The utility of fetal heart rate deceleration's descending slope in searching for a non-National Institute of Child Health and Human Development parameter for the detection of fetal acidosis.

OBJECTIVE: To identify new parameters predicting fetal acidemia. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study in a cohort of deliveries from a tertiary referral hospital-based cohort deliveries in Zaragoza, Spain between 2018 and 2021 was performed. To predict fetal acidemia, the NICHD categorizations and non-NICHD parameters were analyzed in the electronic fetal monitoring (EFM). Those included total reperfusion time, total deceleration area and the slope of the descending limb of the fetal heart rate of the last deceleration curve. The accuracy of the parameters was evaluated using the specificity for (80%, 85%, 90%, 95%) sensitivity and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS: A total of 10 362 deliveries were reviewed, with 224 cases and 278 controls included in the study. The NICHD categorizations showed reasonable discriminatory ability (AUC = 0.727). The non-NICHD parameters measured during the 30-min fetal monitoring, total deceleration area (AUC = 0.807, 95% CI: 0.770, 0.845) and total reperfusion time (AUC = 0.750, 95% CI: 0.707, 0.792), exhibited higher discriminatory ability. The slope of the descending limb of the fetal heart rate of the last deceleration curve had the best AUC value (0.853, 95% CI: 0.816, 0.889). The combination of total deceleration area or total reperfusion time with the slope demonstrated high discriminatory ability (AUC = 0.908, 95% CI: 0.882, 0.933; specificities of 71.6% and 72.7% for a sensitivity of 90%). CONCLUSIONS: The slope of the descending limb of the fetal heart rate of the last deceleration curve is the strongest predictor of fetal acidosis, but its combination with the total reperfusion time shows better clinical utility.

Evolución de la producción científica generada sobre la dehiscencia del canal semicircular posterior / Evolution of the scientific production generated on posterior semicircular canal dehiscence

Introducción: La dehiscencia del canal semicircular posterior es una vestibulopatía rara, de baja prevalencia y cuya sintomatología se explica por el fenómeno de la tercera ventana. No fue hasta 2003 cuando Krombach describe los primeros casos. Objetivo: Evaluar mediante análisis bibliométrico y temático la producción científica sobre trabajos de dehiscencia del canal semicircular posterior (DCSP) y su incidencia a nivel de la comunidad científica mediante una revisión bibliográfica. Método: Se realiza búsqueda, revisión, selección y estudio a partir de ítems relacionados con DCSP indexados en la base de datos Pubmed, Web of Science, Alcorze y Scopus, desde el año 2003 hasta 2019, seleccionando 90 artículos. Resultados: Los 90 artículos han sido publicados en un total de 48 revistas, siendo 52% originales, 38% casos clínicos, 9% revisiones y 1% conferencias. La temática predominante fue la clínica (32%) y la etiología (27%). Los artículos estaban escritos en ocho idiomas diferentes, predominando el inglés (85%), y siendo Estados Unidos el país con más publicaciones (42%). Los índices de actividad institucional y autoría son bajos. La calidad de las revistas es alta, ya que el 70% de las publicaciones se encontraban en los cuartiles Q1-Q2. El área principal es Otorrinolaringología, con 66 trabajos, seguida por Radiología con 14. El número de descargas fue 6958, con una media de 77,31 por artículo, y las citaciones fueron 1193, equivalente a una media de 13,25. Conclusión: Los datos bibliométricos revelan cómo los trabajos sobre dehiscencia del canal semicircular posterior representan una pequeña producción científica, el tema está en fase de crecimiento sostenido, los índices de autoría, institucionalidad y colaboración son bajos y las publicaciones se concentran en pocas revistas, con una orientación claramente anglófona, pero de alta calidad e importante visualización. (AU)

Introduction: The dehiscence of the posterior semicircular canal is a rare vestibulopathy, of low prevalence and whose symptomatology is explained by the phenomenon of the third window. It was not until 2003 that Krombach described the first cases. Objective: Evaluate the scientific production about the dehiscence of the posterior semicircular canal (DCSP) by a bibliometric and thematic analysis and observes its incidence at the scientific community level. Method: A search with subsequent review, selection and study was carried out using items related to DCSP indexed in the Pubmed, Web of Science, Alcorze and Scopus databases, from 2003 to 2019, selecting a total of 90 articles. Results: The 90 articles have been published in a total of 48 magazines. 52% were originals, 38% clinical cases, 9% reviews and 1% conferences. Clinical (32%) and etiology (27%) were the main themes. The articles were written in eight different languages, predominantly English (85%), and the United States has been the country with the highest number of publications (42%). Institutional activity and authorship rates are low. The quality of the journals is high: 70% of the publications were in the Q1-Q2 quartiles. The main area corresponds to otorhinolaryngology, with a total of 66 works, followed by radiology (14). The total number of downloads was 6958, with an average of 77.31 per article and the total citations were 1193, 13.25 per article. Conclusions: The bibliometric results reveal how the works on dehiscence of the posterior semicircular canal present a small scientific production, the subject is in a phase of sustained growth, the authorship, institutional and collaboration index are low, the publications are concentrated in a few journals of high quality and important visualization, with a clearly anglophone orientation. (AU)

Nuevas formas de motivación en la enseñanza de la anatomía humana / New forms of motivation in the teaching of human anatomy

Introducción: Las nuevas generaciones de alumnos (generación Z o nativa digital) en la actualidad han provocado la necesidad de implantar nuevas metodologías docentes en las que el alumnado sea un sujeto activo y participativo en su propio proceso de aprendizaje. Entre estas metodologías, el uso del aprendizaje basado en juegos puede considerarse una alternativa que refuerce a la clásica ‘clase magistral’ y las clases prácticas en la docencia universitaria. Sujetos y métodos: Utilización del aprendizaje basado en juegos (juegos serios) en los alumnos matriculados de la asignatura de Anatomía Humana I (Aparato Locomotor), de primer curso del grado de Medicina en la Universidad de Zaragoza. Resultados: El uso de esta metodología ha sido valorado, mediante encuesta de evaluación de respuesta voluntaria, de manera muy positiva, haciendo hincapié en el efecto que tiene sobre la motivación, la participación y la integración de contenidos teóricos y prácticos. Conclusión: El aprendizaje basado en juegos debe considerarse como una potente alternativa que mejora la motivación, la participación y la integración de contenido en el aula de educación superior.(AU)

Introduction: The new generations of students, such as the current generation Z or digital natives, have provoked the need to implement new teaching methodologies where students are active and participative subjects in their own learning process. Among these methodologies, the use of game-based learning can be considered an alternative to reinforce the classic ‘master class’ in university teaching. Subjects and methods: Use of game-based learning (serious games), in students enrolled in the subject of Human Anatomy I (Locomotor System), first year of the Degree of Medicine at the Universidad de Zaragoza. Results: The use of this methodology has been evaluated, by means of a voluntary evaluation survey, in a very positive way, emphasizing the effect on motivation, participation and integration of theoretical and practical contents. Conclusion: Game-based learning should be considered as a powerful alternative that improves motivation, participation and content integration in the higher education classroom.(AU)

End-To-End Procedure For IORT in Brain Metastases and Film Dosimetry.

Purpose: The study is intended to perform an end-to-end test of the entire intraoperative process using cadaver heads. A simulation of tumor removal was performed, followed by irradiation of the bed and measurement of absorbed doses with radiochromic films. Materials and Methods: Low-energy X-ray intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) was used for irradiation. A computed tomography study was performed at each site and the absorbed doses calculated by the treatment planning system, as well as absorbed doses with radiochromic films, were studied. Results: The absorbed doses in the organs at risk (OAR) were evaluated in each case, obtaining maximum doses within the tolerance limits. The absorbed doses in the target were verified and the deviations were <1%. Conclusions: These tests demonstrated that this comprehensive procedure is a reproducible quality assurance tool which allows continuous assessment of the dosimetric and geometric accuracy of clinical brain IORT treatments. Furthermore, the absorbed doses measured in both target and OAR are optimal for these treatments.

Anatomical study about the variations in renal vasculature.

Renal vascularization is classically described as a renal artery and vein. However, this vascular pattern presents numerous anatomical variations in terms of their number, origin and course due to ontogenetic alterations. The aim was to carry out a descriptive study of the renal vascular pattern observed during the dissection of cadavers intended for teaching purposes. A descriptive and observational study of renal vascular anatomy was carried out by dissecting 16 renal blocks from 8 cadavers donated to science and used for teaching at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Zaragoza. The prevalence of arterial variations was 75% (56.3% for polar renal arteries, 12.5% for pre-hilar branching and 6.25% for double communicating arterial arch) and venous was 62.5% (12.5% for polar renal veins, 25% for late venous confluence, 6.25% for triple renal vein and 18.75% for double circumaortic renal vein). We conclude that the renal vascular anomalies occur with high frequency; for this reason, knowledge of these anomalies is extremely important for the correct planning of numerous medical-surgical activities.

Impacto del SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) en la docencia teórico-práctica de la neuroanatomía humana / Impact of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) on the theoretical-practical teaching of human neuroanatomy

Introducción: Durante el curso 2019-2020, debido a la situación provocada por la COVID-19, Neuroanatomía humana (cuarto semestre, grado de Medicina, Universidad de Zaragoza), que en condiciones normales combina teoría y práctica presenciales, se planteó de manera telemática, mediante la aportación al alumnado de material didáctico a través de la intranet Anillo Digital Docente-Moodle© e Instagram©, así como por tutorías vía Google Meet©. Material y métodos: Con objeto de poder comprobar el grado de satisfacción de la docencia teórico-práctica presencial frente a la telemática, se realizaron con el alumnado dos cuestionarios (pre-COVID-19 y durante la COVID-19) de cuatro y seis preguntas cerradas, respectivamente, con cinco opciones de respuesta según una escala de Likert. Además, se plantearon dos preguntas abiertas en cada cuestionario. Por parte del profesorado, la valoración fue en una reunión de coordinación de la asignatura tras finalizar el período lectivo. Resultados: Las encuestas de satisfacción las respondió el 71% de los alumnos (68/95). La falta de asistencia no sufre variación significativa en ambas situaciones con respecto a la asistencia a las clases teóricas y prácticas, pero sí los motivos causantes de ausencia: los primeros fueron principalmente profesionales, y los segundos, de conectividad. El alumnado valora la docencia teórica presencial frente a la telemática de forma muy parecida, mientras que, a nivel práctico, sigue prefiriendo la presencialidad, lo que coincide con el profesorado. Conclusión: Esta evaluación permite constatar que la docencia teórica de la asignatura por vía telemática es viable, siempre y cuando el alumnado disponga de una buena conectividad, pero no así la parte práctica, donde la presencialidad es imprescindible actualmente.(AU)

Introduction: During the 2019-2020 academic year, and due to the situation caused by COVID-19, Human Neuroanatomy (4th semester- Degree of Medicine- University of Zaragoza) which under conditions of normality combines in-person theory and practice, had to consider itself in a telematic way by providing students with teaching materials through intranet ADD (Digital Teaching Ring)- Moodle©, Instagram©, as well as tutoring via Google Meet©. Material and methods: In order to be able to check the degree of satisfaction of the theoretical teaching- face-to-face versus telematic teaching, 2 questionnaires were carried out by the students (pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19), of 4 and 6 closed questions respectively, with 5 answer options, according to Likert scale. In addition, 2 open questions were raised in each questionnaire. On the part of the teachers, was valued in a coordination meeting of the subject, after the end of the teaching period: Results: Satisfaction surveys were answered by 71% of students (68/95). The lack of attendance does not suffer a significant variation in both situations, but the reasons that have led to the absence, being the first being mainly professional, and the second reasons for connectivity. Students value in-person theoretical teaching versus telematics in a very similar way, while on a practical level, they continue to prefer face-to-face, coinciding with the teachers. Conclusion: This evaluation confirms that the theoretical teaching of the subject via telematics is viable, as long as the students have good connectivity, but not the practical part, where attendance is essential today.(AU)

An innovative quick solidifying technique for the forensic investigation of brain circulation using addition silicones.

Post-mortem study of the brain is extremely relevant to medico-legal autopsies. However, it can be difficult to handle due to its fragility. This article presents a study on the development of an arterial solidifying technique that can be applied to analyze arterial circulation, consequently easing the handling and later diagnosis of diseases in this anatomical site. Vinylpolysiloxane silicone is introduced into the internal carotid arteries until it completely fills the arterial tree, creating a detailed model of the arterial's internal anatomy. This technique is fast, easy to apply and requires no previous tissue fixation. In addition, it allows for further toxicological and pathological tests. In conclusion, this technique represents a simple, sensitive and efficient method to employ in conventional autopsies, which can help in the diagnosis of death.

Are Comorbidities Associated With Overall Survival in Patients With Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

PURPOSE: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a highly prevalent type of immunogenic cancer with a low survival rate in patients with comorbidities owing to toxic habits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients with resectable OSCC at a tertiary Spanish hospital from 2011 to 2014. The primary predictor variables were comorbidity and immune biomarkers. Comorbidity was assessed using the Adult Comorbidity Evaluation-27 (ACE-27) and scored from 1 to 3 (mild to severe decompensation, respectively). The immune biomarkers were neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived NLR (dNLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR). The primary outcome variable was 5-year overall survival (OS). Other study variables were stage, margin, and neck management. Receiver operating characteristic curves were built for each ratio. For the survey of immune biomarkers, area under the curve was computed to determine cutoff points and investigate their association with OS. Kaplan-Meier estimates of survival and Cox proportional hazards models were used for longitudinal analysis. RESULTS: Overall 215 patients were identified (median age, 67 yr; range, 32 to 96 yr; median follow-up, 31 months; range, 7 to 78 months); 159 patients had at least 1 comorbid condition. Results showed that a severe comorbidity (according to the ACE-27) increased the risk of death by 4 times in patients with OSCC regardless of stage. NLR, dNLR, LMR, and PLR were associated with OS in the univariate study. Cutoff points to predict increased mortality were 3, 1.9, 2.6, and 66 for NLR, dNLR, LMR, and PLR, respectively. Age, comorbidity, stage, margins, and management of the neck were important independent predictors of decreased OS in OSCC. PLR was marginally associated with OS in the multivariate model. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that comorbidity and NLR, dNLR, LMR, and PLR are associated with 5-year OS in patients with resectable OSCC.

Diagnóstico prenatal y repercusiones perinatales de la persistencia de vena cava superior izquierda. Serie de casos y revisión bibliográfica / Prenatal diagnosis and perinatal results of the persistent left superior vena cava. Cases series and literature review

Resumen Objetivo Describir las anomalías asociadas y las repercusiones perinatales de la persistencia de la vena cava superior izquierda en el feto y revisar la bibliografía. Materiales y métodos Estudio descriptivo, transversal y retrospectivo efectuado de enero de 2009 a diciembre 2012 en la Unidad de Diagnóstico Prenatal del Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología del Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet de Zaragoza, España. El estudio incluyó a todos los fetos con diagnóstico prenatal de persistencia de la vena cava superior izquierda establecido durante los controles gestacionales ecográficos. Resultados Se diagnosticaron 21 casos de persistencia de la vena cava superior izquierda entre las 20 y 35 semanas de embarazo. El 29% de los casos se detectó en la ecografía de las 20 semanas; 9 casos (43%) tuvieron anomalías cardiacas o extracardiacas asociadas y en 2 casos (10%) se encontró, además, trisomía 21, ambos con anomalías cardiacas asociadas. En 4 casos (19%) no hubo vena cava superior derecha. En los casos aislados la evolución fue favorable. Conclusiones Puesto que la persistencia de la vena cava superior izquierda se asocia, frecuentemente, con anomalías cardiacas y extracardiacas está justificada la ecografía morfológica fetal detallada y una ecocardiografía con posterior seguimiento antenatal. Si es aislada, la evolución obstétrica y el pronóstico perinatal serán favorables, como ha sucedido en los casos de persistencia de la vena cava superior izquierda aislados, con ausencia de vena cava superior derecha.

Abstract Objective To describe the associated anomalies and perinatal results in fetuses diagnosed with persistence of the left superior vena cava and to conduct a review of the literature. Materials and methods A descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study conducted between January 2009 and December 2012 in the Prenatal Diagnostic Unit of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at the Miguel Servet University Hospital in Zaragoza, Spain. The study included all fetuses with prenatal diagnosis of persistence of the left superior vena cava performed during gestational ultrasound controls in that period. Results 21 cases of persistence of the left superior vena cava were diagnosed between 20 and 35 weeks. Only 29% of the cases were detected on ultrasound at 20 weeks. 9 cases (43%) had associated cardiac or extracardiac anomalies and two cases (10%) associated trisomy 21, both with associated cardiac anomalies. In 4 cases (19%) there was an absence of right superior vena cava. In isolated cases, the evolution was favorable. Conclusions The presence of persistence of the left superior vena cava is frequently associated with cardiac and extracardiac abnormalities, so in the case of diagnosis, detailed fetal morphological ultrasound and echocardiogram are justified with subsequent antenatal follow-up. In the case of being isolated, it has an obstetric evolution and a favorable perinatal prognosis, results that were also presented in isolated persistence of the left superior vena cava cases with absence of right superior vena cava.

Interrupcion de vena cava inferior: diagnostico prenatal de sus variantes / Inferior vena cava interruption: prenatal diagnosis of its variants

La anomalía más frecuente de la vena cava inferior es su interrupción. En estos casos, el drenaje al corazón se realizará por la vena ácigos y menos frecuentemente por la vena hemiácigos. Se considera un marcador ecográfico prenatal de isomerismos y/o cardiopatías por lo que su hallazgo obliga a descartarlos realizando una ecografía detallada del corazón y del situs fetal. Además, probablemente sea de las anomalías venosas que más implicaciones clínicas pueden tener en la edad adulta por su asociación a trombosis venosa profunda y es útil conocer la anatomía para posibles futuros procedimientos quirúrgicos o cateterismos cardiacos. Por lo tanto, es interesante realizar el diagnóstico prenatal, aunque se presente de forma aislada, siendo su diagnóstico ecográfico sencillo si somos sistemáticos en la práctica de la ecografía morfológica. El signo característico ecográfico es el de «doble vaso¼ o «doble burbuja¼ en un corte axial abdominal o torácico. Presentamos los esquemas ecográficos de diagnóstico de los dos tipos de drenaje principales de la interrupción de la vena cava inferior para poder realizar el correcto diagnóstico prenatal. Para ello tomamos de referencia dos casos clínicos que no presentan cardiopatías ni isomerismos asociados.

The most frequent anomaly of the inferior vena cava is its interruption. In these cases, drains into the heart by the azygos vein and less frequently by the hemiazygos vein. It is considered a prenatal ultrasound marker of isomerisms and/or heart disease, therefore, its finding requires to discard them by performing a detailed ultrasound of the fetal heart and situs. Probably it is one of the venous anomalies with more clinical implications in adulthood due to their association with deep venous thrombosis, and it is useful to know the anatomy for possible future surgical or cardiac catheterization procedures. Therefore, it is interesting to perform the prenatal diagnosis, although isolated. In this sense, the ultrasound diagnosis of the interruption is simple if we are systematic in the practice of morphological ultrasound. The characteristic ultrasound sign of the aforementioned interruption is the "double vessel" or "double bubble" in an axial abdominal or thoracic section. We present the ultrasound diagnosis diagrams of the two main types of drainage of the inferior vena cava interruption in order to perform the correct prenatal diagnosis. For these purposes, we refer two cases with no heart diseases or isomerisms associated.

Are congenital malformations more frequent in fetuses with intrahepatic persistent right umbilical vein? A comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: Persistent right umbilical vein (PRUV) is a vascular anomaly where the right umbilical vein remains as the only conduit that returns oxygenated blood to the fetus. It has classically been described as associated with numerous defects. We distinguish the intrahepatic variant (better prognosis) and the extrahepatic variant (associated with worse prognosis). The objective of this study was to compare rates of congenital malformations in fetuses with intrahepatic PRUV (I-PRUV) versus singleton pregnancies without risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter, crossover design, comparative study was performed between 2003 and 2013 on fetuses diagnosed with I-PRUV (n=56), and singleton pregnancies without congenital malformation risk factors (n=4050). RESULTS: Fifty-six cases of I-PRUV were diagnosed (incidence 1:770). A statistically significant association between I-PRUV and the presence of congenital malformations (odds ratio 4.321; 95% confidence interval 2.15-8.69) was found. This positive association was only observed with genitourinary malformations (odds ratio 3.038; 95% confidence interval 1.08-8.56). CONCLUSION: Our rate of malformations associated with I-PRUV (17.9%) is similar to previously published rates. I-PRUV has shown a significant increase in the rate of associated malformations, although this association has only been found to be statistically significant in the genitourinary system. Noteworthy is the fact that this comparative study has not pointed to a significant increase in the congenital heart malformation rate. Diagnosis of isolated I-PRUV does not carry a worse prognosis.

Contribution to morphological knowledge of the development of the human incudo-mallear joint.

CONCLUSION: At the time of birth, the incudo-mallear joint is completely developed. OBJECTIVE. To study the development of the incudo-mallear joint in human embryos and fetuses. MATERIALS AND METHODS. In all, 46 temporal bones with ages between 9 mm and newborns were studied. The preparations were cut in a series and dyed using Martins' trichrome technique. RESULTS. The incudo-mallear joint acquires the characteristics of a saddle joint at 10 weeks of development. The cartilage that covers the articular surfaces is formed by different strata that develop successively: the superficial stratum at 14 weeks, the transitional between 15 and 19 weeks, and the radial from 20 weeks. The subchondral bone develops between weeks 25 and 28 by the mechanisms of apposition and extension of the periosteal and endosteal bones, but it is not until week 30 that it completely covers the articular surfaces, consisting of bone fascicles whereby the lines of force will be transmitted. The articular capsule is formed as from the inter-zone. The surface zone develops the capsular ligament, and the internal surface develops the synovial membrane. Even though it is not consistent, the primordium of the meniscus is seen at 18 weeks.

[Ontogenic development of the incudostapedial joint]. / Desarrollo ontogénico de la articulación incudoestapedial.

OBJECTIVE: To study the development of the incudostapedial joint in human embryos and foetuses. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 46 temporal bones with specimens between 9 mm and newborns were studied. The preparations were sliced serially and dyed using the Martins trichrome technique. RESULTS: The incudostapedial joint takes on the characteristics of a spheroidal joint at 16 weeks of development. The cartilage covering the articular surfaces is formed by different strata that develop in succession: the superficial stratum at 19 weeks, the transitional between 20 and 23 weeks, and the radial from 24 weeks on. The subchondral bone develops after 29 weeks by the mechanisms of apposition and extension of the periosteal and endosteal bones, but it is not until week 34 that it completely covers the articular surfaces, following constitution of the bone fascicles transmitting the lines of force. The articular capsule is formed from the inter-zone, the surface zone develops the capsular ligament, and the internal surface develops the synovial membrane. CONCLUSIONS: At the time of birth, the incudostapedial joint is completely developed.

Desarrollo ontogénico de la articulación incudoestapedial / Ontogenic development of the incudostapedial joint

Objetivo: Estudiar el desarrollo de la articulación incudoestapedial en embriones y fetos humanos. Material y método: Se han estudiado 46 huesos temporale scon ejemplares comprendidos entre 9 mm y recién nacidos. Las preparaciones estaban cortadas en serie y teñidas con la técnica de tricrómico de Martins. Resultados: La articulación incudoestapedial adquiere las características de una articulación sinovial de tipo enartrosisa las 16 semanas de desarrollo. El cartílago que recubre las superficies articulares está formado por diferentes estratos que se desarrollan sucesivamente: el superficial, a las 19 semanas; el de transición, entre las 20 y las 23 semanas, y el radial, a partir de las 24 semanas. El hueso subcondral se desarrolla a partir de las 29 semanas por los mecanismos de aposición y extensión del periostal y el endostal, pero no es hasta la semana 34 cuando recubre por completo las superficies articulares, constituidos los fascículos óseos por los que se transmitirán las líneas de fuerza. La cápsula articularse forma a partir de la interzona, la zona superficial desarrolla el ligamento capsular y la interna, la sinovial. Conclusiones: En el momento del nacimiento la articulación incudoestapedial está completamente desarrollada (AU)

Objective: To study the development of the incudostapedial joint in human embryos and foetuses. Material and method: 46 temporal bones with specimens between 9 mm and new-borns were studied. The preparations were sliced serially and dyed using the Martins trichrome technique. Results: The incudostapedial joint takes on the characteristics of a spheroidal joint at 16 weeks of development. The cartilage covering the articular surfaces is formed by different strata that develop in succession: the superficial stratum at 19 weeks, the transitional between 20 and 23 weeks, and the radial from 24 weeks on. The subchondral bone develops after 29 weeks by the mechanisms of apposition and extension of the periosteal and endosteal bones, but it is not until week 34 that it completely covers the articular surfaces, following constitution of the bone fascicles transmitting the lines of force. The articular capsule is formed from the inter-zone, the surface zone develops the capsular ligament, and the internal surface develops the synovial membrane. Conclusions: At the time of birth, the incudostapedial joint is completely developed (AU)

[Connections between bone marrow and mesenchyme of the middle ear]. / Conexiones entre la médula ósea de los osículos y el mesénquima del oído medio.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the presence of connections between the bone marrow of the ossicles and the mesenchyme that fills the future tympanic cavity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety temporal bones from embryos and foetuses were examined, selecting 15 aged between 20th to 30th weeks of development, to show connections between ossicle marrow and mesenchyme. RESULTS: The connections are transitory and appear in the malleus and the incus between 20th to 24th weeks of development, while in the stapes appear later, being between 24th to 28th weeks. CONCLUSIONS: These connections may have an important role in the phagocytosis of the mesenchymal remains and join in the detritus elimination mechanisms produced during the regression.

Conexiones entre la médula ósea de los osículos y el mesénquima del oído medio / Connections between bone marrow and mesenchyme of the middle ear

Objetivo: Determinar si existen conexiones entre la médula ósea de los osículos timpánicos y el mesénquima que rellena la futura cavidad timpánica. Material y métodos: Se han examinado 90 huesos temporales pertenecientes a embriones y fetos, y se han seleccionado 15 de edades comprendidas entre las semanas 20 y 30 del desarrollo al presentar conexiones entre médula del osículo y el mesénquima. Resultados: Las conexiones son de tipo transitorio y aparecen en el martillo y el yunque entre las semanas 20 y 24 de desarrollo, mientras que en el estribo se manifiestan posteriormente, entre las semanas 24 y 28. Conclusiones: Estas conexiones pueden tener un papel importante en la fagocitosis de los restos mesenquimales y sumarse a los mecanismos de eliminación de los detritus producidos durante la regresión

Objective: To investigate the presence of connections between the bone marrow of the ossicles and the mesenchyme that fills the future tympanic cavity. Material and methods: Ninety temporal bones from embryos and foetuses were examined, selecting 15 aged between 20th to 30th weeks of development, to show connections between ossicle marrow and mesenchyme. Results: The connections are transitory and appear in the malleus and the incus between 20th to 24th weeks of development, while in the stapes appear later, being between 24th to 28th weeks. Conclusions: These connections may have an important role in the phagocytosis of the mesenchymal remains and join in the detritus elimination mechanisms produced during the regression