Change of quadriceps angle values with age and activity

The lines connecting the anterior superior iliac spine to the center of the patella and the center of the patella to the tibial tuberosity make the quadriceps angle [Q angle], and this can be used as data for patellar alignment. We undertook this study to provide detailed information about the change of Q angle values with age and activity. The study was conducted on 474 active [AG] [soccer players] and 765 sedentary [SG] boys [N=1239] from the age of 9-19, and the sedentary group also served as control to their age matched active counterparts. The statistical methods used were the student's t-test and the 3 way analysis of variance [ANOVA]. The study was carried out in the laboratories of the Anatomy Departments and School of Physical Education and Sports, Istanbul and Hacettepe Universities between 2001 and 2003. The right and left Q angle values within both groups were statistically insignificant. The comparison of the groups showed a very high level of significant difference between the groups for both knees [AG right Q angle = 14.54 +/- 4.76, SG right Q angle = 17.98 +/- 3.24; AG left Q angle = 14.41 +/- 4.61, SG left Q angle = 18.12 +/- 3.55]. The 3 way ANOVA showed that the age and physical activity had equally highly significant effects on Q angle values with a greater change in the active group's values. We conclude that 1] children and adolescents have greater Q angle values than adults, 2] a change in quadriceps strength and tone, caused by both growth and activity, results in a decrease of the Q angle and 3] activity, particularly playing soccer in our study, has a remarkable effect on the Q angle

significance of the neurovascular structures passing through the spinoglenoid notch

To define the detailed anatomy of the neurovascular bundle at the spinoglenoid notch and to report the dimensions of these structures in cadavers. In the present study, the external diameters of suprascapular artery, vein and nerve were measured at the spinoglenoid notch region in 18 formalin fixed cadavers [36 shoulders] by using a caliper. The study was carried out in the dissection laboratory of Anatomy Departments of Hacettepe University, Ankara University, Ankara and Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey, between 2002 and 2003. The average external diameter for the suprascapular vein was 2.6 mm, artery was 2.2 mm and nerve was 2.2 mm. The spinoglenoid notch was roofed by the spinoglenoid ligament and appeared as a fibroosseous foramen in all cadavers. We found that the vascular structures [suprascapular artery and vein] occupied 68.5% and the suprascapular nerve occupied 31.5% of this foramen. Although the diameters of the vascular structures at the spinoglenoid notch measured by magnetic resonance imaging have been reported, to our knowledge, external diameters of these structures at the spinoglenoid notch have not been described in cadavers. We believe that detailed anatomy of suprascapular neurovascular bundle at the spinoglenoid notch should be appreciated for better understanding of risk factors possibly causing the suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome, specially for those who are involved in violent overhead sports activities such as volleyball and baseball

Magnetic resonance imaging determination of the ventriculus terminalis

We report a case of ventriculus terminalis, presenting with specific neurological symptoms including low back pain and bilateral sciatica. Magnetic resonance images showed a cystic lesion with regular margins localized in the lumbar enlargement of the spinal cord. The lesion was an oval shape with no internal septa. Its dimensions were 9.6 mm craniocaudally, 3.5 mm mediolaterally and 3.5 mm anteroposteriorly. Intralesional fluid had the same signal as cerebrospinal fluid in all magnetic resonance sequences. Pericystic spinal cord intensity was normal, and the cyst did not cause additional enlargement of the distal cord. During spinal cord evaluations, ventriculus terminalis should be kept in mind as a normal anatomic developmental phenomenon that can be seen on magnetic resonance images

Bilateral additional renal arteries and an additional right renal vein associated with unrotated kidneys

We report a rare anomaly of the kidneys and its vessels, which were found during the routine dissection of a 68-year-old male cadaver. The anomaly consisted of bilateral additional renal arteries originating from the abdominal aorta and an additional right renal vein accompanying the additional right renal artery. These anomalies were associated with unrotated kidneys with extrarenal calices and pelves. All the additional vessels were located posterior to the ureter with a close relationship to the ureteropelvic junction on the right side. Additional renal vessels arise as a result of the complicated development of kidneys and variations in the positional anatomy of the kidneys, and their vascular supply are of clinical importance

Three-dimensional structure of the modiolus A computerized reconstruction study

Modiolus is a dense, compact, mobile fibromuscular structure, reachable by the dissection of buccolabial musculature. We undertook this study to provide detailed information about the macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of modiolus and its 3-dimensional [3-D] shape. Fifteen micrometer thick serial sections were taken from the fixed cadaveric tissue samples and then stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and Massons' trichrome stain. Stained sections were photographed digitally and images were transferred to computer medium to perform 3-D reconstruction. The study was carried out in the dissection lab of the Anatomy Department of Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey between 2002 and 2003. The modiolus appears to be a tortuous, blunt conelike structure, extending vertically from the buccal mucosa to the dermis of the skin. The base of the cone is adjacent to the mucosa. As the structure has great clinical importance, and satisfactory complete 3-D analysis of the subject is not yet available; we believe that our study presenting the histological and 3-D description of the modiolus will be of great help to surgeons for satisfactory esthetic and functional results during surgical operations related to the oral commissure

significance of the neurovascular structures passing through the spinoglenoid notch

To define the detailed anatomy of the neurovascular bundle at the spinoglenoid notch and to report the dimensions of these structures in cadavers. In the present study, the external diameters of suprascapular artery, vein and nerve were measured at the spinoglenoid notch region in 18 formalin fixed cadavers [36 shoulders] by using a caliper. The study was carried out in the dissection laboratory of Anatomy Departments of Hacettepe University, Ankara University, Ankara and Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey, between 2002 and 2003. The average external diameter for the suprascapular vein was 2.6 mm, artery was 2.2 mm and nerve was 2.2 mm. The spinoglenoid notch was roofed by the spinoglenoid ligament and appeared as a fibroosseous foramen in all cadavers. We found that the vascular structures [suprascapular artery and vein] occupied 68.5% and the suprascapular nerve occupied 31.5% of this foramen. Although the diameters of the vascular structures at the spinoglenoid notch measured by magnetic resonance imaging have been reported, to our knowledge, external diameters of these structures at the spinoglenoid notch have not been described in cadavers. We believe that detailed anatomy of suprascapular neurovascular bundle at the spinoglenoid notch should be appreciated for better understanding of risk factors possibly causing the suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome, specially for those who are involved in violent overhead sports activities such as volleyball and baseball