Gross Anatomy of Bifid Xiphoid Process

Introduction: Xiphoid process is the ossified extension of the lower sternum in the chest midline of human adults. Natural variance in this process results in the less common bifurcated morphology. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to explore the distribution of the bifid variant. As a secondary objective, we aimed to compare bifurcated Xiphoid processes to other possible variations. Methods: A case study was designed to explore the distribution of bifid variants in a sample of cadavers (n=30) at a large medical education institution. The dependent variable was binarized (bifid or normal) and univariate analyses were performed based on the height, width, and presence of bifurcation measured in each cadaver. Results: Data is reported using textual and diagrammatic visuals. A significant difference was observed between the measurements of the bifid and the normal variants. Additionally, we provide a review of the implications of this bony landmark for mediastinal pressure and surgeries performed on the thoracic and abdominal areas. Conclusion: This case study demonstrates a significant variation of the Xiphoid process, aiding clinicians in performing more accurate imaging and diagnosis. Future research should consider the physiological effects and clinical significance of this process

Prevalence of hyperostosis frontalis in Georgia elderly cadaver population

Introduction Hyperostosis frontalis interna (HFI) is a condition that causes a benign thickening of the frontal bone. Many studies in the past have correlated sex with the incidence of HFI. Additionally, females, especially those postmenopausal, seem to be the predominant group affected. The primary objective of this study is to explore incidence of HFI and how it relates to the different sexes. The secondary objective is to further investigate the correlation of HFI with liver and gonadal pathologies. Methods A study is designed to explore the prevalence of hyperostosis frontalis interna among sexes in a sample of cadavers (n=38) at two medical education institutions. The dependent variable is whether the cadavers had HFI. The independent variable is the sex of the cadaver. Additionally, the livers of the cadavers are weighed, and the size and weight of the testes are measured to explore the correlation of their pathologies to HFI. Results From our cadaveric samples, 45% have HFI, of which 53% are females and 47% are males. 100% of the females with HFI have liver weights less than the median liver weight of an adult female. 87.5% of the males with HFI have absent testes or testicular atrophy. Discussion The overall prevalence of HFI in all the cadavers (45%) is much higher than previously established in literature (5%-12%). The frequency of HFI is more common in the females (53%) when compared to the males (47%). Age of the females seems to have a direct impact on the severity of HFI, characterized by the increased thickness of the frontal bone, while age plays a far less important role in the males. Thus, through this data, the role of estrogen on HFI requires further investigations. Furthermore, the females with HFI in our cadaveric sample all have lower liver weight than the median liver weight for females in the general population, which could be consistent with liver fibrosis, consistent with previous literature. While 87.5% of the males with HFI display testicular atrophy or absent testes supportive of the possible decrease in Leydig cells in previous studies