Anatomical variations of the foramen transversarium in cervical vertebrae: findings, review of the literature, and clinical significance during cervical spine surgery.

PURPOSE: To describe certain anatomical variations of the foramen transversarium, in spine cervical vertebrae in a contemporary specimen of an Indo-European population and approach their clinical importance during cervical spine surgery. METHODS: 102 cervical vertebrae (C2-C7) from 17 different skeletons, intact without any degenerative or traumatic disorders, which belonged to the collection of the Department of Anatomy, were examined. The age of specimens at the time of their death was between 25 and 65 years. All foramina were measured with a digital caliper. RESULTS: The average size of the normal foramina was: 6.49 mm × 5.74 mm on the right side and 6.65 mm × 5.76 mm on the left side. Regarding the variations, we found two cervical vertebrae (1.96 %), one C3 and one C6, in which the right foramen transversarium is clearly smaller than the left. The exact dimensions of these foramina are: 2.3 mm × 2.5 mm on the right side and 6.54 mm × 8 mm on the left side in the first vertebra and 2.8 mm × 3.74 mm on the right side and 6 mm × 7.5 mm on the left side, in the second one. We also observed double foramina in 14 vertebrae (13.72 %). In seven vertebrae, the duplication was bilateral (6.86 %). We finally found one vertebra (0.98 %) with triplication of the foramen transversarium on the left side. CONCLUSIONS: Summarizing, 10 out of our 17 skeletons were presented with variations (extremely narrow or multiple foramina). This finding of hypoplastic, duplicated and triplicated foramina transversaria in unexpectedly high rates raises questions about the integrity of the contained structures, the possibility of a different path for them. These variations may induce an extra-osseous position of the vertebra artery, and the ignorance of such an event may have catastrophic consequences during a surgery in the cervical spine.

Anatomy and terminology of groin pain: Current concepts.

Groin pain is a common symptom in athletes. The complex anatomy of the area and the various terms used to describe the etiology behind groin pain have led to a confusing nomenclature. To solve this problem, three consensus statements have been already published in the literature: the Manchester Position Statement in 2014, the Doha agreement in 2015, and the Italian Consensus in 2016. However, when revisiting recent literature, it is evident that the use of non-anatomic terms remains common, and the diagnoses sports hernia, sportsman's hernia, sportsman's groin, Gilmore's groin, athletic pubalgia, and core muscle injury are still used by many authors. Why are they still in use although rejected? Are they considered synonyms, or they are used to describe different pathology? This current concepts review article aims to clarify the confusing terminology by examining to which anatomical structures authors refer when using each term, revisit the complex anatomy of the area, including the adductors, the flat and vertical abdominal muscles, the inguinal canal, and the adjacent nerve branches, and propose an anatomical approach, which will provide the basis for improved communication between healthcare professionals and evidence-based treatment decisions.

Palliative Treatment of Bowel Obstruction With Colostomy Under Local Anesthesia in Frail Patients: A Single-Site Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Attendance of patients to the emergency department due to acute large bowel obstruction is a common phenomenon. Most of these patients are elderly, critically ill, and with high comorbidity. The literature suggests that more than 50% of these cases are due to colon cancer. Since this condition is considered to be an emergency, immediate intervention and response is imperative. PURPOSE: The aim of the present study is to present our surgical technique of colostomy formation under local anesthesia in selected critically ill patients, with increased perioperative risk and acute large bowel obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 24 patients, with obstipation, who underwent emergency colostomy under local anesthesia, during the period from 2014 to 2021. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 77 years. The vast majority of patients had an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of ≥3 and a Charlson score of ≥7. The most common colostomy was transverse colostomy (21/24 patients). The patients' hospitalization ranged from four to 42 days. Only one patient died. All colostomies functioned properly in the immediate postoperative period. Only one patient required postoperative admission to the ICU. CONCLUSIONS: Colostomy under local anesthesia in critically ill, elderly patients is an alternative option for the treatment of ileus.

Art & anatomy: an everlasting relationship creating new insights in teaching surface anatomy.

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. The purpose of this study is to briefly present the unique relationship between art and anatomy and propose the use of art in teaching surface anatomy, evaluating its effectiveness through a randomized control study. The use of art paintings in teaching surface anatomy to undergraduate medical students was investigated. In the "Surface Anatomy" student selected component (SSC), art paintings instead of classic anatomical images were used as an intervention (art group, n=30; control group, n=15) during six hours of revision lectures. Perceptions of students and impact of art paintings on performance were investigated. The vast majority of students considered the use of art paintings as an interesting approach, which made lectures more interesting and improved understanding. No impact on performance was observed since mean examination scores did not differ significantly (Control group:73.9±9.4; Art group:78.8±8.6, p=0.10). Students also stated that the use of art paintings moderately improved their level of art knowledge and proposed a visit to a museum for a live anatomy lesson using paintings and sculptures. In conclusion, the use for art paintings in teaching and learning surface anatomy is highly appreciated by students, seems to improve understanding and makes the educational process more interesting. It should be furtherly investigated to be considered for inclusion in future curricula.