Anatomic variability in the relation between the retromandibular vein and the facial nerve: a case report, literature review and classification

Knowledge of anatomic variations concerning head and neck veins is important to surgeons performing interventions in these regions, as well as to radiologists. The retromandibular vein is used as a guide to expose the facial nerve branches inside the parotid gland, during parotid surgery and open reduction of mandibular condyle fractures. It is also used as a landmark for localisation of the nerve and compartmentalisation of parotid gland lesions preoperatively, during computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and sonography. In this paper, the anomalous retromandibular vein’s course on the left side of a male cadaver is described. The vein was formed around the nerve, while the maxillary vein travelled medial to the facial nerve branches and superficial to the superficial temporal vein. Interestingly, the facial nerve temporofacial division crossed again the superficial temporal vein upwards, forming a “nerve fork”. The incidence of the reported variability of the relationship between the retromandibular vein and the facial nerve are discussed with a detailed literature review. Accordingly, the typical deep position of the retromandibular vein in relation to the facial nerve is estimated to 88.17% to all sides. Furthermore, an updated classification system is proposed, including 4 types and subtypes

A study on the morphology of the popliteus muscle and arcuate popliteal ligament

The aim of this study was to investigate the origins and morphological features of the popliteus muscle in cadavers. In a sample of 40 lower limbs taken from cadavers the exact morphological features of the popliteus muscle were examined. In 100% of the cases studied we noticed, apart from the known femoral origin from the lateral femoral epicondyle, a fibular origin from the styloid process of the head of the fibula directed obliquely and blending with the main femoral origin, forming the arms of a Y-shaped structure. In all the cases a capsular origin was presented, while in 91.67% an origin lateral to it from the superior border of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus was found. The capsular and meniscal origins formed the base of the Y-shaped structure that corresponded to the known arcuate ligament. We consider that the additional origins of the popliteus muscle form the arcuate ligament, which is not a distinct anatomical structure as it is described in traditional anatomical textbooks. In addition, we have analysed the exact morphological features of the capsular, fibular and meniscal origins of the popliteal muscle

Axial transformation of the profunda femoris vein: formation, relations and course in a cadaveric specimen

When the superficial femoral vein is obstructed by thrombosis, the profunda femoris vein provides an important collateral pathway, transforming into the axial vein of the lower limb. When operating on a transformed axial vein, a surgeon should be aware of the formation, the relations and the course of the vein. A precise description of these anatomical features is not feasible on the basis of ultrasound, venographic or surgical study but only from anatomical studies. We present a case of axial transformation of the profunda femoris vein found in a cadaver, focusing on the anatomical features of the transformed axial vein

A rare case of bilateral supernumerary heads of sternocleidomastoid muscle and its clinical impact

The sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) functions as a landmark for physicians such as anatomists, orthopaedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and anaesthesiologists, who intervene in the minor supraclavicular fossa located at the base of the neck. The variability of SCM anatomy may cause complications while trying to access the vital elements that are located in the minor supraclavicular fossa. This study aims to present a case of supernumerary heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and to discuss its clinical significance. The cervical region of an elderly male cadaver was dissected and the findings were recorded and photographed. On both sides, the SCM muscle had an additional sternal head, and simultaneously there were three additional clavicular heads, four in total. These additional heads, the sternal and the clavicular, reduced the interval between them causing significant stenosis of the minor supraclavicular fossa. Sternocleidomastoid muscle variations with regard to the number of its heads are very rare in the literature, but this variation may cause severe complications. The minor supraclavicular fossa is important for anaesthesiologists because of the anterior central venous catheterization approach. Physicians should be aware of this anatomical variation in order to prevent complication

High origin of a superficial ulnar artery arising from the axillary artery: anatomy, embryology, cinical significance and a review of the literature

The superficial ulnar artery (SUA) is an ulnar artery of high origin that lies superficially in the forearm. Its reported frequency ranges from 0.17% to 2%. During anatomical dissection in our department we observed a unilateral case of SUA in a 75-year-old white male human cadaver. It originated from the right axillary artery at the level of the junction of the two median nerve roots and followed a looping course, crossing over the lateral root of the median nerve and running lateral to it in the upper and middle thirds of the arm, whereas in the inferior third of the arm the SUA crossed over the median nerve and ran medially to it. In the cubital fossa, it passed superficially over the medial side of the ulnar aponeurosis and coursed subcutaneously in the ulnar side of the forearm superficially to the forearm flexor muscles. In the hand the SUA anastomosed with the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery, creating the superficial palmar arch. Additionally, it participated in the development of the deep palmar arch. The axillary artery, after the origin of the SUA, continued as the brachial artery and divided into the radial and common interosseous arteries in the cubital fossa. The normal ulnar artery was absent. No muscular or other arterial variations were observed in this cadaver. The embryological interpretation of this variation is difficult and it may arise as a result of modifications to the normal pattern of capillary vessel maintenance and regression. The existence of a SUA is undoubtedly of interest to the clinician as well as to the anatomist. This report presents a case of unilateral SUA along with a review of the literature, embryological explanation and analysis of its clinical significance

Co-existence of os acromiale with suprascapular osseous bridge: a case report and review of the literature

We report on a very rare case of co-existence of os acromiale with suprascapular osseous bridge in a dry scapula. The frequency of os acromiale alone ranges from 1.3 to 15%, while the frequency of suprascapular osseous bridge varies between 0.036% and 12.5%. We review the relative literature and emphasize the fact that such knowledge is important for a physician in order to avoid misdiagnosis of an acromion fracture and lytic lesion of the scapula

Persistent median artery in the carpal tunnel: anatomy, embryology, clinical significance, and review of the literature

The median artery usually regresses after the eighth week of intrauterine life, but in some cases it persists into adulthood. The persistent median artery (PMA) passes through the carpal tunnel of the wrist, accompanying the median nerve. During anatomical dissection in our department, we found two unilateral cases of PMA originating from the ulnar artery. In both cases the PMA passed through the carpal tunnel, reached the palm, and anastomosed with the ulnar artery, forming a medio-ulnar type of superficial palmar arch. In addition, in both cases we observed a high division of the median nerve before entering the carpal tunnel. Such an artery may result in several complications such as carpal tunnel syndrome, pronator syndrome, or compression of the anterior interosseous nerve. Therefore, the presence of a PMA should be taken into consideration in clinical practice. This study presents two cases of PMA along with an embryological explanation, analysis of its clinical significance, and a review of the literature. The review of the literature includes cases observed during surgical procedures or anatomical dissections. Cases observed by means of imaging techniques were not included in the study

Evidence of lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve entrapment during autopsy

Compression of the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm is a rare clinical entrapment syndrome. This report describes the compression of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve at the level of the lateral margin of the biceps brachii tendon identified during autopsy. This is the first cadaveric case reported in the literature. The anatomy, the possible areas of entrapment, the most frequent diagnostic problems and the main therapeutic options for this rare occurrence are also discussed

Brucella cervical spondylitis complicated by spinal cord compression: a case report

A case of 65-year-old farmer who presented with Brucella-related cervical spondylitis is described. Because of the advanced form of the infection resulted in neurological impairment, cervical vertebra corpectomy and debridement of the paravertebral granulomatous tissue deposits were performed followed by stabilization with anterior plating and bone grafting. In addition, double antimicrobial chemotherapy regimen was administered for 12 weeks. After one year, follow up evaluation demonstrated resolution of the infection. The authors recommend that brucellosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of cervical spondylitis, particularly in patients who reside in countries where the zoonosis is still endemic