Distribution of internal thoracic artery perforators: A clincal anatomy study

There are various modifications of the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap and deep inferior epigastric perforator flap to reduce the morbidity of the donor site or to augment the vascularity of the flap. For microanastomosis of multiple pedicles, multiple recipient vessels or an intervening vein graft should be provided. In addition, alternative perforator‐based flaps used in breast reconstruction have small caliber pedicles. Therefore, small recipient vessels such as internal thoracic artery perforators are more suitable for appropriate microanastomosis. Therefore, it is important to acquaint the distribution and anatomical characteristics of internal thoracic artery perforators. We researched the perforators running in the intercostal spaces under the pectoralis major muscle to provide an overview of the anatomical distribution and characteristics of the perforators in patients who underwent immediate subpectoral implant‐based breast reconstructions. In our study, the major perforators (diameter > 1.5 mm) were easily found 2–7 cm medially between the third and fourth intercostal space and were sparse in the lateral area from the midline of the breast (usually 8–9 cm lateral to the midsternal line) and above the third rib. In each side of the breast, the average number of perforators greater than 1.5 mm was 1.6, and the average number of perforators between 1 mm and 1.5 mm in diameter was 3.2. Our results provide information about perforators in the anterior chest wall related to the breast area. Clin. Anat. 32:471–475, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Computerized anatomy of the distal radius and its relevance to volar plating,research, and teaching

Distal radius fractures are common and fracture patterns and fixation can be complex. Computerized anatomy evaluation (CAE) might offer non‐invasive and enhanced anatomy assessment that might help with implant selection and placement and screw length determination. Our goal was to test the accuracy of two CAE methods for anatomical volar plate positioning and screw lengths measurement of the distal radius. We included 56 high‐resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography scans of intact, human distal radii. Plates were placed manually onto 3D printed models (method 1), which was compared with automated computerized plate placement onto the 3D computer models (method 2). Subsequently, screw lengths were determined digitally for both methods. Screw lengths evaluations were compared via Bland–Altman plots. Both CAE methods resulted in identical volar plate selection and in anatomical plate positioning. For screw length the concordance correlation coefficient was ≥0.91, the location shift ≤0.22 mm, and the scale shift ≤0.16. The differences were smaller than ±1 mm in all samples. Both CAE methods allow for comparable plate positioning and subsequent screw length measurement in distal radius volar plating. Both can be used as a non‐invasive teaching environment for volar plate fixation. Method 2 even offers fully computerized assessments. Future studies could compare our models to other anatomical areas, post‐operative volar plate positioning, and model performance in actual distal radius fracture instead of intact radii. Clin. Anat. 32:361–368, 2019. © 2018 The Authors. Clinical Anatomy published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Clinical Anatomists.     

Identifying the emergence of the superficial peroneal nerve through deep fascia on ultrasound and by dissection: Implications for regional anesthesia in foot and ankle surgery

Regional anesthesia relies on a sound understanding of anatomy and the utility of ultrasound in identifying relevant structures. We assessed the ability to identify the point at which the superficial peroneal nerve (SPN) emerges through the deep fascia by ultrasound on 26 volunteers (mean age 27.85 years ± 13.186; equal male: female). This point was identified, characterized in relation to surrounding bony landmarks (lateral malleolus and head of the fibula), and compared to data from 16 formalin‐fixed human cadavers (mean age 82.88 years ± 6.964; equal male: female). The SPN was identified bilaterally in all subjects. On ultrasound it was found to pierce the deep fascia of the leg at a point 0.31 (±0.066) of the way along a straight line from the lateral malleolus to the head of the fibula (LM‐HF line). This occurred on or anterior to the line in all cases. Dissection of cadavers found this point to be 0.30 (±0.062) along the LM‐HF line, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (U = 764.000; exact two‐tailed P = 0.534). It was always on or anterior to the LM‐HF line, anterior by 0.74 cm (±0.624) on ultrasound and by 1.51 cm (±0.509) during dissection. This point was significantly further anterior to the LM‐HF line in cadavers (U = 257.700, exact two‐tailed P < 0.001). Dissection revealed the nerve to divide prior to emergence in 46.88% (n = 15) limbs, which was not identified on ultrasound (although not specifically assessed). Such information can guide clinicians when patient factors (e.g., obesity and peripheral edema) make ultrasound‐guided nerve localization more technically challenging. Clin. Anat. 32:390–395, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Meckel囊在经皮穿刺球囊压迫术治疗三叉神经痛中的应用解剖

目的：对Meckel 囊及其周围重要结构进行解剖学研究，并进行模拟穿刺，为提高手术成功率、减少术后 并发症提供解剖学依据。方法：采用甲醛固定的尸头标本，观察和测量Meckel 囊及其毗邻结构相关数据；将卵 圆孔分为内前（ Ⅰ）、内后（ Ⅱ）、外前（ Ⅲ）、外后（ Ⅳ）4 个象限，在直视下分别将穿刺针放置于不同象限，模拟 穿刺过程，将球囊置于Meckel 囊中，并记录穿刺结果。结果：Meckel 囊是颅后窝硬脑膜跨过岩尖在颅中窝形成 的一个裂隙样硬脑膜袋，其平均长径（12.56±1.14）mm、宽径（9.17±0.93）mm、高度（4.37±0.85）mm。囊 内包含三叉神经根、三叉神经半月节及其分支，是经皮穿刺球囊压迫术中放置球囊的目标位置，当穿刺针置于卵 圆孔Ⅱ象限时穿刺成功率为75%，高于Ⅰ象限（56%）、Ⅲ象限（25%）和Ⅳ象限（38%），差异具有统计学意义。 结论：成功穿刺Meckel 囊是经皮穿刺球囊压迫术成功的关键，熟悉Meckel 囊及其毗邻重要结构对经皮穿刺球囊 压迫术的操作至关重要，从而提高手术效果，减少术后并发症。     

Paleopathological study of a podal osteochondroma from the prehistoric Hypogeum of Calaforno (Sicily)

In this article, we report a case of isolated podal osteochondroma from the prehistoric Hypogeum of Calaforno (Giarratana, Ragusa, Sicily). Although the phalanx exhibiting the benign tumoral mass comes from a context featuring several commingled remains, the very good state of preservation of this bone allowed us to perform a comprehensive study of the neoplasm by applying a multidisciplinary approach encompassing archeology, morphology, stereomicroscopy, and radiology. The results from this very ancient specimen have been assessed in the light of the available paleopathological literature and clinical implications currently encountered in modern patients.     

Communication,collaboration and contagion: “Virtualisation” of anatomy during COVID‐19

COVID‐19 has generated a global need for technologies that enable communication, collaboration, education and scientific discourse whilst maintaining physical distance. University closures due to COVID‐19 and physical distancing measures disrupt academic activities that previously occurred face‐to‐face. Restrictions placed on universities due to COVID‐19 have precluded most conventional forms of education, assessment, research and scientific discourse. Anatomists now require valid, robust and easy‐to‐use communication tools to facilitate remote teaching, learning and research. Recent advances in communication, video conferencing and digital technologies may facilitate continuity of teaching and research activities. Examples include highly‐interactive video conferencing technology, collaborative tools, social media and networking platforms. In this narrative review, we examine the utility of these technologies in supporting effective communication and professional activities of anatomists during COVID‐19 and after.