Mean Canal-body Ratio among Specimens of Dried Lumbar Vertebrae in the Department of Anatomy of a Medical College: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

Introduction: Lumbar spinal canal stenosis is assumed to be one of the chief causative factors for low back pain. The measurement of lumbar canal and body dimensions has thus become an important tool for the diagnosis and treatment of spinal stenosis. This study aims to find out the mean canal-body ratio among specimens of dried lumbar vertebrae in a medical college. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in a medical college from May, 2021 to July, 2021. Ethical clearance was taken from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 0502202103) and whole sampling was done. Seventy-three intact dried lumbar vertebrae were studied for the dimensions of the body and canal in transverse and anteroposterior planes. The findings were recorded and the canal body ratio was calculated using the transverse diameters of the spinal canal and vertebral body. The data obtained were computed and analysed using Microsoft Excel 2013. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with mean and standard deviation for continuous data. Results: The mean canal-body ratio was observed to be 0.53±0.032. The vertebral canal-body ratio was observed to be 0.58 in L1 followed by 0.53 in L2, 0.51 in L3, 0.49 in L4 and 0.53 in L5. Conclusions: The mean canal-body ratio observed in the present study was comparable to studies done in similar settings. Keywords: anatomy; bones; lumbar vertebrae.

Morphological variations in Placentas among Deliveries in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: The full term human placenta is a flattened discoidal mass with an approximately circular or oval outline. However, variations can be present in the morphology in the form of bidiscoidal shape, lobed, diffused, fenestrated or circumvallate. The objective of the study was to find out the prevalence of morphological variations in placentas among deliveries in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in a tertiary care centre. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among total in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in a tertiary care centre after receiving ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 2308202105). The study was conducted between September 2021 to November 2021 and the shape of the placenta was observed and the variations present were noted. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. RESULTS: Out of 105 placentas observed, morphological variations were seen in two (1.91%) (0-4.53, 95% Confidence Interval). One (50%) was observed to be placenta succenturiata and one (50%) was triangular in shape. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of morphological variations in placentas was found to be higher than the studies done in similar settings.

Prevalence of Bilateral Asymmetry of Tibial Bones Length in MBBS Students of A Medical College.

INTRODUCTION: A wide variability of bilateral asymmetry in human has been observed within the population. However sufficient attention has not been given to the difference present in the limbs especially the tibial bones. It is generally assumed that the both limbs of the individual are with insignificant differences. The objective of the study is to find the prevalence of bilateral asymmetry of the tibial bone length of the same individual and distribution in between the two genders. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 students of Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital after obtaining ethical approval. Simple Random Sampling technique was used. The right and the left tibial length were recorded for different genders Results: Bilateral asymmetry in the tibial bone length was observed in 66 (44%) [41.58%- 46.42% at 95% CI] of the subjects which was recorded more in males 98 (65.15%) than in females. The minimum and maximum differences between the tibial length present was 0.1mm and 0.8 mm respectively with a mean of 0.2136 mm. Among the three age groups, tibial length asymmetry was observed highest 67 (45.56%) in Group B (20-22 years). Asymmetry in length was seen more in the right tibia with male preponderance over female. CONCLUSIONS: Asymmetry in the tibial bones length should be given proper attention and proper diagnosis and treatment of leg discrepancies should be done.

Study of Fingerprint Patterns in Population of a Community.

INTRODUCTION: Fingerprints, serve as one of the crucial tools for identification of the individual for various purposes. Sex, being one of those tools, researchers have suggested the use of fingerprints for gender identification. The objective of the study was to observe the distribution of various fingerprints patterns in the population of a community, together with the most prevalent pattern. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the population of Duwakot VDC, Bhaktapur from May 2019 to July 2019. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee with reference no. 2812201804. One hundred and ninety-six individuals of 18 to 60 years of age were enrolled. Fingerprints of all ten fingers were taken and studied to see the distribution pattern and analyzed for gender differences. Simple random sampling was done and the sample size was calculated with a prevalence of 50%. The data obtained were computed and analyzed using Excel to find the results. RESULTS: The study showed the highest frequency of loops 1033 (52.71%) followed by whorls 537 (27.38%), arches 300 (15.28%) and composite pattern 90 (4.61%). The radial loops were observed more in the males 397 (5.54%) of total males whereas ulnar loops were observed more in the females 636 (96.38%) of total females. Among whorls, the concentric whorls were seen more in males 245 (52.03%) whereas the spiral whorls were seen more in the females 292 (53.27%). CONCLUSIONS: For standard authenticity of the sexual dimorphism, fingerprint patterns, can also be considered for gender identification purposes.