Efficacy and Reliability of Percutaneous Gigli Saw Osteotomy in Midfoot Surgery: A Cadaver Study.

BACKGROUND: Midfoot osteotomy is often used in the surgical treatment of foot deformities. The percutaneous Gigli saw osteotomy (PGSO) technique has many advantages compared with known osteotomy techniques. We aimed to show the efficacy and reliability of the PGSO technique in the midfoot of fresh frozen cadavers without using an image intensifier. METHODS: Four mini-incisions were performed on the dorsomedial, dorsolateral, plantar medial, and plantar lateral regions of the midfoot. Subperiosteal tunnels were then opened with a thin bone elevator, and the four incisions were combined with each other. The Gigli saw was tied to suture material and passed through the tunnels. The PGSO was performed in the midfoot of 12 feet of the cadaver specimens without using an image intensifier. Cadaver specimens were dissected, and injured structures were noted. RESULTS: The mean ± SD (range) cadaver age was 81.16 ± 10.38 years (65-93 years) and weight was 60.86 ± 12.39 kg (49.8-81.6 kg). All of the osteotomies were adequate as planned in the cuboid-cuneiform level and all of them were complete osteotomy .Incomplete osteotomy was not observed in any cadaver specimens. In one specimen, a complete injury of the peroneal tendons (peroneus longus and brevis) was detected. In another specimen, an incomplete tibialis anterior tendon injury was detected. There was no iatrogenic neurovascular injury in the specimens. CONCLUSIONS: The PGSO technique is recommended for use even by inexperienced surgeons owing to its minimal risk of soft-tissue injury, provision of a complete osteotomy line, and easy application with limited incisions.

Hair diameter measurements for planning follicular unit extraction surgery (FUE): Is there a correlation between the micrometer caliper and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) findings?

BACKGROUND: Hair shaft diameter is one of the most important factors for the outcome of follicular unit extraction (FUE) surgery. In fact, the hair shaft is elliptical. Therefore, it has a long and short axis. Many hair transplantation surgeons use manual micrometer caliper for gauging hair diameter and use the results in the management of recipient and donor area. AIM: In this study, we aimed to identify the dependability of micrometer caliper and also the hair diameter diversity pattern in the donor area. PATIENTS/METHODS: Two hundred and seventy hairs were collected from three males with androgenetic alopecia. Hair samples were obtained from the 1 cm2 boxes from superior to inferior at the mid-point of temporal, parietal, and occipital donor areas. The diameter of each hair was measured both with a micrometer caliper and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: Average diameter measured by scanning electron microscopy was 83.01 µm for the long axis and 51.51 µm for the short axis. The average value for the micrometer caliper measurement was 53.32 µm. Comparison of micrometer caliper results with the short-axis measurements of SEM revealed a strong significant correlation. The hair diameters from superior, middle, and inferior boxes revealed a tendency to decrease toward the inferior regions. CONCLUSIONS: A manual micrometer caliper is a dependable tool for planning FUE surgery, and it measures the short axis of the elliptical hair shaft. Hair diameter tends to decrease toward the inferior regions of the donor area.

Is denervation surgery possible in the treatment of hallux rigidus? An anatomic study of cadaveric specimens.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to provide anatomic considerations in the first metatarsophalangeal joint (FMPJ) innervation and to evaluate the feasibility of the denervation surgery in the treatment of hallux rigidus. METHODS: In this cadaveric study, 14 fresh frozen cadaveric transtibial amputation specimens was used. For nerve dissection, dorsal and plantar longitudinal incision centered over the FMPJ were performed. Deep peroneal and dorsomedial cutaneous nerves were dissected in the dorsal aspect of the joint. Medial plantar nerve branches, medial and lateral hallucal nerves, were dissected in the plantar aspect of the joint. The presence, number, and location of articular branches to the FMPJ capsule were recorded. Dorsal and plantar incision length for proper dissection were also recorded. RESULTS: Nerve dissection of the 14 specimens revealed the following number of articular branches from the relevant nerves: 14 from dorsomedial cutaneous nerves, 11 from deep peroneal nerves, 6 from medial hallucal nerve, and 5 from lateral hallucal nerve. Dorsal incision mean length was 60.53 (range, 42.48-85.12) mm, and the plantar incision mean length was 88.08 (range, 77.32-111.21) mm. CONCLUSION: Evidence from this study has shown that partial dorsal denervation of the FMPJ may be a technically feasible procedure along with the presence of superficially easily dissected nerves with relatively small incision. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 5.

Hamstring autograft and anatomical footprint evaluation for anterior talofibular ligament reconstruction: Cadaveric study.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate whether or not there was any incompatibility between two-strand hamstring tendons taken from the same knee and the ATFL and it was the determination of suitable footprint points in the fibula and talus for anatomical ATFL reconstruction. METHODS: 16 fresh frozen cadaver specimens were dissected to gracilis and semitendinosus tendons and the anterior talofibular ligament. The origins, insertions, distances from osseous landmarks of fibular talus of ATFL were determined. The diameters of gracilis, semitendinosus and ATFL were calculated. There was a moderate correlation between body height and the distance between the distal of inferior lateral malleolus and the fibular adhesion site of ATFL (r: 36.5 p: 0.036). There was a weak correlation between body height and the distance between the apex of the lateral talar process and the talus adhesion site of ATFL in a single bundle (r: 28.4 p: 0.002). There was no correlation between the distance from proximal and distal adhesion side of ATFL and body height in the double bundle (p: 0.241). RESULTS: There was no significant relationship between ATFL diameter and gracilis, semitendinosus and both hamstring in women. A significant relationship at 80.5% was determined between the ATFL and the gracilis diameter in man. A significant relationship at 92.6% was determined between the ATFL and the semitendinosus diameter in man. CONCLUSION: It was determined that there is not compatibility between the gracilis tendons, the semitendinosus tendon and ATFL in women. It should be supported by biomechanical and clinical studies whether this incompatibility has a clinical effect or not.

A comparison of EFECE systems with tension band wiring for patella fracture fixation in cadavers.

BACKGROUND: EFECE systems are newly defined internal fixation systems, which are suitable for patella fracture fixation. The aim of this study was to compare the fixation strength of EFECE Systems with tension band wiring for transverse patellar fracture simulation on fresh frozen cadaver models. METHODS: Quadriceps tendon-patella-patellar tendon (QT-P-PT) complex was prepared from human cadavers. After simulation of a transverse patella fracture, in group 1, 5 patella were fixed with a pair of 1.2 mm EFECE wires and 4 EFECE devices. In group 2, 5 patella were fixed with a pair of 1.2 mm Kirschner wires (K-wire) and a cerclage wire according to the tension band technique. Using a testing device with custom-made jaws, increasing distraction force was applied to these QT-P-PT complexes. Extension of these complexes with the distraction forces was observed. The maximum distraction force and the elongation during maximum force were evaluated. RESULTS: After 5 experiments with the EFECE systems, there was no EFECE wire breakage or EFECE wire-EFECE device catching failure. The median maximum force was 740 N (720-810 N). During maximum distraction force the median extension was 2.5 mm (1.6-2.5 mm). After 5 experiments with the tension band technique, there was no K-wire breakage. The median maximum force was 330 N (240-510 N). During this maximum distraction force the median extension was 3.4 mm (2.2-3.8 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the biomechanical advantages, patella fracture treatment with EFECE systems may constitute a reasonable alternative in the treatment of patella fractures.

Analysis of Subcutaneous Anterior Transposition versus in-situ Decompression of Ulnar Nerve with Force Transducer in Cadaver Specimen.

AIM: To evaluate the changes in the pressure values of the ulnar nerve after in-situ decompression and anterior subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The ulnar nerve was released in the postcondylar groove. An ultrathin (100 lm) force transducer was embedded between the posterior of the ulnar nerve and the anterior of the medial epicondyle. The elbow joint was flexed from full extension position to maximum flexion and was measured to obtain the maximum stress at 0°, 45°, 90°, and 135° of flexion. Then, the ulnar nerve was transposed anterior subcutaneously. The same measurement was applied to the two procedures. Data were compared between the two surgical techniques. RESULTS: Our study was performed on the right upper extremities of eight (seven men and one woman) fresh frozen cadavers. The mean age of the cadavers was 67.25 ± 12.2 years. Mean values of 0°, 45°, 90°, and 135° of flexion after the ulnar nerve insitu decompression were 0.41, 0.9, 1.7, and 4.3 N, respectively. Mean values of 0°, 45°, 90°, and 135° of flexion after anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve were 0.3, 0.73, 1.63, and 2.15 N, respectively. No significant difference was noted between the two groups in terms of 0°, 45°, and 90° of flexion values. However, there was a significant difference between the two groups in the 135° of flexion measurement values. CONCLUSION: Anterior transposition is a more appropriate technique than in-situ decompression in the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome that does not respond to conservative treatment regardless of the severity of the symptom.

Percutaneous Plantar Fascia Release With Needle: Anatomic Evaluation with Cadaveric Specimens.

Percutaneous plantar fascia release with needle is a novel procedure for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. The objective of this cadaveric study is to perform an anatomic evaluation of the percutaneous plantar fascia release method using a conventional hypodermic needle. In this study, we used 14 fresh-frozen cadaveric trans-tibial amputation specimens. Percutaneous plantar fasciotomy with a conventional hypodermic needle was performed. After a proper dissection, the width of the plantar fascia, the thickness of the medial border, and the width of the cut segment were measured and recorded. Any muscle damage on the flexor digitorum brevis and damaged area depth were recorded. Any damage on the lateral plantar nerve and the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve, also known as Baxter's nerve, and their distance to fasciotomy were also recorded. Mean width (± standard deviation) of the plantar fascia was measured as 20.34 ± 4.25 mm. The mean thickness of the medial border of the plantar fascia was 3.04 ± 0.54 mm. Partial fasciotomy was performed in all cadavers with 49.47% ± 7.25% relative width of the plantar fascia. No lateral plantar nerve, or its first branch Baxter's nerve, was damaged, and the mean distance from the deepest point of the fasciotomy up to the Baxter's nerve was 8.62 ± 2.62 mm. This cadaveric study demonstrated that partial plantar fasciotomy can be achieved via percutaneous plantar fascia release with a conventional hypodermic needle without any nerve damage.

Biomechanical and Morphometric Properties of the Long Flexor Tendons of the Toes: A Cadaver Study.

BACKGROUND: We sought to show the biomechanical and morphometric properties of flexor hallucis longus (FHL) and flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendon grafts harvested by specific surgical approaches and to assess the contribution of FHL slips to the long flexor tendons of the toes. METHODS: Thirteen fresh-frozen amputated feet (average age, 79 years) were dissected. The connections between the FHL and FDL tendons and the contribution of FHL slips to the long flexor tendons were classified. The biomechanical properties of the tendons and slips were measured using a tensile device. RESULTS: The connections between the FHL and FDL tendons were reviewed in two groups. Group 1 had FHL slips (11 cases) and group 2 had cross-slips (two cases). The FHL slips joined the second and third toe long flexor tendon structures. Tendon length decreased significantly from the second to the fifth toe (P < .001). Apart from the second toe tendon being thicker than that of the fourth toe (P = .02) and Young's modulus being relatively smaller in the third versus the fourth toe tendon (P = .01), biomechanical and morphometric properties of second to fourth tendons were similar. Mechanical properties of those tendons were significantly different from fifth toe tendons and FHL slips. Morphometric and biomechanical properties of FHL slips were similar to those of the fifth toe tendon. CONCLUSIONS: Herein, FHL slips were shown to have biomechanical properties that might contribute to flexor functions of the toes. During the harvesting of tendon grafts from the FHL by minimally invasive incision techniques from the distal plane of the master knot of Henry, cutting slips between FHL and FDL tendons could be considered a cause of postoperative function loss in toes.

Early Onset of Atherosclerosis of The Carotid Bifurcation in Newborn Cadavers.

INTRODUCTION: The anatomy of arterial bifurcations affects blood flow and has a significant role in the development of vascular disease. Therefore, it is important to know the structural characteristics of the Common Carotid Artery (CCA) and its branches for early onset of atherosclerosis in newborns. AIM: The present study was conducted to evaluate the characteristics of CCA in newborn cadavers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight carotid arteries obtained from newborn cadavers were used. The outflow to inflow area ratios was calculated to evaluate vessel diameters. Additionally, scanning electron and light microscopic investigations were conducted with tissue samples. The brachial artery of each cadaver was used as controls. Correlation between area ratios and atherosclerotic endothelial damage was determined. RESULTS: Light microscopic investigations demonstrated that control group sections showed no positivity for Oil red O staining, while carotid bifurcation regions depicted widespread occurrence of intimal lipid accumulations. Scanning electron microscopic examination of control group sections presented regular endothelial topography, while carotid bifurcation region topography exhibited numerous blood cells and separated endothelial cells. Fibrin accumulation on endothelial surface in low area ratios was another important finding in the examination of its endothelial surface degeneration. The above-mentioned morphological findings seemed to be quite parallel to outflow to inflow area ratio data favouring low area and degeneration. CONCLUSION: The correlation between area ratios and the histological characteristic of cerebral vessels of newborn cadavers indicate that early stages of atherosclerosis began in early embryologic life.

Morphometric analysis of the inferior vena cava related to lumbar vertebra and the aortic bifurcation on Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) / Análisis morfométrico de la vena cava inferior relacionado con las vértebras lumbares en la bifurcación aórtica mediante Tomografía Computadorizada Multidetector (TCMD)

Vascular structures are in greater danger during lumbar surgery. The purpose of this study is to describe the morphology of the inferior vena cava (IVC) related to the lumbar vertebra and aortic bifurcation (AB) and assessing the role of demographic values in these relations to decrease the risk of complications in the surgical interventions. The study was performed on Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) images of 100 male and 100 female cases with an age range from 50 to 84 years. The morphometric values of the IVC obtained from the coronal, sagittal and the axial reformatted images were measured and compared with the demographic values. The distance from the IVC to the 1st lumbar vertebra (L1) and 2nd lumbar vertebra (L2) were measured as (26.5 mm and 18.1 mm) in males and (21.1 mm and 14.2 mm) in females with a high level of significance between genders; the distance from the IVC to the iliocaval confluence (IC), 3rd lumbar vertebra (L3) and 4rd lumbar vertebra (L4) were measured as (6.5 mm, 10.5 mm and 6.9 mm) in males and (4.9 mm, 9.1 mm and 5.5 mm) in females with significance between genders. The level of the IC was detected 46 % of males, 39 % of females at the level of lower third of L4. The vertical distance between the IC and the AB was measured and negative correlation between genders based on age was detected. Demographic values are important to consider the relationship of the IVC, the lumbar vertebra and the AB. The IVC was located further from the lumbar vertebra in males compared to females. Age increase played role in the approaching of the AB and the IC to each other in both gender and the IC to the promontory level in males.

Las estructuras vasculares corren gran peligro durante la cirugía lumbar. El propósito de este estudio fue describir la morfología de la vena cava inferior (VCI) en relación con las vértebras lumbares y la bifurcación aórtica (BA), junto con evaluar los valores demográficos de estas relaciones para disminuir el riesgo de complicaciones en las intervenciones quirúrgicas. Se utilizaron tomografías computadorizadas multidetector (TCMD) de 100 casos de hombres y mujeres entre 50 a 84 años de edad. Los valores morfométricos de la VCI se obtuvieron desde imágenes coronales y sagitales reformateadas, medidas y comparadas con los valores demográficos. Se midió la distancia de la VCI a la 1a (L1) y 2a vértebra lumbar (L2), en hombres de 26,5 mm y 18,1 mm respectivamente, y en mujeres de 21,1 mm y 14,2 mm, respectivamente, con un alto nivel de significancia entre el sexos. La distancia desde la VCI a la confluencia iliocava (CI), 3a (L3) y 4a vértebra lumbar (L4) fue para los hombres de 6,5 mm, 10,5 mm y 6,9 mm, respectivamente, y en mujeres de 4,9 mm, 9,1 mm y 5,5 mm respectivamente, con significancia entre los sexos. El nivel de la IC se detectó en 46 % de los varones y en el 39 % de las mujeres, a nivel de tercio inferior de L4. La distancia vertical entre la CI y la BA se tuvo una correlación negativa entre sexos en base a la edad. Los valores demográficos son importantes al considerar la relación de la VCI, las vértebras lumbares y la BA. La VCI se encuentra a una distancia mayor de las vértebras lumbares en hombres que en mujeres. El incremento de la edad jugó un papel importante en la aproximación de la BA y la IC, tanto entre sí como según sexo, con la CI a nivel del promontorio en los hombres.