Association between the digit ratio (2D:4D), handgrip strength, wrist ratio, and body fat distribution in women with different carpal tunnel syndrome severity.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the relationship of the second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D), a biomarker of prenatal sex hormone exposure, with wrist ratio (WR), wrist-palm ratio (WPR), body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and handgrip strength (HGS) in different carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) severity. METHOD: This study involved 90 female participants (aged 18 to 83) with CTS. According to CTS severity, the participants were divided into four groups: normal, mild, moderate, and severe. All parameters of hand anthropometry and body fat distribution were measured, and the mean 2D:4D, WR, WPR, HGS, BMI, and WHR values were compared based on CTS severity. Data were collected with a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and a Likert (LS) scale for numbness severity. RESULTS: The mean age, 2D:4D, WD, WW, WR, WPR, BMI, and HGS values showed a significant differences between CTS severity groups. We found that lower 2D:4D and higher WPR and BMI were associated with increased risk of CTS (AUC = 0.728) after removing the effect of age. Bilateral hands were affected in 38.9 % (70/180) of participants. Regression analysis showed that lower HGS can be used as independent variable for predicting the females having bilateral affected hands. The LS score was considerably higher in the severe and moderate groups. Also, the VAS score was significantly higher in the severe group. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study demonstrated an association between 2D:4D, WPR, and BMI among women, emphasizing the effect of intrauterine sex hormone exposure on late life CTS severity.

Clinically relevant morphometric analysis of pterygopalatine fossa and its volumetric relationship with adjacent paranasal sinuses: a CT-based study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to perform morphometric measurements of the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF), the transition zone to critical neurovascular structures. The second aim was to investigate the relationship between the volumes of the PPF and the paranasal sinuses and the effect of nasal septum deviation (NSD) types on all these measurements. METHODS: We performed PPF's morphometry and all volume measurements on the CT images of 260 patients (130 male and 130 female, age range 18-79). RESULTS: All volumetric measurements and the angle between foramen rotundum (FR) and pterygomaxillary fissure (PMF) were significantly higher in males than females. In contrast, the distance between sphenopalatine foramen (SPF) and PMF was considerably higher in females than in males. The PPF volume, the distance between the pterygoid canal (PC) and maxillary sinus, and the angle between FR and PMF were significantly higher on the right side than on the left. In contrast, the angle between PC and SPF and between greater palatine canal and PPF were considerably higher on the left side than on the right. The angle between PC and SPF decreased markedly with age. Only sphenoidal sinus volume was significantly smaller on the same side as the septal deviation. There was no correlation between PPF volume with maxillary and sphenoid sinus volumes from adjacent paranasal sinuses. CONCLUSIONS: Volumetric and morphometric data obtained from PPF and paranasal sinuses can aid clinicians in diagnosing and treating patients by guiding them in selecting the right surgical approach or tools, especially in endoscopic procedures.

Assessment of the prelacrimal recess in different maxillary sinus pneumatizations in relation to endoscopic prelacrimal recess approaches: a computed tomography study.

PURPOSE: To assist in planning before the endoscopic prelacrimal recess (PLR) approach, we aimed to investigate the relationship between morphometry and variations of PLR in maxillary sinus (MS) pneumatizations. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the paranasal sinus computed tomography images of 150 patients was conducted to determine the pneumatization patterns of the MS, PLR variations, and the applicability of the PLR approach. The results were compared based on lateralization, gender, and age groups. RESULTS: The PLRwidth, the anteroposterior diameter of the nasolacrimal duct (NLD), the vertical and horizontal diameters of the MS were the highest in hyperplasic MS, and decreased significantly with increasing age (p = 0.005, p = 0.017, p = 0.000), respectively. Most of the morphometric measurements were higher in hyperplasic MS, while the medial wall thickness of PLR was higher in hypoplasic MS. The PLRwidth for feasibility of the PLR approach were Type I (48%) in hypoplasic MS and Type III (80%) in hyperplasic MS (p < 0.001), respectively. The PLR medial wall thickness was higher in Type I, while the piriform aperture angle (PAA), MS volume, length, and slope of the NLD were higher in Type III PLRwidth (p = 0.000), respectively. The highest anterior and separation-type variations of the PLR were observed in hyperplasic MS, whereas 31.0% of hypoplasic MS had no PLR (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study revealed that PLRwidth and PAA were the highest in hyperplasic MS, which allows the endoscopic PLR approach to be performed more easily. For safer and uncomplicated surgery, surgeon should be aware of the PLR anatomy in different MS pneumatization patterns.

Morphometric analysis of sphenopalatine foramen on computed tomography images with clinical significance.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of anatomical variations in the sphenopalatine foramen and the lateral nasal wall on sphenopalatine foramen-related morphometric measurements. METHODS: Paranasal sinus multidetector computed tomography records of 153 patients were evaluated. Morphometric measurements were made between the fixed bony landmarks and the sphenopalatine foramen. Number, shape, localization variations of the sphenopalatine foramen, concha bullosa, and septum deviation were noted and the results were compared with respect to sex, age, and laterality. RESULTS: No significant difference was detected with respect to laterality, whereas most of the measured distances were higher in males than females. There was a significant difference between the obtained morphometric data according to age groups. In our study, 91.2% single, 7.8% double, and 1% triple sphenopalatine foramen were detected and the most common irregularly shaped (37.3%). The location of sphenopalatine foramen was reported as the most common type II. Septum deviation types have no potential influence on the location of the foramen, but most of the measured parameters were found to be significantly smaller in the presence of concha bullosa, whereas the angle was found to be higher. CONCLUSION: This study revealed a significant relationship between the morphometric measurements of the sphenopalatine foramen and concha bullosa, while septum deviation types did not affect these results. For a safer and more effective surgery with prevention of iatrogenic complications, a surgeon should be aware of this correlation, especially in endoscopic transnasal approaches.

Anatomical Variations of the Celiac Trunk and Hepatic Arteries with a New Classification, Based on CT Angiography.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the distribution of anatomical variations in both celiac trunk (CeT) and hepatic artery (HA) branching patterns on computed tomography (CT) angiography images; as well as to propose a new classification by unifying the already reported classifications of the CeT and HA vascular anatomy. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey, from February 2019 to March 2020. METHODOLOGY: CT angiography-based evaluation of the CeT and HA branching patterns was performed in patient undergoing routine contrast-enhauced CT of abdomen. Types of variation were determined and classified into five types (1-5) and ten subtypes. Distribution was also sorted by age and gender. RESULTS: Type 1 (classic CeT and HA branching pattern) was detected in 240 (70.6%) out of 340 cases (126 females, 214 males). Sixty-five (19.12%) had Type 2 subtypes, in which HA branching pattern coexists with normal CeT configuration; whereas, Type 3a and 3d, Type 4 and 5 having anomalous CeT variants, with typical HA pattern, were observed in 5.87% (20/340) of the cases. The frequency of the concurrent variations (Type 3b and 3c) was 4.41% (15/340). The least frequent subtypes, Type 4 and 5, were observed in one (0.29%) and three (0.88%) cases, respectively. There was no significant differences in branching types frequency by gender and age (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Awareness of the range of anatomical variation in both the CeT and HA branching patterns, especially concurrent variations, is vital when planning surgical and radiological interventions to prevent possible iatrogenic injury and complications. Key Words: Branching pattern, Celiac trunk, Concurrent variations, CT angiography, Hepatic artery.

Anatomical variations of the aortic arch branching pattern using CT angiography: a proposal for a different morphological classification with clinical relevance.

The aortic arch (AA) branching pattern variations are usually asymptomatic, but they may lead to complications during cardiovascular procedures. In this retrospective study, we aimed to analyze the frequency of anatomical variations of the AA and to develop a different approach of morphological classification based on radiological criteria. 1026 computed tomography angiography scans of adults were evaluated and the presence of left-sided (LAA) and right-sided (RAA) AA were determined in 1023 (99.71%) and 3 (0.29%) of patients, respectively. According to the number of branches, LAA branching pattern of each patient was subclassifed in five morphological types. Based on the order and type-specific reference points, an anomalous LAA variants were classified into 20 subtypes. Type 1 (Typical branching pattern) LAA was identifed in 781 (76.12%) of the patients. Among 242 aberrant LAA variants (four types, 23.58%), the most common subtypes; Type 2A with brachiocephalico-carotid trunk (BCT), Type 4A1 with an aberrant left vertebral artery (ALVA), and Type 3A1, in which BCT coexisted with ALVA, were observed in 17.6%, 3.6%, and 0.88% of the cases, respectively. The frequency of remaining LAA variants ranged from 0.39% to 0.097%. In addition, Type 3B2 and Type 4C were first identified in our study. We observed Type I and II RAA in one female (0.097%) and two cases (male and female, 0.19%), respectively. Knowledge of AA branching variations is of great interest in neck and thoracic surgery and the new morphological types in clinically applicable form recommended in this study can be used in endovascular interventions.

Surface anatomy and lumbar lordosis angle.

Awareness of the anatomical variations in abdominal surface anatomy with emphasis on relation to the abdominal planes may facilitate anatomical education and physical examination and inconvenience surgical intervention by giving surgeons more insight in surgical planning and training. This study was designed to verify whether the anatomical planes promote to the comprehension of surface anatomy and how the lumbar lordosis angle affects the vertebral level of the bifurcation of great vessels. This retrospective study was performed using computed tomography angiography images of 155 patients ranging from 18 up to 82 years. The vertebral levels of the celiac truncus, superior mesenteric artery, portal vein confluence, right and left renal arteries were within the transpyloric plane in 60%, 70%, 56.1% and 48.3-36.2% of patients, respectively. The inferior mesenteric artery was below the subcostal plane in 58% of patients. The aortic bifurcation (AB) was mostly corresponded to the level of L4 and was located within the umbilical plane in 73.1% of patients. The level of the inferior vena cava (IVC) confluence was within the supracristal plane in 54% of patients. We measured the mean value of the AB, IVC and lumbar lordosis angles as 39.54°, 58.05° and 54.26°, respectively. The AB and IVC levels showed a downward shift with decreasing lumbar lordosis angle. Precise knowledge of these relationships is crucial in clinical practice and surgical approaches to the anterior lumbosacral spine for safer and effective surgery.

The Relationship Between the Pneumatization Patterns of the Frontal Sinus, Crista Galli and Nasal Septum: A Tomography Study.

AIM: To provide detailed information about anterior skull base anatomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In terms of gender and laterality, the drainage pathways and anatomical variations of the frontal sinus, crista galli and nasal septum in 402 patients were evaluated via computed tomography scans. RESULTS: The pneumatization patterns of the frontal sinus were as follows: absent, 3.7%; unilateral, 8%; bilateral, 75.1% and triple, 13.2%. The pneumatized crista galli was identified in 120 (29.8%) patients, and its drainage pathway was observed in 54.1% of patients. The sinus septi nasi was identified in 92 (22.8%) and its drainage pathway was observed in 16.3%. The prevalences of the position types of crista galli regarding the cribriform plate were as follows; type I, 18.3%; type II, 64.9%; type III, 16.8%. CONCLUSION: Despite meticulous knowledge of anatomy, preoperative radiologic evaluation creates the base for successful treatment of anterior skull base pathologies with safer and effective surgery.

The anatomic analysis of the vidian canal and the surrounding structures concerning vidian neurectomy using computed tomography scans.

INTRODUCTION: The type of endoscopic approach chosen for vidian neurectomy can be specified by evaluating the vidian canal and the surrounding sphenoid sinus structures. OBJECTIVE: The variations and morphometry of the vidian canal were investigated, focusing on the functional correlations between them which are crucial anatomical landmarks for preoperative planning. METHODS: This study was performed using paranasal multidetector computed tomography images that were obtained with a section thickening of 0.625mm of 250 adults. RESULTS: The distributions of 500 vidian canal variants were categorized as follows; Type 1, within the sphenoid corpus (55.6%); Type 2, partially protruding into the sphenoid sinus (34.8%); Type 3, within the sphenoid sinus (9.6%). The pneumatization of the pterygoid process is mostly seen in vidian canal Type 2 (72.4%) and Type 3 (95.8%) (p<0.001). The mean distances from the vidian canal to the foramen rotundum and the palatovaginal canal were greater in the vidian canal Type 2 and 3 with the pterygoid process pneumatization (p<0.001). The prevalence of the intrasphenoid septum between the vidian canal and the vomerine crest and lateral attachment which ending on carotid prominence were much higher in vidian canal Type 3 than other types (p<0.001). The mean angle between the posterior end of the middle turbinate and the lateral margin of the anterior opening of the vidian canal was measured as 33.05±7.71°. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative radiologic analysis of the vidian canal and the surrounding structures will allow surgeons to choose an appropriate endoscopic approach to ensure predictable postoperative outcomes.

Morphometric analysis of suprarenal glands (adrenal glands) with multislice computerized tomography / Análisis morfométrico de glándulas suprarenales (glándulas adrenales) con tomografía computarizada multicorte

The aim of our study are to determine the shape, vertebrae level, height, volume, corpus medial and lateral branch thicknesses of AG and the distance from some neighboring structures on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) images and also to determine the relationship between these data and gender, age, height, weight and body mass index (BMI). The study was conducted on a total of 420 MDCT images consisted of 220 male (mean age 63.44±8.00, 50-81 years), 200 female (mean age 61.23±7.95, 50-84 years) healthy individuals. Vertebrae level of AG (VLAG), height of AG (HAG), adrenal gland volume (VAG), corpus thickness of AG (CTAG), medial section thickness of AG (MTAG) and lateral section thickness of AG (LTAG) were investigated. In our study, RAG were observed on T12 vertebrae level in 38.19 % of males and 42.5 % of females and LAG were also observed at that level in 39.55 % of the male and 51 % of the female individuals. RAG were observed in all males and 98.5 % of the females and LAG were observed 88.63 % of the males and 94 % of the females "Y" shaped. VAG were observed lower in males compared to females in age groups and VAG was observed increasing with age in males; decreased in 60-69 age group of females and increased again in 70 and plus age group. The aim of this study is to determine normal ranges of AG sizes and the relationship of each one with sex, age, height, weight and BMI.

Los objetivos de nuestro estudio fueron determinar la forma, el nivel vertebral, la altura, el volumen, el grosor de las ramas medial y lateral del cuerpo de glándulas suprarrenales (GSR) y la distancia de algunas estructuras vecinas en las imágenes de tomografía computada multidetector (TCMD) y determinar la relación entre estos datos y sexo, edad, estatura, peso e índice de masa corporal (IMC). El estudio se realizó en un total de 420 imágenes TCMD de 220 hombres (edad media 63,44 ± 8,00, 50-81 años) y 200 mujeres (edad media 61,23 ± 7,95, 50-84 años) todos sanos. Se investigó el nivel de la GSR respecto a las vértebras, la altura de GRS (AGSR), el volumen de la glándula suprarrenal (VGSR), el grosor del cuerpo, el espesor de la sección mediana de GSR (SMGSR) y el grosor de la sección lateral de GSR (SLGSR). En nuestro estudio, se observó la GSR derecha a nivel de vértebras T12 en el 38,19 % de los hombres y en el 42,5 % de las mujeres y la GSR izquierda se observó a ese nivel en el 39,55 % de los hombres y 51 % de las mujeres. La GSR se presentó en forma de «Y¼ en el lado derecho en todos los hombres y en el 98,5 % de las mujeres y en el lado izquierdo se observó en el 88,63 % de los hombres y 94 % de las mujeres. El VGSR era menor en los hombres en relación con las mujeres en los diferentes grupos de edad y aumentaba con la edad en los hombres; disminuyó en el grupo de 60-69 años de edad de las mujeres y aumentó nuevamente después de los 70 años.

Morphometric analysis of the inferior vena cava related to lumbar vertebra and the aortic bifurcation on Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) / Análisis morfométrico de la vena cava inferior relacionado con las vértebras lumbares en la bifurcación aórtica mediante Tomografía Computadorizada Multidetector (TCMD)

Vascular structures are in greater danger during lumbar surgery. The purpose of this study is to describe the morphology of the inferior vena cava (IVC) related to the lumbar vertebra and aortic bifurcation (AB) and assessing the role of demographic values in these relations to decrease the risk of complications in the surgical interventions. The study was performed on Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) images of 100 male and 100 female cases with an age range from 50 to 84 years. The morphometric values of the IVC obtained from the coronal, sagittal and the axial reformatted images were measured and compared with the demographic values. The distance from the IVC to the 1st lumbar vertebra (L1) and 2nd lumbar vertebra (L2) were measured as (26.5 mm and 18.1 mm) in males and (21.1 mm and 14.2 mm) in females with a high level of significance between genders; the distance from the IVC to the iliocaval confluence (IC), 3rd lumbar vertebra (L3) and 4rd lumbar vertebra (L4) were measured as (6.5 mm, 10.5 mm and 6.9 mm) in males and (4.9 mm, 9.1 mm and 5.5 mm) in females with significance between genders. The level of the IC was detected 46 % of males, 39 % of females at the level of lower third of L4. The vertical distance between the IC and the AB was measured and negative correlation between genders based on age was detected. Demographic values are important to consider the relationship of the IVC, the lumbar vertebra and the AB. The IVC was located further from the lumbar vertebra in males compared to females. Age increase played role in the approaching of the AB and the IC to each other in both gender and the IC to the promontory level in males.

Las estructuras vasculares corren gran peligro durante la cirugía lumbar. El propósito de este estudio fue describir la morfología de la vena cava inferior (VCI) en relación con las vértebras lumbares y la bifurcación aórtica (BA), junto con evaluar los valores demográficos de estas relaciones para disminuir el riesgo de complicaciones en las intervenciones quirúrgicas. Se utilizaron tomografías computadorizadas multidetector (TCMD) de 100 casos de hombres y mujeres entre 50 a 84 años de edad. Los valores morfométricos de la VCI se obtuvieron desde imágenes coronales y sagitales reformateadas, medidas y comparadas con los valores demográficos. Se midió la distancia de la VCI a la 1a (L1) y 2a vértebra lumbar (L2), en hombres de 26,5 mm y 18,1 mm respectivamente, y en mujeres de 21,1 mm y 14,2 mm, respectivamente, con un alto nivel de significancia entre el sexos. La distancia desde la VCI a la confluencia iliocava (CI), 3a (L3) y 4a vértebra lumbar (L4) fue para los hombres de 6,5 mm, 10,5 mm y 6,9 mm, respectivamente, y en mujeres de 4,9 mm, 9,1 mm y 5,5 mm respectivamente, con significancia entre los sexos. El nivel de la IC se detectó en 46 % de los varones y en el 39 % de las mujeres, a nivel de tercio inferior de L4. La distancia vertical entre la CI y la BA se tuvo una correlación negativa entre sexos en base a la edad. Los valores demográficos son importantes al considerar la relación de la VCI, las vértebras lumbares y la BA. La VCI se encuentra a una distancia mayor de las vértebras lumbares en hombres que en mujeres. El incremento de la edad jugó un papel importante en la aproximación de la BA y la IC, tanto entre sí como según sexo, con la CI a nivel del promontorio en los hombres.

Transfer of the Fifth Finger to Replace an Amputated Thumb: A Preliminary Study.

Amputation of the thumb causes not only loss of significant functional use of the hand but also psychological and social problems. The procedures of toe-to-thumb transfer, pollicization, or metacarpal extension are recognized and well-documented options in thumb reconstruction. Although these techniques have been successfully applied, they have some disadvantages. This study aims to test the feasibility of the fifth finger for thumb reconstruction. The fifth finger was released following exploration of the digital artery, vein, nerve, and flexor and extensor tendons, including the flexor retinaculum. The digital vein and the extensor tendon of the fifth finger were separated at the level of the metacarpophalangeal joint. The proximal phalanx of the fifth finger was cut smoothly at the level of the metacarpophalangeal joint with a saw. The deep flexor tendons, digital arteries, and nerves were preserved. The proximal phalanx of the released fifth finger was fixed to the first metacarpal bone. The digital vein of the first finger was anastomosed to the digital vein of the fifth finger by microsurgery. Angiography was done after the transfer. Exploration till the flexor retinaculum enabled thumb transfer without any restriction of movement in all 10 cadaver fingers. The average total surgical time was 135 ± 12 minutes. Flow from both radial and ulnar arteries was demonstrated in the transferred fifth finger by angiography. The technique appears to be feasible for thumb reconstruction by preserving digital arteries and nerves in a relatively short time, but further important aspects have to be assessed in further clinical studies.

The evaluation of morphometry of the mastoid process using multidetector computed tomography in a living population.

The aim of this study was to examine the relationships of the bony landmarks on the lateral surface of the mastoid process (MP). It was also the target of this study to reveal the importance of sexual dimorphism in terms of the mastoid triangle. Our study was performed on 140 (70 women, 70 men) multidetector computed tomography images obtained from patients who underwent radiologic examination at the Department of Radiology of Meram Medical Faculty, Necmettin Erbakan University. The height of the MP was measured using 2 different ways. The distance between the mastoid apex and the midpoint of the distance of the porion and the mastoid notch was measured (mastoid height 1). Then, the distance between the Frankfurt horizontal plane and the mastoid apex was measured (mastoid height 2). The distances between porion-mastoid notch, porion-mastoid apex, porion-asterion, asterion-mastoid apex, articular tubercle-asterion, articular tubercle-mastoid apex, as well as the right and the left MP were also measured. Finally, the angles between porion-mastoid apex-asterion, mastoid apex-asterion- porion, and asterion-porion-mastoid apex were measured. All data were analyzed statistically using the Student's t-test. According to the results of the measurements, all right and left parameters of the men were higher than the women's right and left sides except for the angle between asterion-porion-mastoid apex. In addition, all right and left parameters were almost the same in both sexes. Having the knowledge of measurements of the distances between the major landmarks of the temporal bone is essential to avoid possible complications during facial, mastoid, and especially sigmoid sinus surgeries.

A comparative analysis of surface areas and ratio of the cervical spinal cord and the vertebral canal at the same levels via MRI on healthy individuals / Análisis comparativo de las áreas de superficie y proporción de la médula espinal cervical y el canal vertebral en los mismos niveles via resonancia magnética en individuos sanos

The determination of the normal values of the cross-sectional surface areas and ratios of the vertebral canal and the spinal cord on the healthy individuals is of great importance with regards to the fact that it provides convenience for the doctors to make correct pathological diagnosis because of the most suitable treatment. In this study, it has been aimed to determine the respective ratios between the vertebral canal and the spinal cord via measuring their cross-sectional surface areas at the C3­C6 vertebra levels. The study has been implemented on the Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI) of the cervical vertebral column from healthy individuals at the Department of Radiology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University. The study has been applied to 67 (50 female-17 male) individuals whose ages varied between 14 and 59 and these individuals have been divided into two groups as below and over 40 years of age. During the cervical MRI examination, axial and sagittal images have been evaluated and measurements have been made on the non-pathological axial images. The vertebral canal and the spinal cord surface areas have been calculated in square millimeters at the C3­C6 levels. Also, we calculated the ratio between the spinal cord surface area and the vertebral canal surface area. The obtained data has been transferred on the computer and statistical analysis has been implemented via SPSS package program (for Windows, 15.0). The summary of the data has been stated as Mean±SD. It has also been compared with regard to sex and age groups (below and over 40 years of age) using the Student t-test. The relationship between parameters has been evaluated by means of Pearson correlation test. No significant discrepancy (P>0.05) has been determined between the male and the female subjects in terms of the vertebral canal and spinal cord surface area values. On the other hand, at the C4, C5 and C6 levels, a significant discrepancy (P<0.05) has been observed between male and female subjects in terms of the ratio of spinal cord surface to the vertebral canal surface, stating that the male have it larger than the female. A positive correlation (P<0.01) between the surface area and ratio data of both sexes has been determined. We believe that the results of this study will be useful for the fields of neurology, neurosurgery and physical therapy and rehabilitation, particularly in evaluating spinal atrophy.

La determinación de los valores normales de las áreas de superficie de la sección transversal y las proporciones del canal vertebral de la médula espinal en los individuos sanos es de gran importancia para los médicos, para realizar un diagnóstico patológico correcto y un tratamiento más adecuado. Este estudio se llevó a cabo para determinar las respectivas proporciones entre el canal vertebral y la médula espinal a través de la medición transversal de áreas de superficie, entre los niveles de las vértebras C3­C6. El estudio se realizó através de imágenes de resonancia magnética (IRM) de la columna vertebral cervical de individuos sanos en el Departamento de Radiología, de la Facultad de Medicina de Meram, Universidad de Necmettin Erbakan. En el estudio participaron 67 sujetos (50 mujeres, 17 hombres) entre 14 y 59 años de edad. Los sujetos fueron divididos en dos grupos, menores y mayores de 40 años de edad. Durante el examen de IRM cervical, se evaluaron imágenes axiales y sagitales, estas mediciones se realizaron en las imágenes axiales no patológicas. El canal vertebral y las áreas de superficie de la médula espinal fueron calculados en milímetros cuadrados entre los niveles C3­C6. Además, se calculó el cociente entre el área de superficie de la médula espinal y la superficie del canal vertebral. Los datos obtenidos de superficie del canal vertebral, fueron transferidos al equipo y el análisis estadístico se implementó a través del programa SPSS (para Windows, 15.0). El resumen de los datos fue declarado como Media±DE. También fueron comparados grupos entre ambos sexos y por edad (menores y mayores de 40 años de edad) através de la prueba t de Student. La relación entre los parámetros fue evaluada mediante la prueba de correlación de Pearson. No se observó discrepancia significativa (P>0,05) entre hombres y mujeres en términos del canal vertebral, y los valores de la columna vertebral de la zona de superficie dorsal. Por otro lado, a nivel C4, C5 y C6, se observó una discrepancia significativa (P<0,05) entre hombres y mujeres, en términos de la proporción de la superficie de la médula espinal y la superficie del canal vertebral, indicando que fue mayor en los hombres. Se determinó una correlación positiva (P<0,01) entre el área de superficie y los datos de proporción de ambos sexos. Creemos que los resultados de este estudio serán de utilidad en las áreas de la neurología, neurocirugía, como también en terapia física y rehabilitación, en particular en la evaluación de la atrofia espinal.

The evaluation of morphometry of nasal bone and pyriform aperture using multidetector computed tomography.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to measure nasal bone (NB) and pyriform aperture (PA), morphometrically. Besides, the different types of NB and PA were classified and determined the sexual differences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study was performed on 120 (60 women, 60 men) multidetector computed tomography images obtained from patients who underwent radiologic examination in the Department of Radiology of Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University. The right, left, and median heights of NB; the superior and inferior widths of NB; the width of PA; and the distance between rhinion and anterior nasal spine (as the height of PA) were measured. Frontonasal and internasal angles were also determined. All data were analyzed statistically using Student's t-test. RESULTS: The other data of men were higher than of women except for the superior and inferior widths of NB and the frontonasal angle. We also determined the ratio of the height of PA to the height of NB on median plane and the ratio of the height of PA to the width of PA. They were found less than 2.0 in 64.2% and 100% of the cases, respectively. The NB and PA were classified into 8 and 7 different types, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge of the morphometric data and different types of the NB and PA is essential for sex determination, all surgical procedures related to this area, and nasal reconstructions.

The morphometric analysis of the important bone structures on skull base in living individuals with multidetector computed tomography / Análisis morfométrico de las estructuras óseas importantes en base de cráneo de sujetos vivos mediante tomografía computarizada multidetector

In this study, it was aimed to determine the reliable morphometric data of the important bone structures on skull base using MDCT and to establish the differences of these data according to sex and lateralization. This study was retrospectively carried out on MDCT images in the Radiology Department of Meram Medical Faculty, Necmettin Erbakan University. We evaluated the images of the 100 (male 50 ­ female 50) adult subjects without cranial trauma, surgery, and any deformity of the bone. The height and anteroposterior diameter of the hypophysial fossa (HFheight, HFanteroposterior), the length of the occipital condylus, anterior and posterior intercondylar distances (OCn, AID, PID); sagittal diameter, transverse diameter and area of the foramen magnum (FMsgt, FMtrn, FMarea) were all measured. The statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS. The summary of the data was expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Student's t test was used to compare the male-female and right-left measurements. The relation betweeen parameters was evaluated by Pearson's correlation test. It was observed that right and left data in all parameters were higher in males than females. Higher values were usually determined on the right side in both sexes. In both sexes, some parameters were highly correlated (P<0.001). We believe that the results of this study may be useful for new surgical approaches and radiological assessment concerning skull base.

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar datos morfométricos confiables de las estructuras óseas importantes de la base de cráneo mediante tomografía computarizada multidetector (TCMD) y establecer las diferencias de estos datos en función del sexo y lateralización. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo a partir de imágenes de TCMD obtenidas en el Departamento de Radiología de la Facultad de Medicina Meram, Universidad de Necmettin Erbakan. Se evaluaron imágenes de 100 sujetos adultos (50 hombres y 50 mujeres), que no presentaban trauma craneal, cirugía o deformidad ósea. Se midieron (i) altura y diámetro anteroposterior de la fosa hipofisaria, (ii) longitud del cóndilo occipital y distancias intercondilares anterior y posterior, y (iii) el diámetro sagital, transversal y el área del foramen magno. El resumen de los datos se expresó como Media±DE. La comparación de los datos entre sexos y mediciones izquierda-derecha se realizó mediante la prueba t de Student, mientras que la relación entre los distintos parámetros mediante la prueba de correlación de Pearson. Todos los parámetros medidos, en el lado derecho e izquierdo, fueron mayores en hombres. Los valores más altos se determinaron generalmente en el lado derecho en ambos sexos. Algunos parámetros estuvieron altamente correlacionados en ambos sexos (P<0,001). Creemos que nuestros resultados pueden ser útiles al momento de realizar nuevos abordajes quirúrgicos y en la evaluación radiológica, relativas a la base de cráneo.

Where is the apex of the sacral hiatus for caudal epidural block in the pediatric population? A radio-anatomic study.

PURPOSE: Caudal epidural block (CEB), administered through the sacral hiatus, is a regional anesthetic technique commonly used in children. To facilitate and optimize pediatric CEB, morphometric data that may be important for the sacral hiatus have been obtained using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). METHODS: This study is the first radio-anatomic study designed to address this topic in children. Images of 79 children (39 girls and 40 boys between 1 and 9 years old) were divided into three groups according to age [group I (ages 1-3), group II (ages 4-6), and group III (ages 7-9)] and were retrospectively examined. Data were gathered via 3D volume-rendered images. Measurements included the height and width of the sacral hiatus, S2-S4 (sacral vertebra) distance, the distances between the poles of the unfused spinous process of each sacral vertebra, and the dimensions of an imaginary triangle formed between the right and left posterior superior iliac spines (PSIS) and the apex of the sacral hiatus. RESULTS: The most frequently fused spinous process was at S2 level. The mean S2-S4 distance was 1.36 cm for group I, 1.78 cm for group II, and 2.17 cm for group III. There was not the imaginary equilateral triangle used in the method of finding the sacral hiatus for CEB, and the apex of this triangle did not occur at the standard level (S4) in most of the children. It was observed that the apex deriving from the most distal fused spinous process was at the level of S2 in one of two children. CONCLUSION: Dural puncture is inevitable for CEB applied at the S2 level. Consequently, CEB should be applied below this level (range, 1.36-2.17 cm) from the midpoint of the interspinous distance between the PSIS (at the same level with S2) in children aged 1-9 years.

The mandibular landmarks about the facial artery and vein with multidetector computed tomography angiography (MDCTA): an anatomical and radiological morphometric study / Puntos de referencia de la mandíbula relacionados a la arteria y vena facial con angiografía por tomografía computarizada multidetector (ATCM): un estudio morfométrico anatómico y radiológico

The aim of this study was to investigate the course of the facial vessels according to several mandibular landmarks in living individuals using multidetector computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) to determine these related to sex and side. This study was conducted in the Radiology Department, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University (Konya, Turkey). In total, sixty faces from 30 specimens (15 males and 15 females) with symptoms and signs of vascular disease were evaluated for the facial vessels by MDCTA scan. The facial vessel parameters were measured according to the reference points (mandibular angle, mental protuberance, mental foramen and facial midline). The distance from the point at which the facial artery first appears in the lower margin of the mandible to the mandibular angle for right and left facial artery were observed as 3.53+/-0.66 cm and 3.31+/-0.73 cm in males, respectively. These distances were determined as 2.91+/-0.52 cm and 3.35+/-0.48 cm in females. MDCTA is a new, powerful, safe and noninvasive test to demonstrate the vasculature of the head. Bony structures and neighboring vessel morphology can be evaluated by this technique in cases of trauma with suspected vessel injuries and when considering patient selection for flap surgery.

El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el curso de los vasos faciales de acuerdo con varios puntos de referencias mandibulares en sujetos vivos mediante angiografía por tomografía computarizada multidetector (ATCM) para determinar si éstos están relacionados con el sexo y el lado. El estudio se llevó a cabo en el Departamento de Radiología, Facultad de Medicina de Meram en Necmettin Erbakan (Konya, Turkey). En total, sesenta caras de 30 sujetos (15 hombres y 15 mujeres), que presentaban síntomas y signos de la enfermedad vascular fueron evaluados para explorar los vasos faciales por ATCM. Los parámetros sobre los vasos faciales se midieron en relación a puntos de referencia (ángulo de la mandíbula, proceso mental, foramen mental y línea mediana facial). La distancia desde el punto en el que la arteria facial aparece por primera vez en el margen inferior de la mandíbula hasta el ángulo mandibular de la arteria facial derecha y izquierda fueron 3,53+/-0,66 cm y 3,31+/-0,73 cm en hombres, respectivamente. En mujeres fueron 2,91+/-0,52 cm y 3,35+/-0,48 cm. La ATCM es un examen nuevo, poderoso, seguro y no invasivo para demostrar la vascularización de la cabeza. Las estructuras óseas y la morfología de los vasos vecinos pueden ser evaluados por esta técnica en casos de trauma con sospecha de lesiones de los vasos y se puede considerar de selección en pacientes para realizar cirugías de colgajo.

A variant course of the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery.

The objective of this report was to present a case of superficial palmar branch of the radial artery (SPBRA) with a variant course, which to the best of our knowledge, has not been reported in the literature. During anatomical dissections that were carried out in the Department of Anatomy of Suleyman Demirel University School of Medicine to demonstrate the superficial palmar arch, a variation in the course of the SPBRA was noted in the right hand of an adult cadaver. This variant branch ran superficial to, and in contact with, the flexor retinaculum, and ran transversely to join the ulnar artery.