Stature and gender estimation using foot measurements

In forensic investigation difficulties are being experienced in the stature and gender estimation of bodies dismembered in mass destruction. So as to eliminate these difficulties, new methods are being developed. The aim of this study is to develop formulae for estimation of the stature and gender through foot measurements when necessary. For this purpose, the length, width, malleol height, navicular height measurements of the right and left foot as well as stature have been taken from the 249 subjects who are attending Medical Faculty of Dokuz Eylul University and School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation in Turkey. In males, stature and foot measurements were higher than in females, and the difference between the average measures was significant. The highest correlation was observed in the right and left foot length for female, male and study (mix-gender group) groups when stature and foot measurement relations were evaluated. The lowest correlation was observed in foot width for the right foot in all groups but, differed in left foot measurements for each group. Formulae were obtained by using multiple regression analysis for stature estimation and logistic regression analysis for gender estimation. As a consequence, whilst stature estimation formulae, depending on the gender, allow 9-10 cm errors, those that are independent on the gender help make estimation with less than 4 cm errors. Gender estimation formula can help determine the gender with 95.6% accuracy via right foot measurements, and 96.4% accuracy via left foot measurements. In population similar to our subjects, stature and gender estimation can be made by using foot measurements. © 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved

Anatomical variations of iliolumbar artery and its relation with surgical landmarks

Objectives: The aim of this study was to reveal the variations of origin of iliolumbar artery, and its relations with the surrounding surgically important anatomical structures

Morphological and morphometric evaluation of lacrimal groove

The nasolacrimal canal is placed at the anterior part of the inferior lateral wall of the orbit and opens to the inferior nasal meatus. The canal can be obstructed by acquired diseases such as dacryocystitis and post-traumatic epiphora due to nasoorbitoethmoidal fractures. Furthermore in nasolacrimal canal obstructions, dacryocystorhinostomy with balloon dilatation is used frequently. In evaluation of the nasolacrimal canal's acquired diseases, obstruction etiologies and during the reopening of the canal with balloon dilatation, knowing the lacrimal groove's morphology and morphometry play an important role. The aim of the present study was to evaluate not only the morphological features and types but also the morphometric measurements of lacrimal groove. A total of 60 (30 right, 30 left) adult human dry bone maxillae (both male and female samples) from the collection of the Department of Anatomy of Dokuz Eylul University Medical School were used. Digital compass with 0.01 mm sensitivity was used for measurements. Average length of lacrimal groove was 9.62 +/- 2.10 mm. Average width of lacrimal groove was 5.88 +/- 1.53 mm at upper one-third, 8.04 +/- 2.05 mm at middle one-third, and 5.94 +/- 1.28 mm at lower one-third. In 87.7% of cases a crista was observed at the end of the lacrimal groove. Among them, 34.0% were directed to inferior, 54.0% were directed to posterior and 12.0% were horizontal. The present results on the width, length, shape and direction of the lacrimal groove could mediate the etiology of nasolacrimal canal obstructions and could be helpful in surgical approaches and clinical treatment

Thoracic duct variations may complicate the anterior spine procedures

The aim of this study is to localize and document the anatomic features of the thoracic duct and its tributaries with special emphasis on the spinal surgery point of view. The thoracic ducts were dissected from nine formaldehyde-preserved male cadavers. The drainage patterns, diameter of the thoracic duct in upper, middle and lower thoracic segments, localization of main tributaries and morphologic features of cisterna chyli were determined. The thoracic duct was detected in all cadavers. The main tributaries were concentrated at upper thoracic (between third and fifth thoracic vertebrae) and lower thoracic segments (below the level of ninth thoracic vertebra) at the right side. However, the main lymphatic tributaries were drained into the thoracic duct only in the lower thoracic area (below the level of the tenth thoracic vertebra) at the left side. Two major anatomic variations were detected in the thoracic duct. In the first case, there were two different lymphatic drainage systems. In the second case, the thoracic duct was found as bifid at two different levels. In formaldehyde preservation, the dimensions of the soft tissues may change. For that reason, the dimensions were not discussed and they may not be a guide in surgery. Additionally, our study group is quite small. Larger series may be needed to define the anatomic variations. As a conclusion, anatomic variations of the thoracic duct are numerous and must be considered to avoid complications when doing surgery

Medial transposition of the radial nerve for anterolateral plate fixation of the humerus: Cadaveric study

In the operative treatment of humeral shaft fractures the radial nerve may be injured during the reduction of fracture fragments or the application of plate and screws. Also, secondary surgical explorations due to delayed or non-union carry a high risk of radial nerve injury because of the scarring of the neighboring tissue and proximity of the nerve to the implants. Consequently, the need for the transposition of the radial nerve to a safer position arises. A total of 22 (11 right, 11 left) cadaveric upper extremities were studied to evaluate the medial transposition of the radial nerve during the open reduction and anterolateral plate fixation of humeral fractures. The radial nerve was transposed medially in a distal plate fixated humeral fracture model. Distance measurements of the radial nerve and the division points of its branches were carried out in the transposed position and in the original course of the nerve. There was no statistically significant difference between the original course and medially transposed measurements. The distances from the reference point to the division points of other branches (posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve, motor branch to brachioradialis, most distal motor branch to triceps) were not altered. The mean length of the radial nerve was 185.2 +/- 14.3 mm in its original course and 183.7 +/- 13.8 mm in the medially transposed course. In conclusion, the present study shows that medial transposition of the radial nerve through the fracture line does not increase the nerve's length and may be utilized in cases in which anterolateral plate fixation is indicated

Neurovascular risks of sacral screws with bicortical purchase: an anatomical study

The aim of this cadaver study is to define the anatomic structures on anterior sacrum, which are under the risk of injury during bicortical screw application to the S1 and S2 pedicles. Thirty formaldehyde-preserved human male cadavers were studied. Posterior midline incision was performed, and soft tissues and muscles were dissected from the posterior part of the lumbosacral region. A 6 mm pedicle screw was inserted between the superior facet of S1 and the S1 foramen. The entry point of the S2 pedicle screw was located between S1 and S2 foramina. S1 and S2 screws were placed on both right and the left sides of all cadavers. Then, all cadavers were turned into supine position. All abdominal and pelvic organs were moved away and carefully observed for any injury. The tips of the sacral screws were marked and the relations with the anatomic structures were defined. The position of the sacral screws relative to the middle and lateral sacral arteries and veins, and the sacral sympathetic trunk were measured. There was no injury to the visceral organs. In four cases, S1 screw tip was in direct contact with middle sacral artery. In two cases, S1 screw tip was in direct contact with middle sacral vein. It was observed that the S1 screw tips were in close proximity to sacral sympathetic trunk on both right and the left sides. The tip of the S2 screw was in contact with middle sacral artery on the left side only in one case. It is found that the tip of the S2 screw was closely located with the middle sacral vein in two cases. The tip of the S2 pedicle screw was in contact with the sacral sympathetic trunk in eight cases on the right side and seven cases on the left side. Lateral sacral vein was also observed to be disturbed by the S1 and S2 screws. As a conclusion, anterior cortical penetration during sacral screw insertion carries a risk of neurovascular injury. The risk of sacral sympathetic trunk and minor vascular structures together with the major neurovascular structures and viscera should be kept in mind

Anatomical evaluation of the superficial veins of the upper extremity as graft donor source in microvascular reconstructions: a cadaveric study

Objective: The aim of study was to investigate the features and resources for vein grafts suitable for upper extremity arteries

An anatomic study of the lateral patellofemoral ligament

Objective: The lateral patellofemoral ligament (LPFL) is part of the lateral retinaculum cut during arthroscopic or open release. We investigated its anatomic and morphometric characteristics

Anatomy of the Dorsal Nerve of the Penis, Clinical Implications

OBJECTIVE To show the branching patterns and the anatomic variations of the dorsal nerve of the penis (DNP) along the penile shaft, particularly the relation with the tunica albuginea

A new method of identifying the posterior inferior nasal nerve: implications for posterior nasal neurectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Posterior nasal neurectomy is an effective way of treating recalcitrant rhinitis. The aim of this study is to describe the anatomic relationship between the posterior inferior nasal nerve (PINN) and the structures that might be important for posterior nasal neurectomy.MATERIALS AND METHODS: An anatomic study was conducted in a university hospital dissection laboratory with 15 formalin-fixed, sagittally cut adult cadaver heads. The distance between PINN and (1) nasal sill, (2) maxillary sinus ostium, (3) posterior fontanel, (4) torus tubarius, and (5) crista ethmoidalis was measured and the location of PINN with respect to the sphenopalatine artery was assessed to define the exact location of PINN.RESULTS: The mean distance between PINN and nasal sill (56.4 mm), maxillary sinus ostium (27 mm), posterior fontanel (12.5 mm), torus tubarius (13 mm), and crista ethmoidalis (8 mm) was determined. PINN was found consistently posterior to the sphenopalatine artery where the inferior turbinate attaches to the lateral nasal wall.CONCLUSION: Instead of finding PINN around the sphenopalatine foramen, PINN can be located more easily posterior to the sphenopalatine artery where the inferior turbinate attaches to the lateral nasal wall without cauterizing the sphenopalatine artery