Embryological basis of polyorchidism including classification, reproductive potential, and risk of malignancy: A review.

Polyorchidism, a congenital malformation characterized by supernumerary testes (SNTs), is usually revealed incidentally during ultrasound or open scrotal surgery. In the approximately 200 cases so far published in the literature, the left side is affected more often than the right. Despite the rarity of this anomaly, a surgeon must have basic knowledge of its embryological basis and classifications to implement proper treatment and avoid overlooking it, since the consequences could harm the patient. This review summarizes previous classifications. It can be assumed that determining the risk of malignancy, and the level of reproductive potential based on location, vascularization, ductus deferens drainage, and environmental factors (e.g., temperature) affecting the SNTs, indicates the best approach to management. Therefore, we have created a new classification based on previous ones, addressing the aforementioned issues, which will guide the clinician to select the most appropriate treatment.

Testicular Metastasis from Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review.

Approximately one-third of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is recognized in its metastatic stage. This systematic review aimed to summarize knowledge on the occurrence and treatment of testicular RCC metastasis. The literature search was performed by two authors independently, with the use of main electronic medical databases (Science Direct, Web of Science, and PubMed) until March 2023 to identify relevant articles that could potentially contribute to this review. Neither language nor publication dates were set as limits. Although we found a total of 51 case reports, only 31 of them contained all the required information. Testicular metastasis in patients with RCC suggests a late stage of the disease. Moreover, it usually does not present typical systemic or specific symptoms except for swelling and enlargement of the affected testis. Knowledge of the possibility of such variants of RCC metastases will allow a clinician to make an appropriate diagnosis and implement adequate treatment without delay, which is crucial in the management of neoplastic disease.

Polyorchidism: An Up-to-Date Systematic Review.

Polyorchidism is a rare male urogenital tract anomaly characterized by at least one supernumerary testis in the scrotum or ectopically. According to data based on our systematic review, 76% of the supernumerary testes (SNTs) were located in the scrotum, and 24% were extra-scrotal (p < 0.001). Among testes located outside the scrotum, 87% were found in the inguinal canal and 13% in the abdominal cavity. In 80% of cases, the diagnosis of SNT was made based on imaging tests, and the remaining 20% of cases were detected incidentally during surgery. The imaging tests performed (US or MRI) resulted in a significantly higher rate of patients who qualified for observation vs. surgical treatment (45% vs. 35%, p < 0.001). The most common conditions associated with SNT were ipsilateral inguinal hernia (15% of cases) and cryptorchidism (15% of cases). Surgery (orchidopexy/orchidectomy) was performed on 54% of patients with SNT, and the decision to observe the SNT was made in a total of 46% of patients (p = 0.001). The therapeutic approach depends on the location of the SNT and the presence of factors that raise suspicion of neoplastic proliferation.

Gross and Micro-Anatomical Study of the Cavernous Segment of the Abducens Nerve and Its Relationships to Internal Carotid Plexus: Application to Skull Base Surgery.

The present study aims to provide detailed observations on the cavernous segment of the abducens nerve (AN), emphasizing anatomical variations and the relationships between the nerve and the internal carotid plexus. A total of 60 sides underwent gross-anatomical study. Five specimens of the AN were stained using Sihler's method. An additional five specimens were subjected to histological examination. Four types of AN course were observed: a single nerve along its entire course, duplication of the nerve, division into separate rootlets at the point of contact with the cavernous part of the internal carotid artery (ICA), and early-branching before entering the orbit. Due to the relationships between the ICA and internal carotid plexus, the cavernous segment of the AN can be subdivided into a carotid portion located at the point of contact with the posterior vertical segment of the cavernous ICA and a prefissural portion. The carotid portion of the cavernous AN segment is a place of angulation, where the nerve always directly adheres to the ICA. The prefissural portion of the AN, in turn, is the primary site of fiber exchange between the internal carotid plexus and either the AN or the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus.

Time efficiency of direct anterior hip arthroplasty compared to postero-lateral approach in elderly patients.

INTRODUCTION: Primary arthroplasty of the hip joint is currently one of the most commonly performed procedures in orthopedics. In Poland we are observing significant changes in the age structure. With the prolonged life more and more elderly patients require musculoskeletal surgery to maintain comfortable and painless mobility. Reducing the duration of the procedure reduces the costs of anesthesiology, surgical and instrument teams, as well as the operating room technical team. The aim of the study was to compare the time required to perform hip joint arthroplasty by the direct anterior approach (DAA) with the postero-lateral approach (PLA) in our hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 559 total and bipolar cemented and cementless hip replacement procedures based on two operative approaches - the minimally invasive DAA over the course of 2 years, and the standard PLA over the course of 3 years - was performed. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed between the approaches used for cementless total arthroplasty with regard to the mean treatment times: 51.9 min for the 272 DAA cases, and 78.3 min for the 190 PLA cases (p < 0.0001). For the cementless hemi-arthroplasty procedure, the mean treatment times were 46.9 min in 36 patients for DAA, and 48.2 min for 61 patients for PLA (p = 0.57). CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive DAA significantly shortens the time of the procedure in elderly patients compared to PLA. Further study is needed to analyze other aspects of those two approaches.

New classification of the distal attachment of the fibularis brevis - Anatomical variations and potential clinical implications.

BACKGROUND: Although the lateral compartment of the leg is characterized by a high degree of morphological variation, very little information exists on the morphological variability of the fibularis brevis muscle (FBM) and fibularis digiti quinti (FDQ). The main aim of the study was to characterize the morphology of the FBM tendon and its accessory bands, to classify them and to determine the incidence of FDQ. The work attempts to determine the relationship between the types of the insertion of the FBM tendon and the occurrence of FDQ. METHODS: Classical anatomical dissection was performed on 102 lower limbs fixed in 10% formalin solution. The morphology of the insertion of the FBM and of the FDQ was evaluated. RESULTS: The FBM was present in all specimens. Two types of insertion were observed, the most common being Type I (70.6%): a single distal attachment in which the tendon inserts into the tuberosity at the base of the fifth metatarsal bone. The second most common was Type II (29.4%); this group was divided into three subtypes (A-C). The FDQ was present in 17.7% of specimens and always with Type I FBM. CONCLUSION: Both the FBM tendon and FDQ present significant morphological variation. Two main types of the FBM tendon determine the presence of the FDQ. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II Basic Science Research.

The underestimated posterior lymphatic drainage of the prostate: An historical overview and preliminary anatomical study on cadaver.

BACKGROUND: The evidence of pelvic lymph node metastases after radical prostatectomy (RP) with pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) is one of the strongest prognostic factors for poor oncologic outcome. The extent of PLND, although representing a crucial step in RP, is still controversial. Currently, there is a critical drawback in clinical practice due to the lack of congruence between the known lymphatic drainage and cancer dissemination despite defined management by a surgical approach. We hypothesized the existence of alternative pathways for the lymphatic drainage of the prostate currently not considered in clinical daily practice. METHODS: We carried out a literature review of the anatomic description of nodal drainage of prostate reported by online databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science, Ovid, and Scopus) and the original texts since the 18th century, with an additional anatomical dissection on a human cadaver to confirm theoretical data. RESULTS: The anatomical dissection study converged with the historical anatomical treatises in describing three groups of lymphatics devoted to carrying out prostatic nodal drainage. Apart from the ascending ducts from the cranial gland leading to the external iliac nodes; the lateral ducts leading to the hypogastric nodes; small lymphatic vessels from the posterior surface of the prostate, directed to the pararectal lymphatic plexus, in the direction of the lateral sacral lymph nodes and those at the sacral promontory (ie, pararectal and presacral lymph nodes) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary findings demonstrate that lymphatic drainage of the prostate extends beyond standard nodal templates actually considered in surgical daily practice, despite the knowledge reported by historical anatomical treatises. Further anatomical and experimental evidence are needed to investigate anatomical variability in humans, as well as to add more topographical details.

Retraction Note: An evaluation of the potential consequences of drilling titanium and tantalum implants during surgery - a pilot study.

The authors have retracted this article [1] because it constitutes redundant publication [2].

Hypoplastic superficial brachioradial artery coexisting with atypical formation of the median and musculocutaneous nerves: a rare combination of unusual topographical relationships.

The use of the term "brachioradial artery" was introduced for the high origin of the radial artery. Although the prevalence of the brachioradial artery reported by different authors varies from 4.67 to 15.6%, the presence of the hypoplastic brachial segment of the brachioradial artery is rare with an occurrence rate of 0.83%. Moreover, in just 0.6% of cases the loop of the median nerve may be placed near half of the length of the brachial artery, as in the case described in our report. A comprehensive understanding of anatomical variations of neurovascular structures in the upper limb is of great clinical significance. The presented case report illustrates a rare manifestation of persistent primitive developmental relationships in the arterial pattern of the upper limb (persistent, hypoplastic brachial segment of the superficial brachioradial artery), coexisting with atypical formation of the median and musculocutaneous nerves. Anatomical variations of vessels and nerves may coexist which should be taken into account when performing vascular, reconstructive or orthopedic surgery.

The Influence of Implant Position on Final Clinical Outcome and Gait Analysis after Total Knee Arthroplasty.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of implant component alignment on objective and subjective outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The rotation of the femoral component and its influence on the final results were also examined. After exclusion, the study examined 102 patients (mean age, 66.28 years; range, 51-79 years) who had undergone unilateral TKA. All of the operative procedures were performed by one surgeon with one type of implant. One year after the operation, improvements in Knee Society's Knee Scoring System, functional score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and Visual Analog Scale were observed; however, none showed a significant correlation with any of the parameters analyzed by X-ray or computed tomography (CT) (α, ß, γ, δ angles and posterior condylar angle [PCA]). Significant improvements were found for the vast majority of the parameters used for gate analysis at the final follow-up. Significant correlations were found between PCA angle and differences in stance phase, swing phase of the operated limb, and step width (all p = 0.03). No other significant relationships were found between gait parameters and indicators measured by X-ray and CT. None of the analyzed radiographic parameters, including rotation of the femoral component, correlated with final clinical results. Neither femoral internal rotation of 3° to 6°, nor rotation of 0° ± 3° or 0° ± 6° influenced the outcome. One year after TKA, a significant improvement was observed in both functional and gait parameters.

Bilateral Extensive Ossification of the Posterior Petroclinoid Ligament: An Anatomical Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: The posterior petroclinoid dural fold (commonly referred to as a ligament) forms the roof of the trigeminal porus and the roof of the petroclival venous confluence. It lies in close proximity to the oculomotor nerve that crosses it. Due to the low availability of research material, only a few cadaveric studies have been conducted on the microsurgical anatomy of the petroclinoid ligament in cases of its ossification. Thus our report complements earlier studies and provides detailed data on the spatial relationships between the ossified posterior petroclinoid ligament and the trigeminal, oculomotor, and abducens nerves, with special attention to the topographical relationships within the petroclival venous confluence and Dorello's canal. CASE DESCRIPTION: Bilateral massive ossification of the posterior petroclinoid ligament was observed during the dissection of a 76-year-old female cadaver. The presence of an osseous bridge over the trigeminal notch was also detected on the left side. No narrowing of the space occupied by the petroclival venous confluence was observed. However, the dural sheath of the oculomotor nerve was fixed much more than usual. CONCLUSIONS: Because the ossification of the posterior petroclinoid ligament may be considered a factor influencing diagnostic and surgical procedures, neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists should be aware of this variation. Ossification of the posterior petroclinoid ligament may also potentially result in greater susceptibility of the oculomotor nerve to injury.

Hip joint arthroscopy in professionally active patients with osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVES: The primary endpoints of the study were to assess the effectiveness of hip joint arthroscopy in the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in patients with joint gap stenosis and to determine if and how quickly patients were able to return to work and physical activity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The prospective study of patients undergoing hip joint arthroscopy due to pain in FAI has been conducted. They were divided into 2 groups depending on the degree of the radiological examination. The criterion was the width of the joint gap. The study group involved 47 patients with hip joint gap of 2-3 mm, identified by means of the standardized X-ray examination. The control group consisted of 45 patients with hip joint gap > 3 mm. The post-operative follow-up period of the patients lasted at least 2 years. In addition, the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire together with Harris Hip Score (HHS) were applied. The patients were also evaluated for the post-operative time period enabling return to work. RESULTS: All the patients after hip joint arthroscopy returned to normal physical activity within 12 weeks after operation, enabling their return to work. However, it should be noted that during the post-operative follow-up, pain sensations either recurred or did not regress in 37 patients in the study group and 12 patients in the control group after treatment. The nearly equal results of the WOMAC questionnaire and HHS before operation significantly vary between both groups in the last follow up. In the study group they did not change expressively. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the little invasiveness, hip joint arthroscopy in patients with joint gap stenosis brings about the far from satisfactory results. This procedure is not worth considering. Despite unsatisfactory pain relief, patients decided to returned to work, due to their occupational position and for fear of losing the job due to long absenteeism. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(1):115-120.

A proposal for a new classification of pes anserinus morphology.

PURPOSE: The pes anserinus (PA) is characterized by high morphological diversity. As the semitendinosus and gracilis muscle tendons are routinely harvested for the reconstruction of other tendons, especially the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), it is of clinical importance. The presence of accessory bands within PA tendons can handicap the harvesting process. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to suggest a new morphological classification of the PA morphology. METHODS: Classical anatomical dissection was performed on 102 lower limbs (56 right, 46 left) fixed in 10% formalin solution. The morphology and insertion of the PA (including accessory bands) were assessed, and morphometric measurements were taken. RESULTS: In all cases, the PA was present and composed of the sartorius, gracilis and semitendinosus tendons. Six types of PA were distinguished based on the presence of accessory bands. The most common composed of monotendinous sartorius, gracilis and semitendinosus-54 limbs (52.9%). Additionally, three types of insertion were noted (short, band-shaped and fan-shaped). The mean length between the insertion and the origin of the accessory bands to the fascia of the gastrocnemius muscle was 63.5 mm. CONCLUSION: The morphology of the PA was highly variable. The gracilis and semitendinosus tendons often had accessory bands that would complicate the harvesting process. The planning of surgical procedures may be improved by our proposed classification.

The Anterolateral Ligament of the Knee: A Proposed Classification System.

The anterolateral ligament (ALL) is a potential stabilizer of the knee and cooperates with the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). It originates on the lateral epicondyle of the femur, to which it is mainly posterior and proximal; insertion is posterior to Gerdy's tubercle. Its anatomical characteristics vary. Recent publications have focused on morphological variations concerning mainly the femoral and tibial attachments, and on morphometric measurements. Histological and cystochemical examinations have also been performed. Classical anatomical dissection was performed on 111 lower limbs (25 isolated and 86 paired) fixed in 10% formalin. The knee region was dissected using traditional techniques and the morphological features of the ALL were assessed: morphometric measurements and the types of ALL. The ALL was present in 70 individuals (37 woman and 33 men). In 30 cases, it was absent symmetrically, and in 11, it was present on just one side (P = 0.0011). The ALL was morphologically very variable. In type I (the most common form - 64.3%), a single band traveled parallel to the fibular collateral ligament (FCL); in type II the band crossed it. In type III, the origin was located on the lateral epicondyle of the femur and also on the lateral-posterior surface of the joint capsule, and the insertion was in the deep fascia of the leg: this type could be called a capsule. Type IV was characterized by a double ALL, type IIb by ligaments that bifurcated, and type V by the ALL starting directly from the FCL rather than the femoral epicondyle. The ALL is characterized by high morphological variability, both in its femoral and in its tibial attachments and in its course. Clin. Anat. 31:966-973, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Anatomic Variations of the Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve: Remnants of Atypical Nerve Growth Pathways Revisited by Intraneural Fascicular Dissection and a Proposed Classification.

OBJECTIVE: To trace anatomic variations of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) in its intrapelvic course. METHODS: Forty cadavers (80 sides) fixed in 10% formalin solution were dissected. The following parameters were recorded: LFCN diameter and variations in its origin and number. The dissection comprised exposure and excision of the lumbar plexus, together with the roots of LFCN, followed by retrograde intraneural fascicular dissection using microsurgical instruments. RESULTS: Several types of LFCN origin from the lumbar plexus were observed. Typically, the LFCN appears as a single trunk arising from dorsal divisions of the ventral rami of the lumbar plexus. The most prevalent origin of the nerve was from the L2 and L3 roots (47 cases; 58.75%). The LFCN took an origin from the L1-L2 level in 12 cases (15%) and from the L2 nerve in 9 cases (11.25%). The main observed variations were the presence of the accessory LFCN (2 cases; 2.5%) and branching of the LFCN from the femoral nerve (6 cases; 7.5%). Communications between the LFCN and the femoral or genitofemoral nerves also were observed occasionally. An atypical course of the LFCN with respect to the anterior psoas was observed in our material in 3 of the 80 sides (3.75% of the examined LFCN specimens). CONCLUSIONS: Considerable variability in the origin and the course of the LFCN was observed, which should be taken into account during clinical assessment of nerve lesions and during surgery via transpsoas approaches to the lumbar spine.

Rare combined variations of renal, suprarenal, phrenic and accessory hepatic arteries.

Knowledge of the morphological variations within the abdominal cavity is significant for all medical practitioners planning surgery. This report presents the rare origin of a common trunk for the right inferior phrenic artery, and superior and inferior suprarenal artery from the right renal artery. An accessory hepatic artery was found, which served as a branch of the right inferior phrenic artery. The diameter of the common trunk was 3.95 mm, and the diameters of the inferior and superior suprarenal arteries were 1.84 and 1.36 mm, respectively. The diameter of the right inferior phrenic artery was 2.55 mm. Both the embryological background and the potential clinical significance of this morphological variation are discussed. Knowledge of this common trunk and the occurrence of the accessory right hepatic artery may be of significance in diagnostic and surgical procedures.

Ischaemia of the medullary cone after stent-graft implantation in a patient with abdominal aortic aneurysm - a case study.

Preoperative visualization of the Adamkiewicz artery - the vessel which is to a great extent responsible for supplying blood to the medullary cone - is an important step which must be taken before initiating restorative procedures in the aorta. We present a case of a 67-year-old patient who underwent an intravascular stent-graft implantation procedure, due to clinical signs of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Routine pre-operative computed tomography examination failed to demonstrate the Adamkiewicz artery. On the second day after the surgery, as a result of unexpected clinical deterioration, an magnetic resonance imaging examination of the lumbar spine was carried out. Based on the magnetic resonance imaging images and clinical manifestations the diagnosis of ischaemia of the medullary cone was made. In our work we also present a deep analysis of the anatomy of small-sized vessels supplying blood to the spinal cord and discuss effective techniques which enable visualization of the Adamkiewicz artery.

Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement with a Mini-open Direct Anterior Approach.

BACKGROUND: The opinion about best methods of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) treatment are not consistent. Operative treatment of this condition may be arthroscopic, but open procedures with osteotomy of the greater trochanter and hip dislocation has been used. The present study evaluates the benefits of the mini-open direct anterior approach (DAA) in treating patients with FAI, with is a procedure available for most orthopedic surgeons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 39 patients treated for FAI (25 men and 14 women) at an average age of 29.3 years (range 18-46 years) were reviewed in this retrospective study. The mean followup was 45 months, (range 24-55 months). The hip impingement test was positive in all patients. The diagnosis of FAI was confirmed on anteroposterior and lateral hip view radiographs. All patients were operated with mini-open DAA. The outcomes were assessed with the Harris Hip Score, Short-Form 36 Health Survey and VAS score. Preoperative osteoarthritis was assessed according to Tönnis score. RESULTS: At the final followup, improvement was noted compared to preoperative status in Harris Hip Score (P < 0.00001), visual analog scale score (P < 0.001), and Short-Form-36 score (P < 0.001). Nineteen patients returned to their previous sports activities. No major complications occurred. One patient developed heterotopic ossification and three patients developed temporary postoperative meralgia paresthetica. Five patients from the treatment group required total hip arthroplasty for severe osteoarthritis. CONCLUSIONS: Mini-open DAA is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of FAI that gives good relief of symptoms and allows a successful return to preoperative activity levels. Further research with a longer followup period is needed to evaluate the influence of surgery on natural history of FAI.

An evaluation of the potential consequences of drilling titanium and tantalum implants during surgery - a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential consequences of drilling titanium alloy (Ti) and tantalum (Ta) implants. METHODS: During an in vitro study, four holes were made in each of two spatially porous trabecular implants: one Ta and the other Ti alloy (Ti-6Al-7Nb). The weight and the volume of particles produced during the drilling were then measured using a Radwag XA 110/2X (USA) laboratory balance. RESULTS: The loss of mass of the Ti and Ta implants was respectively 1.26 g and 2.48 g, and the volume of free particles was respectively 280 mm3 and 149 mm3. The particles were recovered after each stage. Despite the use of 5 µm filters, around 0.6% of the total implant mass from both implants was not recovered after drilling (roughly 2% of the mass of the particles created). CONCLUSION: It is technically difficult to make holes in Ti and Ta implants using standard surgical tools, and the process creates a significant amount of metal particles which cannot be removed, despite intensive flushing. This may have a potentially adverse influence on the survival of the implant and result in negative systemic consequences.

Two stage revision hip arthroplasty in periprosthetic joint infection. Comparison study: with or without the use of a spacer.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare two methods of two-stage surgery for PJI (periprosthetic joint infection) after THA (total hip arthroplasty): one with and one without the use of an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer. METHODS: This retrospective study was performed on 99 consecutive patients (99 hips) with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Patients were divided into two groups: (1) in whom the operation was performed using a spacer, and (2) for whom a spacer was not used. RESULTS: For the whole cohort, the results improved between pre-operative and final follow-up. Recurrence of infection was found in nine out of 98 patients (9.2%) and was not significantly different between the two groups. Patients treated with a spacer had better functional improvement in the interim period, but the VAS score was better in the non-spacer group. The improvement in final function was better in the spacer group with regard to HHS, but not according to WOMAC score or VAS at final follow-up. CONCLUSION: The resection arthroplasty should be awarded particular consideration in cases of poor soft tissue quality, bone stock deficiency, when complications related to spacer use are expected or chances of new hip endoprosthesis implantation are low.