ABSTRACT
Background The patella is also known as the kneecap. It lies in front of the knee joint and protects the joint from damage. It is the largest sesamoid bone in the body and is embedded within the quadriceps tendon. The morphometry of the patella is crucial in forensic analysis, designing of implants, and subsequent reconstruction procedures in the knee as it is a sesamoid bone, without periosteum, whereby the natural healing process becomes difficult. The dimensions of the implant are very crucial for a successful knee replacement procedure. This study aims to provide a comprehensive morphometric analysis of the patella and further compare the same between right and left-sided patella specimens. Methodology In total, 50 dry patella specimens, with 26 left-sided specimens and 24 right-sided specimens, were obtained for the study from the Department of Anatomy, Saveetha Medical College, Chennai. The parameters analyzed in the study included height, width, the thickness of the patella, length and width of the articular facets on medial and lateral aspects, and central ridge length. Results The morphometric analysis showed the mean height, width, and thickness of patella specimens were 4.07 cm, 4.12 cm, and 2.03 cm, respectively. The dimensions of the articular facet on the lateral aspect were found to show statistical variation compared to the dimensions of the medial articular facet, where p-values of <0.05 were taken as statistically significant. Based on Koyunco's Classification, 92% of patella specimens were of Type B. Conclusions The morphometric analysis of the patella in this study can be helpful in designing implants for reconstruction and for treating orthopedics in patellar reconstruction and fixation procedures.
ABSTRACT
Background The vertebral artery (VA) forms the caudal part of the circle of Willis and is responsible for one-third of the blood supply of the cerebellum, pons, middle ear, and the upper part of the spinal cord and its meninges. The highest potential risk of injury to VA during cervical pedicle screw implantation is at C3 and then at C6. Knowledge about the morphometry of VA provides a better understanding of clinical conditions such as vertebra basilar insufficiency (VBI). Similarly, the knowledge of variation in the VA is needed during cervical pedicle screw implantation, which possesses the highest potential risk to VA at the C3 level. The origin of the vertebral artery from the aortic arch reached the upper cervical vertebra than the vertebral artery of subclavian origin. The length of the VA is greater on the left side than the right-side artery. Understanding and reporting of the same are essential to creating awareness that can aid in endarterectomy, angioplasty, and radiological procedures. Variations are noted in morphometry between sides. Aim To determine the morphometry of the vertebral artery (VA) with emphasis on the fourth segment (V4) and its variations using computed tomography angiogram (CTA). Materials and methods This present retrospective study was conducted in the Departments of Anatomy and Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital. Participants were patients who took a head and neck CT for various clinical reasons. About 50 CT images, 33 male and 17 females, were selected from the archives. The length, diameter, and entry level of VA were studied. The data were tabulated and statistically analyzed. Result The mean length of VA was 24.49 ± 3.02 (cm) on the left side and 24.28 ± 3.91 (cm) on the right side in female subjects and was found to be 22.78 ± 1.7 (cm) on the left side and 21.5 ± 2.7 (cm) on the right side in male subjects. The mean diameter of VA at the level of the foramen magnum was 0.32 ± 0.05 (cm) on the right side and 0.322 ± 0.07 (cm) on the left side in females, 0.3 ± 0.064 (cm) on the left side and 0.26 ± 0.086 (cm) on the right side in males. Conclusion The length of VA was found to be statistically more on the left side than on the right side. The variations in morphometry seen can aid in various surgical and radiological procedures.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Mentoring is a natural process, which blossoms from the desire of experienced veterans to give and the thirst of inexperienced novices to grow. Formal faculty mentoring could help the 1st year students to thrive on the complicated situations in a newer environment and excel in their career. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of mentorship program in improving the academic performance of 1st MBBS students. METHODS: 148 first MBBS students of Al Azhar medical college, who were admitted for 2017-18 academic year, were included for this interventional study. Mentorship program was started in our college since January 2018 after first internal exam, wherein the students were equally divided among 6 mentors. At the end of 6 months, to assess the effectiveness of mentorship program, a post-exam was conducted and the marks were compared with the pre-program performance. Paired t test was used to compare the marks before and after the program. Furthermore, the perception of mentees on mentorship program was also assessed by a valid questionnaire (score of 1-4). RESULTS: The mean score of students in the exam conducted after mentorship program was significantly higher (p<0.001) than that conducted before commencing mentorship program. This increment in performance is appreciated more in girls rather than the boys. Furthermore, the mentorship program significantly (p<0.001) helped to boost the academic performance in below average students who had scored < 50% marks in pre-program assessment. The effectiveness of the mentorship program was further supported by the students' feedback. 40.5% of the students agreed and 56.8% of them strongly agreed that mentorship program was effective and beneficial to them. CONCLUSION: The mentorship program obviously improves the academic performance of students, especially below average performers who need extra care and guidance.
