Anatomical dimensions of the typical cervical vertebrae and their clinical implications

The aim of the present study was to study the dimensions of various parts of the typical cervical vertebrae in anatomical samples. This study included 100 cadaveric dried typical cervical vertebrae, which were obtained at the osteology sec-tion. This study lacks the information on sex and chronological number of cervical vertebrae being studied. The dimensions of different parts of vertebrae like the body, pedicle, spinous process, laminae and articular facets were measured. The data of the right and left sides were statistically analysed by using the software 'EZR' (version 1.38, 2019). The shapes of the superior and inferi-or articular facets were macroscopically observed. The mean height of the typical cervical vertebra was 10.92 ± 1.35 mm; the vertebral body antero-posterior length was 14.79 ± 1.96 mm and 15.56 ± 1.95 mm at the superior and inferior borders; the vertebral body transverse length was 23.22 ± 2.16 mm and 19.88 ± 2.38 mm at the superior and inferior borders respectively; the spinous process length was 15.25 ± 4.25 mm; the vertebral fora-men anteroposterior and transverse length were 12.33 ± 1.68 mm and 21.98 ± 1.82 mm respectively. The pedicle length was more (p > 0.05) at the right side than the left. In the remaining parameters of the paired structures, there was no statistically significant difference observed (p < 0.05). The morphometric data of the present study will enlighten the operating spine surgeon during procedures like internal fixation and decom-pression procedures of fracture spine. We believe that the surgical implants should be devised as per the morphometric data of the particular population

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Foramen of Vesalius: Prevalence, Morphology, Embryological Basis and Clinical Implications

The objectives of the present study were to find the prevalence of foramen of Vesalius and to discuss its morphology. The embryological basis of this foramen and its surgical highlights are emphasized. The study comprised 78 human adult dried skulls, which were obtained from the anatomy laboratory of our institution. The greater wing of the sphenoid bone was macroscopically observed for the presence of foramen of Vesalius. It was observed that the foramen was present in 29 skulls (37.2%). It was seen bilaterally in 13 (16.7%) skulls and unilaterally in 16 (20.5%) specimens.Anatomical literature has explained the variation of this foramen by the developmental considerations. We believe that the details of this foramen are known to have significant implications for the medical and surgical literature. The details are also enlightening to the clinical anatomists and other broad specialties of medicine.This sphenoidal emissary foramen contains a bridging vein, which connects the pterygoid venous plexus with the cavernous sinus. This communication is clinically important, since an extra cranial infection may sometimes reach the cavernous sinus through this foramen, which may lead to cavernous sinus thrombosis. Foramen of Vesalius can get injured during the trigeminal nerve block technique performed for the trigeminal neuralgia. In this procedure, the foramen can get hurt by a displaced instrument, which would end up in intracranial bleeding, which can spread the extracranal infection into the cavernous sinus. This may lead to serious disorders like Tolosa Hunt and Gradenigo syndromes. Keywords: Foramen ovale, middle cranial fossa, morphology, skull base, sphenoid bone

The Anterior Transverse Ligament of Knee: Morphological and Morphometric Study in Formalin Fixed Human Fetuses

The objective was to study the morphology and morphometry of transverse ligament of the knee joint in south Indian population. The present study included 53 formalin fixed foetuses which were obtained from the department of Anatomy. There were 106 knee joints which were available for the present study. A vernier caliper of 0.02 mm accuracy was used to measure the length of the transverse ligament. Among our specimens, transverse ligament of the knee was observed in 87.7% of the cases. It was observed bilaterally in 81.1% of cases. The double transverse ligaments were not observed in any of our specimens. The mean length of the transverse ligament measured 3.7 ± 1.5 mm. The statistically significant difference was not observed between the right and left sided transverse ligaments or gender with regard to its length (Student's t test; p > 0.05). The morphological and morphometric data related to the transverse ligament of the knee in human foetuses have not been reported. The present study provides additional information on the morphology and morphometry of the transverse ligament in human foetuses. We believe that the data of the present study will provide support to the foetal anatomy, concerning the surgical procedures and arthroscopy of the knee joint. The findings are enlightening not only for Orthopedic Surgeons, but also for the Morphologists and Embryologists.

A Morphometric Analysis of Intercondylar Notch of Femur with Emphasis on Its Clinical Implications

The intercondylar notch has been an anatomic site of interest as it lodges the anterior cruciate ligament. The objectives of the present study were to study the morphology and morphometry of femoral intercondylar notch in cadaveric dry bones with emphasis on its clinical implications.The present investigation was performed by using 97 dry femora. The parameters like intercondylar notch width, intercondylar notch depth, condylar width and condylar depth were measured. The shapes of intercondylar notch were also analyzed. The measurements were compared statistically with respect to right and sides and were tabulated. It was observed that the intercondylar notch was having inverted ‘U’ shape morphology in 71 (73.2%) specimens and it was inverted ‘V’ shaped in 26 (26.8%) cases. The mean intercondylar notch width, intercondylar notch depth, condylar width and condylar depth were 11.9 ± 2.7 mm, 26.3 ± 2.4 mm, 72.9 ± 5.3 mm and 57.3 ± 4.3 mm, respectively. It was observed that there was no statistical significance difference observed (p > 0.05) between the right and left sides. The notch width index and notch depth index were determined as 0.25 and 0.46, respectively. The morphometry data of the present study could provide importance to the orthopedicians in prevention and management of knee injuries. We believe that the present study has provided additional information on this subject and these data might be of use to the clinicians who are involved in the diagnosis and management of knee problems.

Variant origins of arteries in the carotid triangle - a case report.

The left superior laryngeal artery was observed arising from the external carotid artery instead of the superior thyroid artery in the cadaver of an approximately 70 year-old Asian man. In addition, on the same side, the superior thyroid artery arose from the common carotid artery 2 cm before the bifurcation instead of its usual origin from the external carotid artery. From the external carotid artery, the lingual and facial arteries arose from the common linguofacial trunk. The nerves in the carotid triangle were normal in course. No variations were observed on the right side carotid system. The multiple variations in this case have not been previously described. The embryogenesis of this combination of variations is not clear, but the anatomic consequences may have important clinical implications. As angiography has gained popularity in diagnostic approaches in recent years, it is essential to be aware of these variations so that they are not overlooked in differential diagnoses.

Morphological and topographical anatomy of nutrient foramina in the lower limb long bones and its clinical importance.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge regarding nutrient foramina of bones is useful in surgical procedures such as microvascular bone transfer in order to preserve the circulation. The objective of the present study was to study the morphology and topography of nutrient foramina and to determine the foraminal index of the lower limb long bones to provide detailed data on such features. METHOD: The study comprised examination of 206 lower limb long bones which included femora, tibiae and fibulae. The nutrient foramina were identified analysed macroscopically and the foramen index calculated. Each bone was divided into five parts and topographical analysis was performed on each section. RESULTS: Femora had single nutrient foramen in 47.7% of the cases, double foramen in 44.2% of the cases, triple in 3.5% of the cases and an absence of foramen in 4.6%. In the case of tibiae, 98.6% showed single foramen and in 1.4% of the cases, the foramen was absent. With respect to fibulae, 90.2% had single foramen and foramen was absent in 9.8%. The mean foraminal index was 38.9 for the femora, 32.5 for tibiae and 49.2 for fibulae. The majority (51.3%) of the foramina in the femora were located at the 2/5(th) part, 98.3% of the tibiae foramina at the 2/5(th) part and 60% of the fibulae at the 3/5(th) part. CONCLUSION: The study provides information on the morphology and topography of nutrient foramina in lower limb long bones. The double foramina were more common in femur and rare in the tibia and fibula. The foramina of the femur and tibia were commonly observed at their upper part, whereas in the fibula they were present on the lower part. This knowledge of the nutrient foramina has to be kept in mind during surgical procedures.