taken to analyze the morphometric details of the humerus segments. The distance between five different segments viz: most proximal point of the humeral head and greater tuberosity (HA), head of the humerus and surgical neck of humerus (HB), proximal and distal point of olecranon fossa (HC), the distal point of olecranon fossa and trochlea of humerus (HD), proximal point of olecranon fossa and distal point of trochlea of humerus (HE) and finally the maximum length of humerus (HL) were obtained by means of an osteometrical board and an analogical caliper. Simples linear regressions (p < 0.01) were made to correlate each segment with the total length of the humerus. Positive results were obtained in segments HB and HE of right humerus. Regressions formulae were obtained to define these estimative. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that length of the humerus can be estimated from measures of different segments of humerus and this study helps in forensic, anatomic and archeological cases in order to identify unknown bodies and to determine stature of the individual and as well as for the orthopedic surgeons for the treatment of proximal and distal humerus fractures and for their reconstruction.

El objetivo del estudio fue obtener las medidas de diferentes segmentos del húmero y calcular la longitud del húmero a partir de ellos. Fueron seleccionados 100 (51 izquierdos y 49 derechos) húmeros adultos secos, separados por sexo, de población india para analizar los detalles morfométricos de los segmentos dle hueso. La distancia entre cinco segmentos diferentes fueron establecidos: punto más proximal de la cabeza humeral y la tuberosidad mayor (HA), cabeza del húmero y cuello quirúrgico del húmero (HB), punto proximal y distal de la fosa olecraneana (HC), punto distal de la fosa olecraneana y la tróclea del húmero (HD), punto proximal de la fosa olecraneana y punto distal de la tróclea del húmero (HE) y, finalmente, la longitud máxima del húmero (HL) medidas obtenidas por medio de una tabla osteométrica y un caliper análogo. Se realizaron regresiones lineales simples para correlacionar cada segmento con la longitud total del húmero. Se obtuvieron resultados positivos en los segmentos de HB y HE de húmero derecho. Fórmulas de regresión se obtuvieron para definir estimativos. En conclusión, nuestro estudio demostró que la longitud del húmero puede estimarse a partir de las medidas de los diferentes segmentos del hueso, ayudando en casos forenses, anatómicos y arqueológicos con el fin de identificar cuerpos desconocidos o para determinar la estatura de la persona, así como a cirujanos ortopédicos para el tratamiento de las fracturas proximales y distales del húmero o para su reconstrucción.

Morphometric analysis of the menisci of the knee joint in South Indian human fetuses / Análisis morfométrico de los meniscos de la rodilla en fetos humanos del Sur de India

The morphometrical data related to the menisci of the adults have been reported by few authors and that of the fetuses have not been reported. The aims of the present study were to analyse the external circumference thickness, the width, peripheral and inner border lengths, and the distance between anterior and posterior horns of the fetal menisci and to compare the meniscal dimensions with that of the adult meniscal parameters which are available in the literature. The menisci from 106 knee joints of the formalin fixed South Indian fetuses which were obtained from the anatomy department were analysed. The fetuses which had musculoskeletal anomalies were excluded from the study. A vernier caliper of 0.02 mm accuracy and a non elastic cotton thread were used for the morphometry. After comparing the meniscal dimensions of the present study with the adult meniscus parameters, we established that the fetal parameters of the meniscus are entirely different from the adults. These differences are may be due to the mesenchymal differentiation or variability of the vasculature early in embryonic life. We believe that our study will provide support to the fetal anatomy, concerning surgical procedures and arthroscopy of the knee joint. Since the morphometric studies of the fetal menisci are not reported, this study may be considered new and needs to be studied further with different groups of fetuses from various stages of intrauterine development. This study is important not only for orthopedic surgeons, but also for morphologists and embryologists.

Los datos morfométricos relacionados con los meniscos de los adultos han sido reportados por algunos autores, mientras que en fetos éstos aún no han sido descritos. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar, en fetos, el grosor de la circunferencia externa, ancho, y longitud de los márgenes interno y externo, asi como la distancia entre los cuernos anteriores y posteriores. Además, comparar las dimensiones del menisco fetal con los parámetros de adultos disponibles en la literatura. Fueron analizados los meniscos de 106 articulaciones de rodillas fijadas en formalina, pertenecientes a fetos del sur de la India, obtenidos desde el Departamento de Anatomía. Los fetos con anomalías musculoesqueléticas fueron excluidos del estudio. Un pie de metro de 0,02 mm de precisión junto a hilo de algodón no elástico fueron utilizados para la morfometría. Después de comparar las dimensiones del menisco del presente estudio con los parámetros de meniscos adultos se estableció que los meniscos fetales son totalmente diferentes a los adultos. Estas diferencias pueden deberse a la diferenciación mesenquimal o la variabilidad de temprana vasculatura en la vida embrionaria. Creemos que nuestro estudio prestará apoyo a la anatomía fetal, en relación con los procedimientos quirúrgicos y la artroscopía de la rodilla. Los estudios morfométricos no han informado datos en meniscos fetales, por lo que esta investigación puede ser considerada novedosa y requiere seguir siendo estudiada con diferentes grupos de fetos en las diversas etapas del desarrollo intrauterino. Además el estudio de ser importante para los cirujanos ortopédicos, también lo es para morfólogos y embriólogos.

Variability in the origin of the obturator artery

INTRODUCTION: General surgeons dealing with laparoscopic herniorrhaphy should be aware of the aberrant obturator artery that crosses the superior pubic ramus and is susceptible to injuries during dissection of the Bogros space and mesh stapling onto Cooper's ligament. The obturator artery is usually described as a branch of the anterior division of the internal iliac artery, although variations have been reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was conducted on 98 pelvic halves of embalmed cadavers, and the origin and course of the obturator artery were traced and noted. RESULTS: In 79 percent of the specimens, the obturator artery was a branch of the internal iliac artery. It branched off at different levels either from the anterior division or posterior division, individually or with other named branches. In 19 percent of the cases, the obturator artery branched off from the external iliac artery as a separate branch or with the inferior epigastric artery. However, in the remaining 2 percent of the specimens, both the internal and the external iliac arteries branched to form an anastomotic structure within the pelvic cavity. CONCLUSION: The data obtained in this study show that it is more common to find an abnormal obturator artery than was reported previously, and this observation has implications for pelvic surgeons and is of academic interest to anatomists. Surgeons dealing with direct, indirect, femoral, or obturator hernias need to be aware of these variations and their close proximity to the femoral ring.

Hypoplastic posterior tibial artery and the enlarged peroneal artery supplying the posterior crural region: a rare variation / Artéria tibial posterior hipoplásica e a artéria peroneal aumentada suprindo a região crural posterior: uma variação rara

Arterial variations of distal parts of lower extremities are well-documented and can be demonstrated with the help of Doppler ultrasound or by arteriography. However, absence or variation of posterior tibial artery is considered a rare finding. We present a case of hypoplastic posterior tibial artery that terminated by supplying soleus muscle. The variant arterial supply to the sole was provided by the enlarged peroneal artery that continued as the lateral plantar artery. The awareness of these variations is important to vascular surgeons while performing arterial reconstructions in femorodistal bypass graft procedures, and also to orthopedists during surgical clubfoot release.

Variações arteriais de partes distais dos membros inferiores estão bem documentadas e podem ser demonstradas com o auxílio de ultra-sonografia Doppler ou por arteriografia. Entretanto, a ausência ou variação da artéria tibial posterior é um raro achado. Apresentamos um caso de artéria tibial posterior hipoplásica que terminava suprindo o músculo solear. Esse suprimento arterial variante foi fornecido pela artéria peroneal aumentada que continuava como artéria plantar lateral. Estar consciente dessas variações é importante para cirurgiões vasculares ao realizarem reconstruções arteriais em procedimentos de derivação femorodistal, bem como para ortopedistas durante correção cirúrgica do pé torto.

The scalenus accessorious muscle / El músculo escaleno accesorio

Many of the anatomical variations that are inadequately described or quantified are actually more clinically and surgically significant than being just anatomical curiosities. We report about such a variation where an aberrant slip existed in the scalene group, in a 56 year old embalmed female cadaver. This kind of variation may affect the size of the scalene triangle, and thus, may potentially result in varied signs and symptoms in patients vulnerable to thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Proximity of the scalene muscles to the brachial plexus, subclavian artery and vein, coexisting with aberrant slips or bundles may also predispose to compression syndromes.

Muchas de las variaciones anatómicas no están suficientemente descritas o cuantificadas y son actualmente clínica y quirúrgicamente significativas más que curiosidades anatómicas. Reportamos una variación anatómica en el grupo de los músculos escalenos, presente en un cadáver de una mujer de 56 años. Este tipo de variación puede afectar el tamaño del triángulo escalénico y por lo tanto, puede potencialmente resultar en variados signos y síntomas en pacientes vulnerables al síndrome de salida torácica. La proximidad de los músculos escalenos con el plexo braquial, arteria y vena suclavias, coexistiendo con fascículos aberrantes pueden predisponer a síndromes de compresión.

Multiple variations of extensor muscles of forearm in relation to the radial nerve: a case report and review / Múltiples variaciones de los músculos extensores del antebrazo en relación con el nervio radial: reporte de caso y revisión

During routine dissection in the Department of Anatomy, multiple variations of forearm muscles in relation to the radial nerve and its branches were observed on the right side of a 34 year old male cadaver. Brachioradialis close to its origin was receiving muscle fibers from the brachialis and the radial nerve was passing in between them. Extensor carpi radialis brevis was absent and the extensor carpi radialis longus was giving two tendons in the second compartment of extensor retinaculum before its insertion while passing deep to the abductor pollicis longus. Absence of extensor carpi radialis brevis can be explained with the arrangement in lower mammals, where the two extensores carpi radiales are represented by one muscle. Ontogeny repeats phylogeny and anatomical variations have developmental basis. Henee, the pattern of muscular arrangement in this case can be said to be less evolved than the usual arrangement. The course of radial nerve between the two heads of brachioradialis makes it highly vulnerable to compression and injury, which may manifest as wrist drop (radial nerve palsy) or radial tunnel syndrome (compression of posterior interosseous nerve).

Durante una disección de rutina en el Departamento de Anatomía, se observaron múltiples variaciones de los músculos del antebrazo, en relación con el nervio radial y sus ramos, en el lado derecho de un cadáver de 34 años de edad, de sexo masculino. Cerca de su origen el músculo braquioradial recibía fibras del músculo braquial y el nervio radial cruzaba entre ellos. El músculo extensor radial corto del carpo se encontraba ausente y el músculo extensor radial largo del carpo se continuaba con dos tendones en el segundo compartimiento del retináculo extensor, bajo el músculo abductor largo de pulgar, antes de su inserción. La ausencia del músculo extensor radial corto del carpo se puede explicar en mamíferos inferiores, donde los dos músculos extensores radiales están representados por un sólo músculo. La ontogenia repite la filogenia y las variaciones anatómicas inciden en su desarrollo. Por lo tanto, de acuerdo al patrón muscular se puede afirmar que en este caso existe menos evolución que lo habitual. El curso del nervio radial entre las dos cabezas del músculo braquioradial, lo hace muy vulnerable a la compresión y las lesiones, que pueden manifestarse son, caída de la muñeca (parálisis del nervio radial) o el síndrome del túnel radial (compresión del nervio interóseo posterior).

Morfometría de los pedículos vertebrales: un exhautivo estudio anatómico en la región lumbar / Morphometry of vertebral pedicles: a comprehensive anatomical study in the lumbar region

This comprehensive anatomical study on bones and X-rays regarding pedicles of lumbar vertebrae was performed in two parts. In the first part of the present work direct gross measurements of 3 different diameters (v, d, and 1) of both the pedicles of LI to L5 vertebrae (200 male and 200 female) were recorded through sliding vernier caliper. In the second part plain anteroposterior radiographs of the lumbar spine from 500 individuals (250 males and 250 females) were collected, and divided in 6 age groups and 2 different diameters (t and h) were recorded. The minimum horizontal diameter (d) of both the pedicles increased from LI to L5. Whereas, the vertical height (v) of both the pedicles increased from LI to L2, decreased from L2 to L3 and increased from L3 to L5. The anteroposterior length (1) increased bilaterally from LI to L2 and decreased from L2 to L5. All the aforementioned parameters were greater in male than corresponding vertebrae of female. Same trends were confirmed by the radiological study. The maximum horizontal diameter (t) of pedicles on both sides of vertebrae was significantly greater in females in less than 20 years of subjects, due to early pubertal growth spurt, whereas it was significantly greater in males in rest of all the age groups at all segments of vertebral spine. The maximum vertical height (h) of both the pedicles was significantly greater in males of age groups greater than 30 years from LI to L5.

Este estudio sobre huesos y radiografías del pedículo de las vértebras lumbares fue realizado en dos partes. En la primera se midieron directamente con un caliper, 3 parámetros (v, d, y 1) en los pedículos de Ll a L5 (200 casos de sexo femenino y 200 de sexo masculino). En la segunda parte, se recolectaron 500 radiografías anteroposteriores (250 de hombres y 250 de mujeres) y se dividieron en 6 grupos etarios, registrándose dos diferentes diámetros (t y h). El diámetro horizontal menor se incrementó de Ll a L5 mientras que la altura vertical (v) de ambos pedículos de Ll a L2, decreció de L2 a L3 y se incrementó de L3 a L5. La longitud anteroposterior (1) se incrementó bilateralmente de Ll a L2 y decreció de L2 a L5. Todos los parámetros mencionados fueron mayores en el hombre que en la mujer. Los mismos se confirmaron en el estudio radiográfico. El diámetro horizontal máximo (t) de los pedículos de ambos lados fue significativamente mayor en mujeres con menos de 20 años debido a un temprano crecimiento acelerado en la pubertad mientras que, fue significativamente mayor en los hombres en todos los grupos etarios, en la totalidad de las vértebras. La altura vertical máxima de ambos pedículos fue significativamente mayor en los hombres del grupo mayor de 30 años desde Ll a L5.

Estudio piloto del ángulo y rama de la mandíbula en la población hindú / A pilot study of the mandibular angle and ramus in indian population

To evaluate the mandibular angle and to analyze the relationship of the angle and height & breadth of the ramus of the mandible to the gender, so as to study its role in the anthropological diagnosis. The angle, height and breadth of the ramus of adult dry human mandibles of both sexes were measured using a goniometer. The values obtained were analyzed statistically. The present study showed a statistically significant difference in the mandibular angle as well as height of the ramus between both the sexes. The mean mandibular angle of Indian population when compared to that of European population was found to be lower by 9 degrees. The findings of this study might be useful in providing anthropological data that can also be used in dental and medical practice. However, the Indian mandible can be used for sexual dimorphism as is usual in anthropological work; it appears to possess important unfavourable anatomic factors that may predispose the individuals to difficult laryngoscopy or intubation.

Para estudiar su rol en el diagnóstico antropológico, evaluamos el ángulo de la mandíbula y analizamos las relaciones de este ángulo con la altura y ancho de la rama de la mandíbula, en ambos sexos. Con un goniómetro, en huesos secos, fue obtenido el ángulo, alto y ancho de las mandíbulas humanas. Los valores obtenidos fueron analizados estadísticamente. El estudio mostró diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el ángulo mandibular como también en la altura de la rama de la mandíbula, en ambos sexos. La media del ángulo mandibular de la población hindú fue 9 grados menor, comparada con la población europea. Los resultados de este estudio pueden ser útiles al aportar datos antropológicos utilizados en las prácticas médica y dental. Por otra parte, la mandíbula de los hindúes puede ser usada como dimorfismo sexual como es usual en trabajos antropológicos. Parece haber factores anatómicos desfavorabes importantes que pueden predisponer a los individuos a laringoscopías difíciles o intubación.

Malformação ílio-femoral / Iliofemoral arterial malformation

Durante uma dissecção de rotina realizada em um cadáver do sexo masculino com 65 anos de idade foi constatada malformação arterial iliofemoral. A aorta abdominal estava consideravelmente deslocada lateralmente e também bifurcava em nível mais alto. A artéria ilíaca comum dividia-se uma vértebra acima do nível normal e a artéria femoral dava origem à artéria femoral profunda aproximadamente l,2 cm abaixo do ligamento inguinal, o que é consideravelmente proximal ao seu nível normal. Aqui nós apresentamos uma breve revisão de literatura e base embriológica dessas anomalias.

During routine dissection, an Iliofemoral arterial malformation was noticed in a 65 year old male cadaver. The abdominal aorta was considerably laterally displaced and also bifurcated higher up. The common iliac artery divided one vertebral level higher and the femoral artery gave the profunda femoris artery about 1.2 cm below the inguinal ligament, which is considerably proximal to its usual level of origin. A brief review of literature and embryological basis of the anomalies are discussed.

The Subclavius Posticus Muscle: its Phylogenetic Retention and Clinical Relevance / Músculo Subclavio Posticus: Presencia Filogenética y Relevancia Clínica

During routine dissection practice a supernumerary muscle was found on the right side infraclavicular region of a male cadaver. This muscle was arising from the superior surface of the first rib and its coastal cartilage and inserted to a thick ligament that extended from the medial end of the suprascapular notch to the capsule of the acromioclavicular joint. This accessory muscle slip was innervated by a branch from the nerve to subclavius. According to its location and innervation the aberrant muscle was considered to be the subclavius posticus. The anatomic relationships of the muscle make it clinically significant.

Durante una disección de rutina, un músculo supernumerario fue encontrado en el lado derecho de la región infraclavicular de una cadáver de sexo masculino. Este músculo se originaba de la superficie superior de la primera costilla y cartílago costal y se insertaba en un grueso ligamento que se extendía desde la parte medial de la incisura supraescapular a la cápsula de la articulación acromioclavicular. Este músculo estaba inervado por un ramo del nervio subclavio. De acuerdo a su localización e inervación el músculo aberrante fue considerado como el músculo subclavio posticus. Las relaciones anatómicas del músculo tienen significancia clínica.

Anatomical organization of aortic arch variations in the India: embryological basis and review

Objectives: To determine the percentage and type of aortic arch variations in Indian subjects and their clinical surgical importance and embryological basis. Patients and methods: In our investigation, branching patterns of the aortic arch were studied in 62 formalinfixed cadavers of booth sexes of Indian origin, aged 45-79. The dissections were carried out in formalin preserved after exposing the thoracic and cervical region during routine dissection of undergraduate students of Indiam origin in Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. Results: The usual three-branched aortic arch was found in 56 cadavers (91,4 percent); variations were found in six cadavers (9,6 percent); 4,8 percent presented common origin of the carotid arteries; 1,6 percent had biinnominate sequence, and the same specimen had left coronary artery arising from arch of aorta directly; 1,6 percent presented right subclavian artery arising directy from the aorta; 1,6 percent had left vertebral artery a branch of aortic arch...