Anatomy of the pudendal nerve in clinically important areas: a pictorial essay and narrative review.

PURPOSE: The pudendal nerve is an anatomical structure arising from the ventral branches of the spinal roots S2-S4. Its complex course may be affected by surrounding structures. This may result in irritation or entrapment of the nerve with subsequent clinical symptoms. Aim of this study is to review the anatomy of the pudendal nerve and to provide detailed photographic documentation of the areas with most frequent clinical impact which are essential for surgical approach. METHODS: Major medical databases were searched to identify all anatomical studies investigating pudendal nerve and its variability, and possible clinical outcome of these variants. Extracted data consisted of morphometric parameters, arrangement of the pudendal nerve at the level of roots, formation of pudendal nerve, position according to sacrospinal and sacrotuberal ligaments and its terminal branches. One female cadaver hemipelvis was dissected with common variability of separate course of inferior rectal nerve. During dissection photodocumentation was made to record course of pudendal nerve with focus on areas with recorded pathologies and areas exposed to iatrogenic damage during surgical procedures. RESULTS: Narrative review was done to provide background for photodocumentation. Unique photos of course of the pudendal nerve was made in areas with great clinical significance. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of anatomical variations and course of the pudendal nerve is important for examinations and surgical interventions. Surgically exposed areas may become a site for iatrogenic damage of pudendal nerve; therefore, unique picture was made to clarify topographic relations.

A unique anatomical variation of the vascular supply of the ovary, uterine tube, and uterus from the greater omentum - an anatomical case study.

It is well known that the blood supply of the greater omentum and female internal genital organs are not physiologically connected. There is also no mention of such anatomical variation in anatomical, radiological, or surgical textbooks. Here we present a very rare case report of atypical double arterial anastomosis (the first and second variant artery) between the right limb of the omental arcade of Barkow, uterus, and right ovary, which was found during a routine student anatomical dissection course. It is very challenging to find a proper explanation for the presence of the described anatomical variation; however, we hypothesized that it is based on their common embryonic origin - the mesentery. The first and second variant arteries could be remnants of transient anastomoses or collateral circulation, which were present during embryonic development and persisted until adulthood. Moreover, during our literature review, we noticed that the general description of omental blood supply and its possible variations is relatively poor; therefore, we emphasize the need for more precise knowledge regarding these anatomical parts, which could help surgeons who are performing abdominal or pelvic surgeries in preventing avoidable bleeding.

Terms, definitions and measurements to describe sonographic features of lymph nodes: consensus opinion from the Vulvar International Tumor Analysis (VITA) group.

In centers with access to high-end ultrasound machines and expert sonologists, ultrasound is used to detect metastases in regional lymph nodes from melanoma, breast cancer and vulvar cancer. There is, as yet, no international consensus on ultrasound assessment of lymph nodes in any disease or medical condition. The lack of standardized ultrasound nomenclature to describe lymph nodes makes it difficult to compare results from different ultrasound studies and to find reliable ultrasound features for distinguishing non-infiltrated lymph nodes from lymph nodes infiltrated by cancer or lymphoma cells. The Vulvar International Tumor Analysis (VITA) collaborative group consists of gynecologists, gynecologic oncologists and radiologists with expertise in gynecologic cancer, particularly in the ultrasound staging and treatment of vulvar cancer. The work herein is a consensus opinion on terms, definitions and measurements which may be used to describe inguinal lymph nodes on grayscale and color/power Doppler ultrasound. The proposed nomenclature need not be limited to the description of inguinal lymph nodes as part of vulvar cancer staging; it can be used to describe peripheral lymph nodes in general, as well as non-peripheral (i.e. parietal or visceral) lymph nodes if these can be visualized clearly. The association between the ultrasound features described here and histopathological diagnosis has not yet been established. VITA terms and definitions lay the foundations for prospective studies aiming to identify ultrasound features typical of metastases and other pathology in lymph nodes and studies to elucidate the role of ultrasound in staging of vulvar and other malignancies. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

History of thyroid surgery.

The authors present an outline of the development of thyroid surgery from the ancient times to the beginning of the 20th century, when the defini-tive surgical technique have been developed and the physiologic and pathopfysiologic consequences of thyroid resections have been described. The key representatives, as well as the contribution of the most influential czech surgeons are mentioned.

Anatomy of the dens and its implications for fracture treatment: an anatomical and radiological study.

PURPOSE: The most common injuries to the upper cervical spine are fractures of the dens axis. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to answer three questions, namely (1) whether the size of the dens is adequate at all levels to accommodate two screws, (2) what the angle of the posterior tilt of the dens is in a healthy individual and (3) compare the measured variables between the sexes. METHODS: The cohort comprised 50 males and 50 females CT examination of the craniocervical junction. We measured the five diameters of the dens and posterior dens angulation angle (PDAA) and screw insertion angle (SIA). The same dimensions were measured in a control group, consisting of 40 non-pathological second cervical vertebrae specimens. RESULTS: On CT scans, the mean PDAA was 162.7 degrees in males and 160.26 degrees in females; the mean SIA was 62.0 degrees in males and 60.2 degrees in females. On specimens, the mean PDAA was 169.47 degrees in males and 166.95 degrees in females; the mean SIA was 65.42 degrees in males and 64.47 degrees in females. All obtained values were higher in males; regardless of their measuring on either CT scans or specimens, differences between males and females were statistically significant (p < 0.05) in a, c, d and e values. CONCLUSIONS: The values of our measurements correlate with the dimensions identified previously in other studies. Based on our clinical experience and measurements, we presume that two 3.5-mm screws can be inserted into the dens of all adult patients, except for those with pronounced anatomical anomalies. Posterior dens angulation angle is slightly larger than we expected. The dens is significantly larger in males almost in all measurement. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

[Classification of posterior malleolar fractures in ankle fractures]. / Klasifikace zlomenin zadní hrany tibie u zlomenin hlezna.

The study presents an overview of the most common radiography and CT-based classifications of posterior malleolar fractures in ankle fracture-dislocations. Their analysis has shown that posterior malleolar fractures largely vary in size and shape. Evaluation of fractures by plain radiographs is inadequate. A detailed assessment of the fragment shape and course of fracture lines requires CT examination in all three projections, followed by 3D CT reconstructions.Key words: ankle fracture - dislocations trimalleolar fractures posterior malleolar fractures classification.

Physiological role of FGF signaling in growth and remodeling of developing cardiovascular system.

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling plays an important role during embryonic induction and patterning, as well as in modulating proliferative and hypertrophic growth in fetal and adult organs. Hemodynamically induced stretching is a powerful physiological stimulus for embryonic myocyte proliferation. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of FGF2 signaling on growth and vascularization of chick embryonic ventricular wall and its involvement in transmission of mechanical stretch-induced signaling to myocyte growth in vivo. Myocyte proliferation was significantly higher at the 48 h sampling interval in pressure-overloaded hearts. Neither Western blotting, nor immunohistochemistry performed on serial paraffin sections revealed any changes in the amount of myocardial FGF2 at that time point. ELISA showed a significant increase of FGF2 in the serum. Increased amount of FGF2 mRNA in the heart was confirmed by real time PCR. Blocking of FGF signaling by SU5402 led to decreased myocyte proliferation, hemorrhages in the areas of developing vasculature in epicardium and digit tips. FGF2 synthesis is increased in embryonic ventricular cardiomyocytes in response to increased stretch due to pressure overload. Inhibition of FGF signaling impacts also vasculogenesis, pointing to partial functional redundancy in paracrine control of cell proliferation in the developing heart.

[Scapular fractures]. / Zlomeniny lopatky.

UNLABELLED: Scapular fractures are still a challenge in traumatology of the musculoskeletal apparatus. Their proper understanding is impossible without fundamental anatomical and clinical knowledge. A considerable part of scapular fractures is associated with other severe injuries, particularly to the chest. Essential for diagnosis and treatment of these fractures is radiographic examination, primarily both Neer projections and 3D CT reconstructions. The classifications used so far should be revised as they do not reflect real types of these fractures. Operative treatment should be considered in displaced scapular fractures. Such treatment is not urgent as these fractures may be operated on within up to three weeks of the primary injury. Due to the fact that this is a severe but rare injury, they should be referred to specialized centres. KEY WORDS: scapular fractures classification of scapular fractures operative treatment of scapular fractures.

[Kocher approach to the elbow and its options]. / Kocheruv prístup k loketnímu kloubu a jeho alternativy.

The original Kocher approach was published several times in the 18921907 period. It extends in the interval between the extensor carpi ulnaris and the anconeus and consists in subperiostal release of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL), joint capsule and origin of extensors at the lateral epicondyle and their retraction anteriorly, and a similar release of the anconeus from the distal humerus and its reflection posteriorly. This provides an extensive approach to the elbow. Today this approach is described in the textbooks in various modifications that have little in common with the original description except for the fact that dissection is made in the so called Kocher interval between the extensor carpi ulnaris and the anconeus. Therefore it is often called a limited Kocher approach.The study describes our modification of the Kocher approach that we use primarily in fractures of the head and neck of the radius, in certain fractures of the distal humerus, and also in irreducible dislocations and certain fracture-dislocations of the elbow.The incision is made along the line connecting the lateral epicondyle of the humerus and the border between the proximal and middle thirds of the ulna. The incision is pulled open and the strong, white opalescent common extensor fascia incised in order to identify the interval between the extensor carpi ulnaris and the anconeus. The two muscles are separated by thin vascularized fatty connective tissue which is split in order to expose a typical tendon reinforcing the upper half of the anterior margin of the anconeus. In this phase it is beneficial to detach the origin of the extensor carpi ulnaris from the lateral epicondyle. It facilitates retraction of the extensor carpi ulnaris anteriorly and of the anconeus slightly posteriorly. In contrast with the original Kocher approach, we do not release the anconeus from the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.The muscles are retracted to expose the anterolateral surface of the joint capsule and to identify the course of the LCL complex. The capsule is incised along the anterior margin of LCL, starting from the lateral epicondyle up to and including the radial annular ligament. Arthrotomy performed anterior to LCL spares the insertion of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament on the ulna and, consequently, preserves the elbow stability. If dissection more distally is required in order to expose the radial neck, part of the supinator must be incised as well. In such case the forearm is first carefully pronated as much as possible, as a result of which the canalis supinatorius including the deep branch of the radial nerve will move anteriorly, thus reducing the risk of injury to the nerve.The capsule is incised and opened, revealing the anterolateral surface of the head of humerus and radial head. In this phase it is beneficial to flex the elbow to 90100 degrees, when the anterior part of the capsule will get flabby and allow a better visualization of the joint. The joint capsule must be released from the distal humerus together with extensors originating at the lateral epicondyle of humerus. This will considerably improve visualization of the anterior part of the joint cavity. During wound closure the common extensor fascia must be firmly sutured, as it is a significant but often underestimated stabilizer of the lateral part of the elbow.The extended option of the Kocher approach consists in retraction of the anconeus proximally. It is indicated in certain fracture-dislocations of the proximal forearm, i.e. fractures of the radial head and the entire proximal ulna. After dissection of the whole anconeus, this muscle is detached from the ulnar shaft and entirely reflected proximally. The muscle remains attached by its short proximal margin to the lateral epicondyle of humerus and to olecranon. This eliminates the risk of injury to the neurovascular hilus of the muscle, as the motoric nerve enters the muscle in the middle of its upper border. Retraction of the muscle exposes both the lateral surface of the joint capsule and the lateral surface of the proximal ulna. Further procedure, i.e. incision of the capsule and inspection of the joint, is the same as in the limited Kocher approach.

[Approaches to radial shaft]. / Prístupy k diafýze radia.

In the clinical practice, radial shaft may be exposed via two approaches, namely the posterolateral Thompson and volar (anterior) Henry approaches. A feared complication of both of them is the injury to the deep branch of the radial nerve. No consensus has been reached, yet, as to which of the two approaches is more beneficial for the proximal half of radius. According to our anatomical studies and clinical experience, Thompson approach is safe only in fractures of the middle and distal thirds of the radial shaft, but highly risky in fractures of its proximal third. Henry approach may be used in any fracture of the radial shaft and provides a safe exposure of the entire lateral and anterior surfaces of the radius.The Henry approach has three phases. In the first phase, incision is made along the line connecting the biceps brachii tendon and the styloid process of radius. Care must be taken not to damage the lateral cutaneous nerve of forearm.In the second phase, fascia is incised and the brachioradialis identified by the typical transition from the muscle belly to tendon and the shape of the tendon. On the lateral side, the brachioradialis lines the space with the radial artery and veins and the superficial branch of the radial nerve running at its bottom. On the medial side, the space is defined by the pronator teres in the proximal part and the flexor carpi radialis in the distal part. The superficial branch of the radial nerve is retracted together with the brachioradialis laterally, and the radial artery medially.In the third phase, the attachment of the pronator teres is identified by its typical tendon in the middle of convexity of the lateral surface of the radial shaft. The proximal half of the radius must be exposed very carefully in order not to damage the deep branch of the radial nerve. Dissection starts at the insertion of the pronator teres and proceeds proximally along its lateral border in interval between this muscle and insertion of the supinator. During release and retraction of the supinator posterolaterally, it is beneficial to supinate the proximal fragment of the shaft as much as possible, preferably by K-wire drilled perpendicular into the anterior surface of the fragment and rotated externally. As a result, canalis supinatorius is moved posteriorly which reduces the risk of injury to the deep branch of the radial nerve. The supinator is released always from distal to proximal. Approximately at the level of the biceps brachii tendon, it is usually necessary to identify and ligate the radial recurrent artery and vein which prevent retraction of the radial vessels medially. After detachment of the whole supinator, a small Hohmann elevator is carefully inserted between the muscle and the bone. If necessary, it is now possible to open the anterior surface of the joint capsule and revise the humeroradial joint.

[Internal fixation of radial shaft fractures: Anatomical and biomechanical principles]. / Osteosyntéza zlomenin diafýzy radia: Anatomické a biomechanické principy.

Radius is a critical bone for functioning of the forearm and therefore its reconstruction following fracture of its shaft must be anatomical in all planes and along all axes. The method of choice is plate fixation. However, it is still associated with a number of unnecessary complications that were not resolved even by introduction of locking plates, but rather the opposite. All the more it is surprising that discussions about anatomical and biomechanical principles of plate fixation have been reduced to minimum or even neglected in the current literature. This applies primarily to the choice of the surgical approach, type of plate, site of its placement and contouring, its working length, number of screws and their distribution in the plate. At the same time it has to be taken into account that a plate used to fix radius is exposed to both bending and torsion stress. Based on our 30-year experience and analysis of literature we present our opinions on plate fixation of radial shaft fractures:We always prefer the volar Henry approach as it allows expose almost the whole of radius, with a minimal risk of injury to the deep branch of the radial nerve.The available studies have not so far found any substantial advantage of LCP plates as compared to 3.5mm DCP or 3.5mm LC DCP plates, quite the contrary. The reason is high rigidity of the locking plates, a determined trajectory of locking screws which is often unsuitable, mainly in plates placed on the anterior surface of the shaft, and failure to respect the physiological curvature of the radius. Therefore based on our experience we prefer "classical" 3.5mm DCP plates.Volar placement of the plate, LCP in particular, is associated with a number of problems. The volar surface covered almost entirely by muscles, must be fully exposed which negatively affects blood supply to the bone. A straight plate, if longer, either lies with its central part partially off the bone and overlaps the interosseous border, or its ends overhang the bone laterally. In a locking plate with a fixed determined trajectory of screws, the locking screws in the central holes of the plate pass off the shaft centre only through a thin interosseous border (medial position), or screws at the ends of the plate are inserted eccentrically (lateral position). Both these techniques reduce stability of internal fixation. Where the plate overlaps the interosseous border, it is difficult to control the mutual rotation of the two main fragments. A shorter LCP plate increases rigidity of fixation, suppresses bone healing and often leads to non-union.Placement of the plate on the lateral surface of the radius is more beneficial from the viewpoint of the bending and torsion stress. Lateral surface of the radius is a tension site, its distal half is not covered by muscles which eliminates the necessity to release them, the interosseous border is not obscured by plate and all this allows a safe control of rotational position of fragments. A properly pre-bent plate follows the physiological curvature of the lateral surface of the radius. Full tightening of standard screws will fix both main fragments firmly to the apex of plate concavity and increase stability of the internal fixation. Due to the shape of the cross-section of the radial shaft, the trajectory of screws is the longest in case of lateral placement of the plate, which increases rotational stability.We place the plate always in a minimal three-hole length on each main fragment. Transverse two-fragment fractures may be fixed with a 2+2 configuration, i.e. with two screws on each main fragment. Fractures with an inter-fragment or comminuted zone are fixed in the 3+3 mode. More extensive comminutions, defects or segmental fractures require 4 plate holes on each fragment, but not more. When drilling screw holes the drill must be directed into the interosseous border. As a result, the screw has the longest trajectory and the best fixation in the bone. Perforation of the anterior or posterior surface of the radius considerably shortens the trajectory of the screw and thus reduces stability of internal fixation.

Posterior malleolar fractures of the ankle.

Despite an increasing awareness of injuries to PM in ankle fracture-dislocations, there are still many open questions. The mere presence of a posterior fragment leads to significantly poorer outcomes. Adequate diagnosis, classification and treatment require preoperative CT examination, preferably with 3D reconstructions. The indication for surgical treatment is made individually on the basis of comprehensive assessment of the three-dimensional outline of the PM fracture and all associated injuries to the ankle including syndesmotic instability. Anatomic fixation of the avulsed posterior tibiofibular ligament will contribute to syndesmotic stability and restore the integrity of the incisura tibiae thus facilitating anatomic reduction of the distal fibula. A necessary prerequisite is mastering of posterolateral and posteromedial approaches and the technique of direct reduction and internal fixation. Further clinical studies with higher numbers of patients treated by similar methods and evaluation of pre- and postoperative CT scans will be necessary to determine reliable prognostic factors associated with certain types of PM fractures and associated injuries to the ankle.

[Existence of the preperitoneal fatty plug and hernia in obturator canal]. / Výskyt preperitoneálního tuku a hernia obturatoria v canalis obturatorius.

OBJECTIVE: To map existence of the preperitoneal fatty plug and hernia in obtorator canal. SUBJECT: Prospective study and review of literature. SETTING: Institute of Anatomy of the 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague. SUBJECT AND METHOD: We have dissected lesser pelvises of ten formalin embalmed female cadavers with focus on possible anatomical variations such as obturator hernia or preperitoneal fatty plug. RESULTS: In six cases we have found formation reponable back to lesser pelvis, which could be described as preperitoneal fatty plug (which could be considered as type I of obturator hernia). Photos were taken and the formation was sent for histological exam to confirm whether peritoneum was present at the surface. Histological exam was carried out by standard procedure with hematoxylin-eosin staining. CONCLUSION: In six female bodies we have witnessed preperitoneal fatty plug five times on the left and three times on the right side.

[Safety of TVT-O]. / Bezpecnost TVT-O z anatomického pohledu.

OBJECTIVE: Examine safety of TVT-O. DESIGN: Experimental study. SETTING: Gynekologicko-porodnická klinika 1. LF UK a VFN, Institute of Anatomy, Institute of Pathology LF U.K., Praha. METHODS: We inserted TVT-O in fourteen formalin-embalmed bodies with legs mal-positioned. After dissection distances from the branches of obturator nerve to the inserter were measured. RESULTS: In embalmed bodies, the mean distance to the anterior branch of the obturator nerve was 8.6 mm on the left, 7.1 mm on the right. Mean distance to the posterior branch of the obturator nerve was 8.4 mm on the left, 8.9 mm on the right. CONCLUSION: The position of the legs is crucial for correct placement of TVT-O.

[Formation of the vascular bed: a review of its molecular mechanisms and therapeutic implications]. / Utvárení cévního reciste: prehled molekulárních mechanismu a moznosti terapeutického ovlivnení.

This review provides an update on recent advances in the field of molecular mechanisms of vascular bed development. We introduce the data about growth factors and their receptors and discuss the therapeutic potential of their modulation. The role of tissue hypoxia in vessel development is presented and documented by our own results. We review the role of ephrins and their receptors in differentiation of arterial and venous phenotype of endothelial cells and its loss in vein graft during adaptation to arterial circulation. Role of mutation in Foxc2 associated with valve failure in veins is discussed. Recent findings showing common genetic signals navigating blood vessels and nerves to common pathways are also described. Finally, we summarize current state of knowledge in therapeutic induction and inhibition of angiogenesis.

"Bochdalek" skull (syngnathia): CT examination.

Bony fusion of the jaws (syngnathia) without any other anatomic oral anomalies is an unusual condition. It is believed that important factors can be congenital. Some cases with combination of cleft palate, aglossia, and soft or bony adhesion between the maxilla and mandible have been reported. Congenital syngnathia could also occur with Treacher-Collins syndrome, pterygium syndrome and van der Woude syndrome. In this study, girl skull with jaw anomaly depicted by prof. Bochdalek in XIX. century was re-examined using CT method to explain possible mechanism of this anomaly development. Our report presents a case of syngnathia with bilateral vision where mandible, maxilla, zygomatic and palatal bones are mutually connected. CT findings strongly support the idea about of mechanical trauma triggering a chain of bone disturbances in facial skeleton. With high probability most of the teeth were extracted later to keep the oral cavity open (Fig. 9, Ref. 32).

[Alfred Kohn, professor of histology at German University in Prague]. / Alfred Kohn, profesor histologie na Nemecké Univerzite v Praze.

Prof. Kohn (1867-1959) was the head of the Institute of Histology at the Medical Faculty of German University in Prague for 26 years. In 2007 we commemorated his 140th birthday, and 2009 we will remember the 50th anniversary of his death. He entered the history of medicine by discovery of nature and origin of parathyroid glands and by pioneer research into chromaffin cells and sympathetic paraganglia. Kohn's papers on the pituitary, interstitial cells of testes, and ovaries are also related to endocrinology. All his studies are based on descriptive and comparative histological and embryological observations. Kohn was twice the dean of German Medical Faculty, and a member or honorary member of many important scientific societies. He was repeatedly nominated for Nobel Prize for physiology and medicine. For his Jewish origin he was expelled from Deutsche Gesellschaft der Wissenschaften und Künste für die Tschechoslowakische Republik in 1939 and transported to Terezin ghetto in 1943. After the war he lived in Prague. On the occasion of his 90th birthday he was elected honorary president of Anatomische Gesellschaft and awarded by the Czechoslovak Order of Labour. Alfred Kohn died in 1959. He was one of the outstanding personalities that Prague gave to the world of science.

Ectopic parathyroid adenoma in child.

A 10-year old girl presented with fatigue, hypercalcemia, and subperiosteal phalangeal osteolytic lesions. Ultrasonography and MIBI scintigraphy showed a structure near the lower pole of thyroid gland. The structure macroscopically appeared as adenoma, histologically it was thymic tissue. Bilateral neck exploration together with exploration of cervical thymic extensions was performed; adenoma was not found. During next two years, the level of calcium and parathormone raised, bone mineral density decreased. Ultrasonography, MRI, CT and PET/CT were negative. Adenoma was located by MIBI-SPECT/CT near the left border of jugulum. It was found dorsolateral to left common carotid artery and removed.