The Radioulnar Distance at the Level of the Radial Tuberosity

Ruptures of the distal biceps brachii tendon are generally treated operatively due to their loss of supination and flexion force. A mechanical impingement at the insertion of the tendon at the radial tuberosity is discussed to play a role in the etiology of this injury. The aim of this study was to present a detailed, three-dimensional anatomical analysis of the radioulnar space at the radial tuberosity. A total of 166 imprints of the radioulnar space in neutral rotation and pronation from 84 cadaveric specimens of both arms using silicone impression material were produced for this study. Imprints were cut in slices of 3 mm and digitally measured after picture acquisition using a high-resolution digital camera. Distances were grouped into a proximal, central, and distal groups and used for correlation to morphometric data at the elbow (radial head diameter, ulna and radius length) as well as volume calculation. The mean radioulnar distance was 8.8 ± 4.0 mm in neutral rotation and 7.8 ± 3.9 mm in pronation. In pronation, the central zone was the smallest whereas in neutral rotation the proximal zone was the smallest. The volume of the radioulnar space did not reduce significantly during pronation. Little space is provided for the insertion of the distal biceps brachii tendon especially during pronation. This could play a role in the etiology of distal biceps brachii tendon ruptures and should be considered in the fixation after rupture of the tendon. Clin. Anat., 33:661–666, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Anatomical considerations of the radius

Most radial head prostheses do not seem to be based on anatomic data. This may be due partly to the great variation of radial morphology. More importantly, few articles report on the dimensions of the radius. Authors have mainly studied dimensions of the radial head, with less emphasis to the relationship with the rest of the radius. Dimensions of, and relationship between, the proximal and the rest of the radius were measured on 27 fresh-frozen cadaveric upper extremities. Radial head, articulating surface, diaphysis, and distal radius were measured. Angles between the radial neck and diaphysis were defined and calculated. Axes of the distal and proximal radius were defined and radial torsion was calculated. Repeated measures were done by two observers in ten specimens. Inter- and intra-class correlation coefficients were very acceptable. Radial dimensions were found to be highly variable. Calculation of radial torsion showed the largest range. The average torsion was 54 degrees (range = 23-78 degrees). Radial length was 235 mm (range = 207-269 mm). Radial neck length was 13 mm (range = 9-19 mm). We found an average proximal diaphysis-neck angle of 17 degrees (range = 6-28 degrees). End to end-neck angle was 13 degrees (range = 4-22 degrees). Our findings indicate that even with a perfectly anatomical prosthesis, restoration of the anatomical situation can only be achieved when the implant is placed in the correct position. Instrumentation should be developed to allow accurate and reproducible implantation. The measurements we provide may aid this development.     

Quantified relationships of the radial nerve with the radial groove and selected humeral landmarks

Anatomical relationships between the radial nerve, the deltoid muscle insertions and several bony landmarks have been investigated to assess the feasibility of surgical transfer of the deltoid transfer during humeral osteotomy. Eleven embalmed human specimens were dissected. Each specimen included the whole thorax, both shoulders and upper limbs. Spatial position of the radial nerve along the radial groove, the deltoid muscle, and several anatomical landmarks was digitised using a three-dimensional (3D) digitiser. Sixteen distances and one angle characterizing the relationships between the path of the radial nerve and the landmarks were processed. Results showed that the average distance between the emergence of the radial nerve from the lateral intermuscular septum and the most distal insertion point of the deltoid muscle on the humeral bone shaft was 47.6 ± 18.5 mm. The angle between a line extending from the entry of the radial nerve into the radial sulcus and its point of emergence (REN–REM line), and on the other hand a line running from the radial emergence and the deltoid muscle tip (REM–DELTIP line) was in average 23.5 ± 6.7°. The length of four lines running perpendicular to REM–DELTIP and crossing each quarter of the REN–REM line were interpolated. The length of these four lines was, from proximal to distal, 31.3 ± 11.5 mm; 23.0 ± 7.8 mm; 16.5 ± 6.2 mm; and 7.6 ± 2.6 mm, respectively. These results described in a quantitative way the path of the radial nerve in respect to the humeral bone and the deltoid muscle. These data will be used for further development of a humeral osteotomy protocol taking into account the spatial position of the radial nerve to orientate safely the surgical tools used to cut the humeral shaft.     

The proximal radial artery perforator flap (PRAP-flap): an anatomical study for its use in elbow reconstruction

We investigated the anatomical vascular basis of the proximal radial artery perforator flap (PRAP-flap) and we report here the first clinical application in a case of reconstructive surgery as an alternative to traditional regional fasciocutaneous pedicled flaps or microsurgery solutions. In 16 unembalmed cadaveric forearms, the radial artery was slowly injected with acrylic resin through the brachial artery and the superficial flexor compartment was dissected. The flap was raised from the lateral and medial sides of the forearm toward the axis represented by the radial artery, and the characteristics (number, diameter, site and interval of origin, and course) of its collaterals were evaluated. In the proximal forearm, the vessels were less numerous (mean values 8.6 vs. 11.5, P < 0.05) but larger in diameter (mean values 0.7 vs. 0.4 mm, P < 0.05) than in the distal forearm. The first four proximal perforator arteries originated within a mean distance of 4.3 cm from the origin of the radial artery, with a 95% confidence interval of 3.8–4.8 cm. The perforator arteries followed the axis of the forearm and anastomosed in the fascial plane, forming longitudinal fan-shaped arterial chains, giving rise to an epifascial vascular network. This anatomical study allowed us to plan and perform a PRAP-flap in a 35-year-old woman who was suffering from comminuted fractures of the olecranon and distal epiphysis of the humerus and soft tissue loss from traumatic injury of the elbow. From the antebrachial surface, a proximally based radial forearm fasciocutaneous flap was raised, with a vascular pedicle of 16 × 5 cm, a cutaneous island of 4 × 5 cm, and a pivot point 5 cm from the interepicondylar line. The flap showed good immediate and long-term viability: it was completely incorporated with good pliability and the patient regained good functional quality of the elbow joint. The anatomical features and the demonstrative reconstructive result obtained in the here-reported surgical case support the clinical evidence that a reliable forearm skin paddle may be raised on a subcutaneous fascial axial pedicle supplied only by proximal perforators of the radial artery. The so-obtained PRAP-flap is useful for the coverage of elbow defects when other reconstructive options are no longer available.     

基于健侧三维数字解剖的桡骨头假体逆向工程研究

目的 探讨基于健侧三维数字解剖结构逆向工程个体化计算机辅助设计桡骨头假体的方法以提供临床精确置换。 方法 采用GE Speed Light 16排螺旋CT薄层扫描健康成人1例双侧肘关节,排除桡骨头疾患,获取CT扫描dicom数据导入Mimics10.0软件三维重建肘关节。提取左健侧桡骨近端三维模型经镜像模拟右患侧桡骨近端,再经编辑处理分割为头颈两部分。利用Mimics10.0软件测量颈段髓内径、长度参数构建假体柄。桡骨头模型导入Geomagic studio 12软件模拟软骨加厚处理,导入假体柄模型生成头柄部实体。按解剖特点虚拟组装头柄部件,实现患侧桡骨头假体的逆向工程。 结果 依据健侧肘关节CT影像数据,利用Mimics和Geomagic studio软件,进行三维重建,编辑,测量和反求,可实现个体化桡骨头假体设计和头柄部件的虚拟组装成型。 结论 基于健侧桡骨数字解剖的逆向工程为个体化桡骨头假体的研制提供了一个有效的方法。     

The relation of sulcus nervi radialis with the fracture line of humerus fracture and radial nerve injury

Purpose  Radial nerve is closely in contact with the bone in sulcus nervi radialis (SNR). Location of SNR shows ethnic differences. Radial nerve is a big problem in humerus fractures and its surgery. In this study, we aimed to examine if humerus fractures of this region increases the probability of radial nerve injury. Methods  Total length of humerus and the distance of SNR to proximal and distal anatomical points were measured on 57 human dry cadaver bones. The mean values of these data were calculated. The 58 cases of treated humerus fractures in our orthopedics department, whose radiological film techniques were available, were involved in the study and their measurements were made at the same anatomic reference points, retrospectively. Proximal and distal safe zones to total length ratios of both groups were determined. The ratios of the cases were compared with the confidence intervals of dry bones. Location of the fracture line according to SNR and the relationship between radial nerve injury and this location were evaluated. Results  Sulcus nervi radialis region was located at the middle of humerus. Of 24 cases which had radial nerve injury, only nine cases had fracture of SNR region. Of the 34 cases which had no radial nerve injury, 16 had fracture of SNR region. Conclusions  As a result; radial nerve injury rate was 37.5% for the fractures of SNR region and it was higher compared to other studies. We concluded that the fractures of SNR region do not increase the risk of radial nerve injury.     

腋神经和桡神经与肱骨的关系及其临床意义

目的　观测腋神经、桡神经与肱骨骨性标志的关系 ,为肱骨手术或外固定提供帮助。方法　在 30例 6 0侧成人上肢标本上观、测了腋神经、桡神经与肱骨有关骨性标志的距离。结果　肱骨最大长 (30 6 6 5± 17 4 8)mm ;肱骨最近端到腋神经(5 8 10± 5 6 1)mm ;肱骨最近端到桡神经穿外侧肌间隔处 (177 75± 11 86 )mm ;解剖颈最低点到腋神经 (16 2 4± 2 78)mm ;肱骨最近端到肱骨肌管入口处 (118 4 9± 6 6 1)mm ;并测量计算了各段占肱骨最大长的比例。结论　腋神经在肱骨近端 1/ 5处容易受损 ,而桡神经在肱骨下 3/ 5段为易损伤部。从术前和术中的影像 ,能测量和计算出神经的基本位置 ,可减少或避免神经损伤     

Comparative study of femoral diaphyseal morphometry in two male populations, in France and a French West Indies island: an example of clinical relevance of comparative anatomy for orthopedic practice

Our aim, through a comparative study of two populations, one European and the other Afro-Caribbean, was to find out whether there were differences in radiographic measurements of femoral diaphyseal canal diameter, thickness of the medial and lateral cortex, and global diaphyseal diameter. We studied the nailed femurs of adult males in a population of 54 Europeans and 52 Afro-Caribbeans. Both populations were comparable in terms of age, height and weight. The measurements were taken with a ruler on the narrowest area of the hourglass, the isthmus, on an antero-posterior radiograph. The diameter of the femoral canal was classified into three intervals: <13 mm, 13–14 mm and >14 mm. The femoral canal diameter was significantly larger in the European patients, 14.3 (11–19) versus 13.4 (11–15.6), while the thickness of the lateral cortex was significantly larger in the Afro-Caribbean patients, 8.50 (6–12) versus 7.72 (5.4–11.5). Patient distribution according to the intervals was different in both groups: 59% of the Afro-Caribbeans were in the average interval versus 24.1% of the Europeans. For nearly 53.7% of the Europeans, the diameter of the femoral canal fell in the last interval versus 15.4% of the Afro-Caribbeans. The fact that the femoral canal is narrower in the Afro-Caribbean population may be linked to a thicker lateral cortex. The diameters of the nails used were larger in the European population, 12.6 mm (10–15) versus 12.1 mm (11–14) in the Afro-Caribbean population. The global diameters of both populations’ femurs were similar (28.9 mm for the European sample vs. 29 mm). The present study may have an impact on the implants used in the orthopedic surgery (intramedullary nailing, arthroplasty implants). The range of usable implants must be complete and there must be precise pre-operative planning. A study of computed tomography scans could complement our measurements.     

Location of nerve entry points of flexor digitorum profundus

The aim of this study was to elucidate the anatomical location of nerve entry points of Flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) and its implications for non-surgical neurolysis. A total of 21 amputated forearms of 11 Korean fresh cadavers were dissected. Two transverse x-axes joined the medial and lateral epicondyles and the radial and ulnar styloid processes. The longitudinal y-axis joined the midpoints of the proximal and distal transverse x-axes. The locations of the points were marked relative to the forearm length (x) and forearm width (y). The number of nerve entry points from median nerve and ulnar nerve were average 3.91 ± 0.62 (range 3–5, median 4) and 2.14 ± 0.65 (range 1–3, median 2) respectively. Most (82.9%) nerve entry points of FDP from the median nerve were within two circles, with 15 mm diameter. The two circles were on medial 1/10 of forearm width from the y-axis, and on proximal 1/3 (1:2) and 2/5 (2:3) of forearm length on x-axis. Most (80.0%) nerve entry points of the ulnar nerve innervating FDP were within a 15 × 30 mm rectangle. Its center was located at +26.5% on x-axis and −36.0% on y-axis. The nerve entry points used to be selected in performing non-surgical neurolysis with either ethyl alcohol (50%) or phenol (5–12%).     

锁定钢板与髓内钉治疗复杂肱骨近端骨折临床疗效分析

目的 比较锁定钢板与髓内钉治疗复杂肱骨近端骨折患者的疗效,为精准化治疗复杂肱骨近端骨折提供一定的参考。方法 收集自2012年6月至2017年6月期间在本院行手术治疗的复杂肱骨近端骨折68例患者的资料。其中,男21例,女47例;平均年龄66.5岁; Neer 3部分为43例,Neer 4部分25例;根据损伤机制分型:内翻型38例,外翻型30例。35例行切开复位钢板螺钉内固定术,33例行有限切开复位肱骨近端锁定型髓内钉内固定术,评估锁定钢板与髓内钉治疗肱骨近端骨折后各项围手术期指标、术后肱骨近端形态学参数及肩关节功能评分等。结果 所有患者均获随访,平均随访时间为17.8个月。锁定钢板组与交锁髓内钉组的平均手术时间分别为(95.3±12.5) min与(75.9±10.3) min,平均切口长度分别为(11.8±2.6) cm与(7.6±2.2) cm,差异都有具有统计学意义(0.05)。肱骨近端形态学评估方面,锁定钢板组与交锁髓内钉组患者的初次颈干角分别为(137.5±7.8)°与(136.4±6.9)°,末次颈干角分别为(133.3±6.13)°与(134.5±7.21)°,两组间差异无统计学意义(0.05);锁定钢板组与交锁髓内钉组患者的前举范围为(143.9±20.36)°与(139.6±21.23)°,差异无统计学意义(0.05);肩关节评分锁定钢板组平均为(79.8±8.1)分,交锁髓内钉组(81.9±7.6)分(0.05)。锁定钢板组并发症发生率为22.8%,交锁髓内钉组并发症发生率为15.1%,差异有统计学意义(0.05)。结论 钢板与髓内钉治疗复杂肱骨近端骨折有各自优势,对于内翻型复杂肱骨近端骨折类型,力学上髓内钉相对于钢板更有优势,外翻型复杂肱骨近端骨折类型大部分伴有大结节粉碎骨折,锁定钢板对于大结节固定相对更有优势。外科医师需熟练掌握2种手术技术,避免并发症。     

Variation in tibial tuberosity lateralization and distance from the tibiofemoral joint line: An anatomic study

Background

To describe variation in tibial tuberosity position in a normal adult population and inter-rater reliability of measurements of tibial tuberosity position.

The “muscular hernia sign”: an original ultrasonographic sign to detect lesions of the forearm’s interosseous membrane

The total disruption of the forearm’s interosseous membrane can lead to an Essex-Lopresti syndrome. The diagnosis must be done early for a better prognostic. Incomplete lesions can aggravate and an early diagnosis of incomplete lesions is a challenging problem. Magnetic resonance imaging is the gold standard but remains expensive, and is hard to obtain in an emergency. On the contrary, ultrasonography is cheap, accessible in an emergency, and dynamical tests can be performed easily. Twelve fresh frozen forearms were randomized in four groups. The membrane was divided into three parts (proximal, middle, and distal thirds). Each group was prepared with variable patterns of lesions. Two radiologists performed an ultrasonographic (US) examination of these forearms. They were blinded with respect to the lesional status of the forearms. Each examination consisted of two stages: static and dynamic. During the dynamic examination, the radiologist looked for the “muscular hernia sign”. The results of their examinations were compared with the real lesional status. The static examination was very efficient in the proximal and middle parts of the membrane, and less reliable in the distal third. With the dynamical examination, no mistake occurred at the proximal and middle parts of the forearm, and there was only one at the distal part. The US examination of the interosseous membrane is very efficient to detect incomplete lesions, mostly, if dynamical tests are performed looking for a “muscular hernia sign”.     

Effects of different technical coordinate system definitions on the three dimensional representation of the glenohumeral joint centre

This study aimed to find the most appropriate marker location, or combination thereof, for the centre of the humeral head (Wang et al. in J Biomech 31: 899–908, 1998) location representation during humeral motion. Ten male participants underwent three MRI scans in three different humeral postures. Seven technical coordinate systems (TCS) were defined from various combinations of an acromion, distal upper arm and proximal upper arm clusters of markers in a custom Matlab program. The CHH location was transformed between postures and then compared with the original MRI CHH location. The results demonstrated that following the performance of two near 180° humeral elevations, a combined acromion TCS and proximal upper arm TCS produced an average error of 23 ± 9 mm, and 18 ± 4 mm, which was significantly smaller (p < 0.01) than any other TCS. A combination of acromion and proximal upper arm TCSs should therefore be used to reference the CHH location when analysing movements incorporating large ranges of shoulder motion.     

Predicting radial nerve location using palpable landmarks

The purpose of this study is to predict the location of radial nerve (RN) utilizing palpable anatomic landmarks. Thirty‐four paired upper limbs were dissected. The RN was localized: (1) at the humeral spiral groove (SG), (2) lateral intermuscular septum (LIS), and (3) at its' division into the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) and radial sensory nerve (RSN). The PIN was located at the anterior aspect of the radial neck (AN). Humeral and radial lengths were measured. The RN traversed the SG, on average, 48% (36%–63%) of humeral length, distal to the greater tuberosity. The RN pierced the LIS, on average, 38% (29%–56%) of humeral length, proximal to the lateral epicondyle (LE). The PIN/RSN division occurred on average 1.0 cm (?11.4 to 3.5) distal to the LE. The PIN crossed the AN, on average, 10% (5%–14%) of radial length, distal to the radial head articular surface. Clin. Anat. 23:420–426, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

婴幼儿桡动脉穿刺的应用解剖学研究

目的：积累婴幼儿桡血管的解剖学资料，为临床婴幼儿桡动脉穿刺提供形态学基础。方法：在20例40侧婴幼儿尸体上肢防腐标本上和32例64侧婴幼儿活体上肢上，分别解剖和超声观测桡动脉、桡静脉和桡神经浅支的位置关系及血管的内径。结果：（1）桡动脉两侧有伴行桡静脉，桡神经浅支偏向桡动脉的外侧；超声诊断仪显示桡动脉、桡静脉无重叠现象。（2）桡动脉在前臂前区下1／3部变浅，可供穿刺的桡动脉暴露长度为（50．6±5．1）mm。（3）桡动脉、桡静脉的内径18～24月龄及25～36月龄分别为（1．43±0．08）mm、（1．52±0．07）mm及（0．78±0．07）mm、（0．87±0．12）mm。（4）皮肤表面距桡动脉前壁的深度18～24月龄及25～36月龄分别为（5．21±0．19）mm及（5．54±0．19）mm。结论：穿刺部位宜选在桡动脉暴露段上1／3处。     

Innervation of the supinator muscle and its relationship to two‐incision distal biceps tendon repair: An anatomic study

Reinsertion of the ruptured distal biceps tendon has been performed using either a single‐anterior incision or a two‐incision approach. A systematic review of these two repair methods has identified a higher incidence of supination weakness following the two‐incision approach. The objective of this study was to describe the innervation of the supinator muscle and its implications regarding a two‐incision distal biceps repair. Twelve fresh upper extremity specimens from 12 males were dissected with the forearm in full pronation. The number of branches of the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) to the supinator, their site of exit from the PIN trunk, and their distance from a variety of known anatomic landmarks were recorded. Specimens were characterized as high (<5 mm), moderate (6–10 mm), or low (>10 mm) risk of nerve branch injury depending on the proximity of nerve branches to the bicipital tuberosity. In general, we found the innervation of the supinator to be highly variable. There were from two to nine branches of the PIN which supplied the supinator, with 0–3 arising from the ulnar side of the nerve. Four specimens were at low, five at moderate, and three at high risk of nerve branch injury during dorsal exposure of the bicipital tuberosity. We conclude that there is a substantial amount of variability in the innervation of the supinator, with certain patterns being at higher risk of nerve branch injury if dissection of the supinator is carried out over the bicipital tuberosity. Clin. Anat. 23:413–419, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

肘前、外侧两种手术入路治疗桡骨头骨折的比较

目的探讨显露桡骨头骨折的有效手术入路。方法采用肘前侧手术入路显露桡骨头并结合微型空心螺钉固定治疗桡骨头骨折12例,其中2例MasonⅢ型骨折的骨折块于前臂完全旋后时位于桡骨头的前侧。采用传统的肘外侧手术入路10例,显露桡骨头骨折并用微型空心螺钉埋头固定。结果前侧手术入路显露骨折时间平均为20．7分,外侧入路显露骨折时间平均为11．6分。按照Broberg和Morrey肘关节评分标准评定手术疗效：前侧入路组优良率为92％,外侧入路组优良率为90％,两组间无明显差异。结论肘前侧入路可有效显露并固定桡骨头骨折,降低桡神经深支损伤的可能性,尤其适用于治疗前臂完全旋后时桡骨头前侧骨折这一特殊类型骨折。两种入路可视具体情况加以选用。     

Growth rate and trapping efficacy of nematode-trapping fungi under constant and fluctuating temperatures

The effect of temperature on radial growth and predatory activity of different isolates of nematode-trapping fungi was assessed. Four isolates of Duddingtonia flagrans and one isolate of Arthrobotrys oligospora were inoculated on petri dishes containing either corn-meal agar (CMA) or faecal agar and then incubated for 14 days under three different constant and fluctuating temperature regimes. The radial growth was similar on the two substrates at each temperature regime. All fungal isolates showed a higher growth rate at a constant 20 °C. At 10° and 15 °C, all D. flagrans isolates showed very similar patterns of radial growth at both constant and fluctuating temperatures. At 20 °C, they grew significantly faster at constant than at fluctuating temperatures. A. oligospora grew significantly faster than all D. flagrans isolates except when incubated at a fluctuating 20 °C. Spores of each fungal isolate were added to faecal cultures containing eggs of Cooperia oncophora at a concentration of 6250 spores/g faeces. The cultures were incubated for 14 days at the same temperature regimes described above. Control faeces (without fungal material) were also cultured. More larvae were recovered from the fungus-treated cultures incubated at a constant 10° or 15 °C than from those incubated at the respective fluctuating temperatures, except for one D. flagrans isolate. Incubation at 20 °C showed the opposite effect. The general reduction observed in the number of nematode larvae due to fungal trapping was 18–25% and 48–80% for a constant and fluctuating 10 °C, 70–96% and 93–95% for a constant and fluctuating 15 °C, and 63–98% and 0–25% for a constant and fluctuating 20 °C, respectively. Received: 15 December 1998 / Accepted: 16 February 1999