Anatomical Variation of Radial Wrist Extensor Muscles: A Study in Cadavers

OBJECTIVE: The tendons of the extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis muscles are quite useful in tendon transfer, such as in correction of finger clawing and restoration of thumb opposition. Knowledge of additional radial wrist extensor muscle bellies with independent tendons is useful in the above-mentioned surgical procedures. METHODS: The skin, subcutaneous tissue, and antebrachial fascia of 48 (24 on the right side and 24 on left side) male upper limb forearms were dissected. The following aspects were then analyzed: (a) the presence of additional muscle bellies of radial wrist extensors, (b) the origin and insertion of the additional muscle, and (c) measurements of the muscle bellies and their tendons. RESULTS: Five out of 48 upper limbs (10.41%) had additional radial wrist extensors; this occurred in 3 out of 24 left upper limbs (12.5%) and 2 out of 24 right upper limbs (8.3%). In one of the right upper limbs, two additional muscles were found. The length and width of each additional muscle belly and its tendon ranged between 2 - 15cm by 0.35 - 6.4cm and 2.8 - 20.8cm by 0.2 0.5cm, respectively. The additional radial wrist extensor tendons in our study basically originated either from the extensor carpi radialis longus or brevis muscles and were inserted at the base of the 2nd or 3rd metacarpal bone. CONCLUSION: The present study will inform surgeons about the different varieties of additional radial wrist extensors and the frequency of their occurrence

A rare lymphatico-venous communication associated with duplicated thoracic duct

SUMMARY: An unusual presentation of the duplication of thoracic duct with a rare lymphatico- venous communication was found during the routine dissection for undergraduate students. The thoracic duct duplicated at the level of T12 vertebra. Normally thoracic duct opens into the junction of left internal jugular vein and subclavian vein. On the right side of the neck, the right lymphatic duct conveys the lymph from the head and neck, the upper extremity and the right side of the thorax to the right innominate vein. Here, the duplicated thoracic duct on the left side opened directly into the inferior vena cava. The above case is discussed with regard to its development, incidence, and clinical significance

A pilot study of the mandibular angle and ramus in Indian population

To evaluate the mandibular angle and to analyze the relationship of the angle and height & breadth of the ramus of the mandible to the gender, so as to study its role in the anthropological diagnosis. The angle, height and breadth of the ramus of adult dry human mandibles of both sexes were measured using a goniometer. The values obtained were analyzed statistically. The present study showed a statistically significant difference in the mandibular angle as well as height of the ramus between both the sexes. The mean mandibular angle of Indian population when compared to that of European population was found to be lower by 9 degrees. The findings of this study might be useful in providing anthropological data that can also be used in dental and medical practice. However, the Indian mandible can be used for sexual dimorphism as is usual in anthropological work; it appears to possess important unfavourable anatomic factors that may predispose the individuals to difficult laryngoscopy or intubation