Neurulation and the Possible Etiologies of Neural Tube Defect

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are variety of defects which result from abnormal closure of the neural tube during embryogenesis. Various factors are implicated in the genesis of neural tube defects, with contributions from both genetic and environmental factors. The clear understanding of the causes which leads to NTDs is lacking, but several non-genetic risk factors have been identified which can be prevented by maternal folic acid supplementation. Multiple genetic causes and several critical biochemical reactions have been identified whose regulation is essential for the closure of neural tube. Preventive therapies can be developed by identifying potential risk factors in the genesis of NTDs

Unraveling the anatomy of toe extensors: An aid to the clinical implications

Background: The extensor tendons of the foot are crucial for maintaining the intricate movements and stability of the foot and ankle complex. Understanding these variations is essential for health-care professionals involved in foot-related pathologies. Aims and Objective: The study was conducted to identify and document variations in extensor tendons of the foot during routine dissection of human cadavers and to highlight their clinical significance. Materials and Methods: This was an observational study conducted in the Department of Anatomy, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, India. Eight embalmed cadavers were examined, and the dorsum of the foot was dissected to explore the proximal and distal attachments of extensor muscles. Results: We observed unilateral variations in extensor tendons of the feet of three limbs during routine dissection. First case showed a bifurcation of extensor hallucis longus, giving tendons to great toe as well as 2nd toe. Second case showed a variation in extensor digitorum longus tendon of the 4th toe giving lateral and medial slips along with its main tendon. The medial slip further gave medial and lateral divisions to merge distally with the long tendons of 3rd and 4th toe, respectively. The third case depicted the bifurcation of extensor hallucis brevis to give tendinous slips to great toe and 2nd toe, respectively. Conclusion: Knowledge of these variations in extensor tendons of foot is crucial for accurate interpretation of diagnostic imaging, surgical planning, and optimizing treatment outcomes

Prevalence of Coracoclavicular Joint in Northern India: Radiological Evidence

Introduction: Coracoclavicular Joint (CCJ), present between conoid tubercle of clavicle and coracoid process of scapula, is a known anomalous synovial joint with 0.55%-21% radiological occurrence in various populations. It can be rarely symptomatic and present with shoulder pain, brachialgia or osteoarthritis of itself or neighboring joints. Very few osteological and radiological studies are done in India to observe the prevalence of this joint. Aim: The present study was undertaken to observe the prevalence of CCJ in North region of India and to observe association of presence of joint with laterality and gender. Materials and Methods: A total of 1040 digital chest X-ray films in Posteroanterior view were observed out of which 629 images were of males and 411 of females. Age of the study population ranged from 8 months to 90 years. Presence of a joint like space between the facet like elevation on conoid tubercle and reciprocal facet on superior surface of coracoid process was considered as evidence of CCJ. Prevalence of the joint was calculated and association of presence of joint with laterality and gender was observed. Results: The CCJ was noted in 3.37% (n=35) individuals. Unilateral occurrence (77.15%, n=27) was significantly more common than bilateral (22.85%, n=8) predominantly on left side (62.96%, n=17). Joint was more frequently observed in males (62.86%, n=22) than females (37.14%, n=13) but the difference was insignificant. It was only observed in individuals who were 21 years old and above. Conclusion: Prevalence of CCJ in Northern India is higher than Europeans, Africans and Americans. Knowledge of presence of CCJ as a cause of shoulder pain is important as it is not a rare entity and will prevent misdiagnosis and hence inappropriate treatment