Melanoma of palms, soles, and nail-beds.

The clinical and histological characteristics of palmar, plantar, and subungual melanomas treated in the division of plastic surgery of Helsinki University Hospital between 1970 and 1984 were analysed. The peak incidence was during the seventh decade of life, and the mean delay between the onset of symptoms and the diagnosis was one year. The delay was as much the fault of the physician as of the patient. The observed and relative five-year-survival rates for all 31 patients were 60% and 67%, and the 10-year-survival rates 39% and 49%, respectively. There were 15 cases of the acral lentiginous subtype, and the observed and relative five-year-survival rates were 65% and 71%, and the 10-year-survival rates 48% and 64%, respectively. For the nodular melanomas (n = 11) the survival rates were 53% and 60%, and 39% and 53%, respectively. For the three superficial spreading melanomas they were 50% and 52%, and 25% and 28%, respectively. Microstaging criteria (Breslow and Clark) were both good prognostic indicators. The series was too small for multivariate analysis.     

中医药防治老年骨质疏松研究进展

骨质疏松症是中老年人的常见疾病,中医在该病防治方面主要从以下几方面分型:(1)肾主骨理论:肾为先天之本,肾主藏精,主骨生髓,与生殖、内分泌、性腺系统密切相关,肾的生理作用与骨的旺、盛、平、衰有极大的相关性。骨痿其标在骨,其本在肾。(2)脾肾相关论:脾为后天之本,主运化水谷精微。脾气散精,上输于肺,下归于肾,脾肾相互促进,相互依存,常有脾肾同病之说。脾肾虚弱是骨质疏松症的主要病理变化。(3)血瘀论:骨质疏松症患者脏腑功能失调,经气不利,影响气血运行,导致经络气血运行不畅,不通则痛,故常出现疼痛、功能障碍。血瘀可致气血运行障碍,营养物质不能濡养脏腑、骨骼,引起脾肾俱虚而加重骨质疏松症。(4)肝郁论:肝藏血主筋,肾藏精主骨,肝肾同下焦,精血可以互化,肝郁气滞,郁而化火,易灼伤肝阴而致肝阴不足,肝阴血亏虚,无以生精养骨,终致骨痿。因此临床用药灵活多变,但不出补肾壮骨、健脾益气、活血通脉、以及疏肝解郁的治疗大法。     

Increased biliary cholesterol secretion in alloxan diabetic mice

Plasma and liver cholesterol levels and biliary cholesterol, phospholipid and bile acid concentrations were examined in normal and alloxan diabetic mice fed ordinary and 0.5 per cent cholesterol diets. The plasma and liver cholesterol levels markedly increased in the diabetic mice, and the cholesterol diet further increased the liver cholesterol level but not that in the plasma. The gallbladder bile weight increased in the diabetic mice, but not after the cholesterol diet. The biliary lipid concentrations markedly increased in the diabetic mice, and the increases of the cholesterol and phospholipids exceeded that of the bile acids, resulting in increases of the cholesterol molar concentration ratio (mole percent) and the lithogenic index. The cholesterol diet increased the biliary cholesterol concentration and slightly the phospholipid, but not the bile acids. Therefore, the cholesterol mole percent and the lithogenic index increased. Among the biliary bile acid composition, cholic and deoxycholic acids increased and beta-muricholic acid decreased in the diabetic mice, whereas the cholesterol diet feeding decreased cholic acid and increased chenodeoxycholic and alpha-muricholic acids. These data suggest that the mechanism of the increase of biliary cholesterol secretion in diabetic mice is different from that after cholesterol diet.     

磁共振多平面成像显示胆胰管汇合解剖特征

目的 探讨磁共振成像(MRI)显示胆胰管汇合区域精细解剖结构及其变异的可行性和价值.方法 研究纳入112例行上腹部MRI增强扫描的受检者,排除了临床及实验室检查证实有胰胆管疾病的患者.观察十二指肠乳头的位置、胆胰管汇合的方式,测量胆胰共同管或胆总管与十二指肠的夹角、胆胰管夹角.结果 大乳头位于十二指肠降部上、中、下段者分别占17.0%、66.0%、17.0%,胆胰共同管或胆总管与十二指肠的夹角为44.4°;胆胰管在十二指肠壁内汇合占11.6%,壁外汇合占80.4%,分别注入占8.0%,胆胰管夹角为37.8°.结论 MRI能清晰显示胆胰管汇合特征,能较好显示胆胰管不同汇合方式的细微差别,为临床诊断及治疗胆胰管汇合区疾病提供精细的影像解剖信息.

Abstract：

Objective To explore the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the display of detailed anatomical structures at the pancreaticobiliary junction. Methods 112 patients who received enhanced MRI of upper abdomen were included in the study. Patients with pancreatic and/or biliary diseases diagnosed clinically and with laboratory tests were excluded. The types of junction between the terminal common bile duct and the pancreatic duct, and the location of the major duodenal papilla were studied on MRI. We measured the angle between the duodenum and the common pancreaticobiliary duct or the common bile duct. Results Of the 112 patients, the duodenal papillas were located at the upper, middle, and lower segment of the duodenum in 17. 0%, 66. 0% and 17. 0%, respectively.The angle between the common pancreaticobiliary duct or the distal common bile duct and the descending duodenum was 44. 4°±17. 3°. The pancreatic duct and the common bile duct opened separately in 9 patients (8. 0%). The confluence of the two ducts was present inside and outside of the duodenum wall in 13 (11. 6%) and 90 patients (80. 4%), respectively. The angle between the distal common bile duct and the pancreatic duct was 37. 8°±15.1°. Conclusion MRI was able to display detailed anatomical structures of the pancreaticobiliary junction, including the angle of the junction between the two ducts and the location of the duodenal papilla. It has the ability to provide meticulous anatomical data for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases at the pancreaticobiliary junction and to help surgeons formulate operative plans.     

修复韧带和保留T4肋间神经的巨乳缩小术

目的 探讨一种能保留T4肋间神经和血管韧带的重塑锥体形乳房的巨乳缩小术.方法 对18例轻、中、重度巨乳者,乳腺组织切除选择在乳房中线上、下极部形成中央蒂,蒂部保留了内外侧深浅韧带、T4肋间神经外侧皮支深浅支.蒂部旋转移位固定,缩小乳房基底,增强韧带张力.二瓣法旋转皮瓣从内到外缩小乳房.保留T4肋间神经走行区真皮层以保护其浅支,旋转固定后起到纤维隔的作用.结果 术后乳头乳晕血供和感觉良好,乳房外形挺拔.随访3个月至2年,平均7个月.随访达1年者,瘢痕已不明显,外观无明显改变,患者满意.结论 修复韧带和保留T4肋间神经的巨乳缩小术设计简单,手术时间缩短,术后乳房外形挺拔稳定.     

修复韧带和保留T4肋间神经的巨乳缩小术

目的 探讨一种能保留T4肋间神经和血管韧带的重塑锥体形乳房的巨乳缩小术.方法 对18例轻、中、重度巨乳者,乳腺组织切除选择在乳房中线上、下极部形成中央蒂,蒂部保留了内外侧深浅韧带、T4肋间神经外侧皮支深浅支.蒂部旋转移位固定,缩小乳房基底,增强韧带张力.二瓣法旋转皮瓣从内到外缩小乳房.保留T4肋间神经走行区真皮层以保护其浅支,旋转固定后起到纤维隔的作用.结果 术后乳头乳晕血供和感觉良好,乳房外形挺拔.随访3个月至2年,平均7个月.随访达1年者,瘢痕已不明显,外观无明显改变,患者满意.结论 修复韧带和保留T4肋间神经的巨乳缩小术设计简单,手术时间缩短,术后乳房外形挺拔稳定.     

唇黏膜的组织形态学特点及其临床意义的探讨

目的通过唇红黏膜和唇口腔黏膜组织形态学的对比研究,探讨唇裂整复术中唇黏膜修复的基本原则。方法选择56例单侧唇裂患者,年龄在1.5个月至10岁。术前拍摄唇部放大实像,记录形态学特征。切取唇裂手术中修剪掉的唇红及唇黏膜,石蜡包埋,HE染色,连续切片后对比观察。56例患者中,10例采用传统修复方法,46例采用健患侧唇黏膜红线连续的修复方法。结果唇红黏膜色泽较暗红、干燥,且具有无数条垂直于红唇缘走行的黏膜纹。唇口腔黏膜则色泽粉红、湿润,较为平整。唇红黏膜与唇口腔黏膜交界处存在一条较为明显的分界线。唇红黏膜上皮棘层及固有层较薄,固有层内毛细血管丰富,唇口腔黏膜则黏膜下层较厚,内含大量腺体。术后追踪观察6个月。传统修复方法的10例患者唇黏膜色泽深浅不一,干湿不均,唇红黏膜与唇口腔黏膜相混杂,黏膜纹走行紊乱。采用本研究方法修复的46例术后唇黏膜红线健患侧间连续性好,唇红黏膜与唇口腔黏膜无交杂,唇黏膜纹健患侧相互平行。结论唇红黏膜和唇口腔黏膜在形态学及组织学上具有显著差异。唇裂手术中唇黏膜部的修复应以相同组织结构的组织对位缝合为原则,并保持健患侧红线相连续,同时裂隙两侧唇黏膜皱纹应相互平行才能达到美学修复。     

Microsurgical anatomy of the insula and the sylvian fissure

OBJECT: The purpose of this study was to define the topographic anatomy, arterial supply, and venous drainage of the insula and sylvian fissure. METHODS: The neural, arterial, and venous anatomy of the insula and sylvian fissure were examined in 43 cerebral hemispheres. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of gyri and sulci of the frontoparietal and temporal opercula had a constant relationship to the insular gyri and sulci and provided landmarks for approaching different parts of the insula. The most lateral lenticulostriate artery, an important landmark in insular surgery, arose 14.6 mm from the apex of the insula and penetrated the anterior perforated substance 15.3 mm medial to the limen insulae. The superior trunk of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and its branches supplied the anterior, middle, and posterior short gyri; the anterior limiting sulcus; the short sulci; and the insular apex. The inferior trunk supplied the posterior long gyrus, inferior limiting sulcus, and limen area in most hemispheres. Both of these trunks frequently contributed to the supply of the central insular sulcus and the anterior long gyrus. The areas of insular supply of the superior and inferior trunks did not overlap. The most constant insular area of supply by the cortical MCA branches was from the prefrontal and precentral arteries that supplied the anterior and middle short gyri, respectively. The largest insular perforating arteries usually arose from the central and angular arteries and most commonly entered the posterior half of the central insular sulcus and posterior long gyrus. Insular veins drained predominantly to the deep middle cerebral vein, although frequent connections to the superficial venous system were found. Of all the insular veins, the precentral insular vein was the one that most commonly connected to the superficial sylvian vein.     

Biomechanik des Becken-Bein-Übergangs

The anatomical axes of the body parts and the mechanical axis of the lower extremity play a central role for the load transmission from hip to femur and tibia. These axes essentially determine both the statics and kinetics of the lower extremity. The movements of the joints (kinematics), however, are essentially determined by the anatomy and morphometry of the body parts. The maximum movement capacity of the joints is rarely exploited in the physiologic movement of the joints. Finally, the resulting forces and moments which act on the bones and the joints are partly determined by the weight and the inertia of the body parts. The major contributor to force and moment, however, results from the action of the muscles. The muscle forces and their action through short lever arms explain the substantial loads in hip and knee.     

Instability of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis after bimalleolar and trimalleolar ankle fractures

We studied the late results after bimalleolar and trimalleolar ankle fractures in thirty-four patients after an average follow-up of four years. Twenty-one patients had had open reduction and internal fixation of the medial malleolus only and thirteen, internal fixation of both the medial malleolus and the lateral malleolus. Twenty-four lesions were supination-external rotation fractures; six, pronation-external rotation; and four, supination-adduction fractures. All initial and post-reduction roentgenograms were evaluated, and the patients were re-evaluated two to seven years after fracture. Re-evaluation included physical examination as well as standardized and stress roentgenograms of both ankles. Criteria were developed for measuring the width of the syndesmosis and assessing the late roentgenographic, subjective, and objective results, as well as any late instability of the syndesmosis and osteoarthritis. Significant correlations were found between: (1) the adequacy of the reduction of the syndesmosis and late arthritis, (2) the adequacy of the initial reduction of the syndesmosis and the late stability of the syndesmosis, (3) the late stability of the syndesmosis and the final outcome, and (4) the adequacy of the reduction of the lateral malleolus and that of the syndesmosis. Based on the findings in this small series and on the evidence published in the literature, we concluded that adequate reduction of the syndesmosis is necessary to achieve a stable ankle following supination-external rotation and pronation-external rotation fractures of the ankle, and that the reduction of the syndesmosis will be unsatisfactory if the lateral malleolus is not well reduced.     

Effects of the adductor pollicis and abductor pollicis brevis on thumb metacarpophalangeal joint laxity before and after ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction

PURPOSE: The intrinsic muscles and ulnar capsuloligamentous structures (UCLS), which consist of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), accessory UCL, dorsal capsule, and volar plate of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint are important for controlling the motion and stability of the MCP joint during pinch. The purpose of this cadaveric study was to determine the effects of the adductor pollicis (AdP) and abductor pollicis brevis (APB) on the 3-dimensional MCP joint laxity before transection of the UCLS and after reconstruction of the UCL and repair of the dorsal capsule. METHODS: Loads were applied to the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) alone, to the AdP and FPL in combination, and to the APB and FPL in combination in 11 cadavers. This was done in the intact joint after the UCLS were transected and after the UCL was reconstructed for flexion angles of 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, and 45 degrees. The spatial positions of the proximal phalanx and the metacarpal of the MCP joint were measured with a 6-degrees-of-freedom digitizing system. RESULTS: In the intact joint combined loading of the AdP and FPL did not affect the position of the proximal phalanx. Combined loading of the APB and FPL changed the position of the phalanx from an ulnar to a radial shift and from an ulnar to a radial deviation and it increased pronation. After transection of the UCLS combined loading of the FPL and AdP increased supination of the MCP joint and combined loading of the FPL and APB increased radial shift, radial deviation, and pronation of the joint. Reconstruction of the UCL restored normal laxity to the MCP joint. CONCLUSIONS: The AdP failed to affect MCP joint motion. The ABP produced a radial shift and radial deviation of the MCP joint and increased pronation of the thumb. Transection of the UCLS increased joint laxity for each of the combined loadings and reconstruction of the UCL restored normal laxity to the MCP joint.     

Office-based surgery and anesthesia

Health care delivery is undergoing a revolutionary change. It is focusing rapidly all over the world towards outpatient and home care. One of the most obvious results of these changes has been the relative explosion office-based surgery and anesthesia; however, these are not new concepts. Dentistry and office-based anesthesia have always been closely intertwined. In 1844, two dentists, Wells and Morton, changed the practice of anesthesia firstly with the use of nitrous oxide and secondly with ether for tooth extraction. Thereafter, office-based surgery and anesthesia continued to evolve. In the past two decades, the rapid development of new surgical technologies and pharmaceuticals have facilitated the movement of more invasive surgical procedures and anesthesia to less invasive settings, such as the doctor's office. The most significant recent changes in health care are changes in the consumer, the practitioner and the provider. All are demanding high quality anesthesia and surgery care at a reduced cost. Articles describing almost every type of surgical and anesthetic techniques in the office can be found in the literature. However, the success of providing safe and cost-effective surgical and anesthetic care at an office depends on major issues, including adequate selection of the surgical procedure, complete preoperative assessment of the patient's state of health and adequate equipment and design of the unit. It is incumbent upon practitioners to make certain that the safety of the hospitals is not sacrificed in the office setting. Health care has to be delivered as safely in the office as it would be elsewhere. Regulations and guidelines should be established in consultation with surgeons, anesthesiologists and administrators to ensure safe health care. These guidelines should be based on the specific type of surgery, the level of anesthetic required and the design of the office. This way the provision of adequate quality of care is ensured. Office-based anesthesia and surgery will no doubt continue to evolve because it is safe, pleasing and convenient for the patient and of low cost.     

The topography of the perforating vessels of the deep femoral artery

This study evaluated the anatomic relationship between the femur and the vessels that arise from the deep femoral artery, that is, the perforating arteries and the nutrient artery. Blue silicone dye was injected through the common femoral artery in 20 fresh human cadavers. An anteromedial and a posterolateral dissection were performed to identify the femoral perforating arteries and the nutrient artery of the femur. The length of the femur and the distances between the tip of the greater trochanter and the perforating arteries and nutrient artery were measured. This study showed that a reliable, clinically applicable topographic relationship exists between the femur and the perforating arteries and the nutrient artery.     

Continuous and Connective Fibers of the Lateral Ankle Ligament Complex

The lateral ankle ligament complex (LALC) is an intricate structure; therefore precise anatomic knowledge is required by the surgeon. However, the structural relationship of the LALC remains unclear. Here, the features of the posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL) and the relationship to the LALC at the distal fibula were clarified in a cadaver study. The lengths of most of the anterior and posterior parts, and the widths of the anterior-posterior and superior-inferior parts, were measured with a digital caliper. In addition, the relationship between the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and PTFL inside of the capsule is described. The small fiber bundles of the PTFL were manually divided, and the footprint of each bundle at the fibula and talus was clarified. The relationship between the ATFL and CFL, outside of the capsule, was examined on axial slices at the inferior fibula. The lengths of the most anterior and most posterior parts of the PTFL were 9.8 ± 1.7 and 29.4 ± 1.9 mm, respectively. The widths of the anterior-posterior and superior-inferior parts were 10.0 ± 0.9 and 5.8 ± 1.1 mm, respectively. Approximately 83% of the fibers between the ATFL and PTFL were continuous. The anterior-inferior fibers of the PTFL were continuous with the inferior fibers of the ATFL inside of the capsule. The ATFL and CFL converged with connective tissue from outside of the capsule at the distal fibula. The results of this study should prove useful to further clarify the relationships of the LALC both inside and outside of the capsule at the distal fibula.     

Surgical anatomy of the male and female urethra.

The urethra is lined by transitional and stratified columnar epithelium. The urethra can be divided into both anatomic (prostatic, membranous, bulbar, and pendulous) and functional (anterior and posterior) segments. In the male, the anterior urethra is contained within the corpus spongiosum and penis. The urethra in the male and female is located within the urogenital triangle and pierces the superficial and deep perineal spaces of the pelvic floor. The urethra is surrounded by perineal and pelvic musculature that provide support and also form the urethral sphincter mechanism. Cancers of the anterior urethra preferentially drain into superficial inguinal lymph node channels. Those of the posterior urethra (prostatic, membranous, and bulbar segments in the male and the proximal two thirds of the urethra in the female) generally drain into pelvic lymphatic channels. A thorough knowledge of urethral and regional anatomy allows for complete tumor excision, optimal reconstruction, and in selected cases, restoration of urinary tract function.     

The claustrum and its projection system in the human brain: a microsurgical and tractographic anatomical study

OBJECT: The goal in this study was to examine the microsurgical and tractographic anatomy of the claustrum and its projection fibers, and to analyze the functional and surgical implications of the findings. METHODS: Fifteen formalin-fixed human brain hemispheres were dissected using the Klingler fiber dissection technique, with the aid of an operating microscope at x 6-40 magnification. Magnetic resonance imaging studies of 5 normal brains were analyzed using diffusion tensor (DT) imaging-based tractography software. RESULTS: Both the claustrum and external capsule have 2 parts: dorsal and ventral. The dorsal part of the external capsule is mainly composed of the claustrocortical fibers that converge into the gray matter of the dorsal claustrum. Results of the tractography studies coincided with the fiber dissection findings and showed that the claustrocortical fibers connect the claustrum with the superior frontal, precentral, postcentral, and posterior parietal cortices, and are topographically organized. The ventral part of the external capsule is formed by the uncinate and inferior occipitofrontal fascicles, which traverse the ventral part of the claustrum, connecting the orbitofrontal and prefrontal cortex with the amygdaloid, temporal, and occipital cortices. The relationship between the insular surface and the underlying fiber tracts, and between the medial lower surface of the claustrum and the lateral lenticulostriate arteries is described. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of the fiber dissection technique and DT imaging-based tractography supports the presence of the claustrocortical system as an integrative network in humans and offers the potential to aid in understanding the diffusion of gliomas in the insula and other areas of the brain.     

二甲基亚砜对血管内皮细胞生长和凋亡的影响

目的：研究二甲基亚砜(DMSO)对人脐带静脉血管内皮细胞(HUVEC)生长和凋亡的作用。方法：在有和无生长因子存在的两种情况下，加入DMSO处理一定时间后，应用普通光镜、荧光显微镜和流式细胞仪检测细胞及其核的变化、细胞周期及凋亡率的变化。结果：在有生长因子存在下同时加入DMSO。与不加DMSO相比细胞拉长贴壁，细胞核完整，处于G2／M期的细胞数增多，S期细胞数减少，凋亡率接近不加DMSO组；在不加生长因子情况下细胞变圆脱落，有很多突出的小膜泡，细胞核固缩，当同时加入DMSO后细胞铺展贴壁．拉长，细胞核完整，与不加DMSO相比S期细胞数增加，G2／M期细胞数明显减少，凋亡率接近正常培养组。结论：DMSO抑制去除生长因子诱导的人脐静脉血管内皮细胞的凋亡，而对有生长因子存在下的内皮细胞的凋亡无影响，表明DMSO可能通过调节细胞周期和促进细胞铺展来影响细胞的生长和凋亡。     

机器人胃癌根治术

Troca采用“W型”5孔法布局。探查完毕后,辅助臂提起横结肠系膜,助手于对侧牵拉横结肠,超声刀沿横结肠切断大网膜,分离横结肠系膜前叶,清扫N0.4淋巴结。接着剥离胰腺前背膜,游离部分脾静脉,根部切断胃网膜左动、静脉及两支胃短血管。解剖胃结肠静脉干及胃网膜右血管,根部切断胃网膜右动、静脉,清扫N0.6淋巴结。沿肝脏侧切开肝胃韧带,幽门上方清扫N0.5淋巴结。辅助臂提起胃,清扫N0.8,9淋巴结,根部结扎并切断胃左动脉、静脉,清扫N0.7淋巴结。向上切除肝胃韧带并游离至贲门部,清扫N0.1,3淋巴结,左侧切断脾胃韧带。幽门下2cm处用切割闭合器横断十二指肠。     

膝关节软骨人体标本解剖与磁共振成像的比较研究

目的 探讨膝关节尸体标本解剖与磁共振成像(MRI)三维序列-扰相梯度回波序列(3D-FS-SPGR)测量关节软骨厚度的差异,并分析软骨组织主要成分在关节软骨不同位置的差异.方法选用国人青壮年中等身材、无明显关节病变的成年男性尸体膝关节标本2具,首先进行3D-FS-SPGR序列矢状位扫描.复冻后按解剖部位进行矢状位解剖,分别对股骨及胫骨内、外髁负重区前、后面及髌骨面软骨厚度进行测量.关节软骨石蜡切片进行维多利亚蓝-丽春红复合染色并观察.结果 软骨尸体标本解剖与3D-FS-SPGR序列测得的膝关节软骨厚度:股骨外侧髁前负重面平均分别为2.25、2.25 mm,股骨外侧髁后负重面平均分别为2.70、2.75 mm,胫骨外侧髁前负重面平均分别为2.00、2.10 mm;胫骨外侧髁后负重而平均分别为2.35、2.25 mm,股骨内侧髁前负重面平均分别为2.20、2.20 mm,股骨内侧髁后负重面平均分别为2.15、2.30 mm,胫骨内侧髁前负重面半均分别为2.20、2.45mm,胫骨内侧髁后负重面平均分别为2.70、2.95 mm,髌骨面软骨平均分别为3.08、3.15 mm.软骨组织学染色显示:关节软骨表层胶原纤维含量相对较多,软骨细胞及其周围基质相对较少;在关节软骨深层,胶原纤维含量相对较少,而软骨及软骨周围基质相对较多.结论 3D-FS-SPGR序列能够相对真实地反映关节软骨的形态及厚度.胶原纤维主要集中在软骨表层,其分布与软骨的功能相一致.

Abstract：

Objective To compare corpse sampling and MR imaging with 3D-FS-SPGR sequences in measurement of the articular cartilage thickness and to investigate knee cartilage topography. Methods Two fresh specimens of the knee joint were obtained from 2 normal young adult male corpses of medium stature. MR1 scanning was carried on the 2 specimens in sagittal 3D-FS-SPGR MR sequences. After defrosted,the knee specimens were dissected longitudinally, and the cartilage thicknesses were measured at different locations of the knee joint. Paraffin sections of the knee cartilage were observed following compound staining with victoria blue and ponceau red. Results The average cartilage thicknesses measured by dissection and MR imaging sequence were respectively: 2. 25 mm and 2. 25 mm at the anterior weight-loading surface of the femoral lateral condyle, 2. 70 mm and 2. 75 mm at the posterior weight-loading surface of the femoral lateral condyle, 2. 00 mm and 2. 10 mm at the anterior weight-loading surface of the tibial lateral condyle,2. 35 mm and 2. 25 mm at the posterior weight-loading surface of the tibial lateral condyle, 2. 20 mm and 2. 20mm at the anterior weight-loading surface of the femoral medial condyle, 2. 15 mm and 2. 30 mm al the posterior weight-loading surface of the femoral medial condyle, 2. 20 mm and 2.45 mm at the anterior weight-loading surface of the tibial medial condyle, 2. 70 mm and 2. 95 mm at the posterior weight-loading surface of the tibial medial condyle and 3. 08 mm and 3. 15 mm at patella cartilage surface. Collagen fibers were rich at the periphery of the articular cartilage with sparse chondrocytes and matrixes, while the opposite was observed at the center of the articular cartilage. Conclusions MR imaging with 3D-FS-SPGR sequences can display the actual knee cartilage topography. Collagen fibers mainly concentrate at the periphery of the articular cartilage, which accounts for the function of the articular cartilage.