Variation in the formation of the median nerve involving a communicating branch from the musculocutaneous nerve

Background: The brachial plexus has a complex anatomical structure from its origin in the neck, through its course in the axillary region. It is formed by the union of the ventral rami of the spinal nerves from C5 to T1. Anomalies in the formation of the cords of brachial plexus and the communications between its branches are common. Case Report: Anomalies of the brachial plexus in terms of the formation of the median nerve were observed during routine dissection of the right upper limb of the cadaver of a 55-year-old male. The branches of the lateral and medial cords of the brachial plexus were dissected carefully and the variation from the usual pattern was noted. The lateral root of the median nerve arose from the lateral cord and bifurcated after 2 cm. The upper part united with the medial root of the median nerve and the lower part united with the median nerve approximately 0.5 cm past the aforementioned unification. There was also a communicating branch originating from the musculocutaneous nerve that arose 6 cm distal to the origin of the lateral root. This communicating branch coursed medially and united with the median nerve. Conclusions: It is important to be aware of these variations when planning surgery and regional anesthesia of the axilla or upper extremity. In addition, the presence of anatomic variations of the peripheral nervous system is often used to explain unexpected clinical signs and symptoms

Examination of the complementary and alternative treatment use with breast cancer patients [Meme kanserli hastalarin tamamlayici ve alternatif tedavi yöntemlerini kullanma durumlarinin incelenmesi]

Objective: The aim of this study was aimed to assess the use of complementary and alternative treatment (CAT) methods for patients with breast cancer. Material and Methods: In this descriptive study, 100 patients with breast cancer who presented to the Hospital of Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Division of General Surgery, Breast Diseases Outpatient Clinic and Tülay Aktas Oncology Hospital between April 1 2005 and August 31 2005 and who volunteered to participate in the research were included. The subjects were interviewed face-to-face using a 47-item questionnaire. SPSS 11.0 was used for statistical analyses; data were expressed in numbers and percentages and Chi-square was used for comparisons. Results: CAT method was preferred by 87% of the participants; herbal treatment was the treatment choice in 62% of those who used CAT. At least one CAT method accompanied to various combinations of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone treatments in 80%. Media was the most common source of knowledge on CAT methods with a rate of 46.8%. Of the study patients, 19.5% indicated to have informed their physicians about their use of CAT. Conclusion: This study revealed that a large proportion (87%) of breast cancer patients used at least one CAT method. While metabolic/nutritional methods were the most commonly preferred, psychological/behavioral methods seemed to be much less common. Pharmacological/biological methods and device and equipment methods were the least frequently preferred. Reports indicate that herbs may pose direct and indirect health risks and cause side effects, allergic reactions, and toxic effects. Health care providers should be aware of the potential interaction between herbal medicine and drugs. Copyright © 2007 by Türkiye Klinikleri