Pectorobrachioepicondylaris musculoaponeurotic band: case description with evidence of median nerve compression.

Upper limb muscle variations can be encountered on imaging or at surgery. We report an unusual muscle and band found during routine dissection of the arm in a cadaver. This case is described and salient literature reviewed. A band was found that traveled from the insertion of the pectoralis major tendon distally and obliquely toward the medial intermuscular septum and medical epicondyle. Fibers of the brachialis were found to interdigitate into the band. A tunnel was formed that carried the median nerve and brachial vessels. Evidence of median nerve compression was observed. We considered this an example of a pectorobrachioepicondylaris muscle. However, some can lead to clinical presentations. Although the significance of the case reported herein is not certain, signs of median nerve compression were identified. We believe that the term pectorobrachioepicondylaris bests describes the muscle reported herein and that our case represents a previously unreported variant of this muscle.

Novel therapeutic avenues for the study of chronic liver disease and regeneration: The foundation of the Iberoamerican Consortium for the study of liver Cirrhosis.

Unfortunately, there is a gap of understanding in the pathophysiology of chronic liver disease due to the lack of experimental models that exactly mimic the human disease. Additionally, the diagnosis of patients is very poor due to the lack of biomarkers than can detect the disease in early stages. Thus, it is of utmost interest the generation of a multidisciplinary consortium from different countries with a direct translation. The present reports the meeting of the 2021 Iberoamerican Consortium for the study of liver Cirrhosis, held online, in October 2021. The meeting, was focused on the recent advancements in the field of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis with a specific focus on cell pathobiology and liver regeneration, molecular and cellular targets involved in non-alcoholic hepatic steatohepatitis, alcoholic liver disease (ALD), both ALD and western diet, and end-stage liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, the meeting highlighted recent advances in targeted novel technology (-omics) and opening therapeutic avenues in this field of research.

A comprehensive anatomical classification system of the extramuscular innervation of the gracilis muscle as guidance for free functional muscle transfer.

PURPOSE: The gracilis muscle is one of the most frequently used muscles in reconstructive surgeries. It can be utilized as both less complex flaps and a free functional muscle flap to restore function to other muscles. As little is known of the precise extramuscular innervation of the gracilis muscle, the present study performs an accurate assessment to provide as much important anatomical information for clinicians as possible. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A classical anatomical dissection was performed on eighty-five lower limbs (45 right, 40 left) fixed in 10% formalin solution. The variability in the extramuscular innervation of the gracilis muscle was assessed. Some morphometric measurements were collected. RESULTS: A four-fold classification of extramuscular innervation was created for the gracilis muscle. Type I (64.7%), the most frequent type, presented at least one proximal nerve branch. Type II (25.9%) lacked this branch. Type III (8.2%) possessed an additional neural supply from the muscular nerve branch innervating the adductor longus muscle. Type IV (1.2%) was similar to Type III, but the additional neural supply originated from the muscular nerve branch innervating the adductor magnus muscle. CONCLUSION: Clear anatomical variability was noted for extramuscular innervation of the gracilis muscle. All the presented Types seem to be suitable for splitting a muscle belly and use its part in free functional muscle transfer. However, it appears that Type III and IV may ease this procedure, because of the additional nerve branches. This classification system can deliver important information for clinicians performing complex reconstructive surgeries with the use of the gracilis muscle.

Embryology of the Abdominal Wall and Associated Malformations-A Review.

In humans, the incidence of congenital defects of the intraembryonic celom and its associated structures has increased over recent decades. Surgical treatment of abdominal and diaphragmatic malformations resulting in congenital hernia requires deep knowledge of ventral body closure and the separation of the primary body cavities during embryogenesis. The correct development of both structures requires the coordinated and fine-tuned synergy of different anlagen, including a set of molecules governing those processes. They have mainly been investigated in a range of vertebrate species (e.g., mouse, birds, and fish), but studies of embryogenesis in humans are rather rare because samples are seldom available. Therefore, we have to deal with a large body of conflicting data concerning the formation of the abdominal wall and the etiology of diaphragmatic defects. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge and focuses on the histological and molecular events leading to the establishment of the abdominal and thoracic cavities in several vertebrate species. In chronological order, we start with the onset of gastrulation, continue with the establishment of the three-dimensional body shape, and end with the partition of body cavities. We also discuss well-known human etiologies.

The incidence and shape of the digital pulleys: a study of 192 fingers in 48 cadaveric hands.

We dissected 192 fingers in 48 fresh cadaveric hands (23 right and 25 left hands from 26 female and 22 male donors) and analysed the incidence, location, length and structure of the five annular and three cruciform pulleys. No statistically significant differences were found between left and right or between male and female hands. The A1, A2 and A4 pulleys were present in all fingers, while the incidence of other pulleys varied. We found 32 different patterns of pulley combinations. The structure of the pulleys also varied. Most important was the variation of A1, which consisted of one to four separate rings. In 18% there was no gap between the A1 and A2 pulleys. A greater understanding of the anatomical variation of the pulley system is beneficial for hand surgeons performing open or percutaneous trigger finger releases and for radiologists examining the area sonographically.

New Insights Into the Development of the Anterior Abdominal Wall.

Purpose: Among the few studies that have examined the development of the anterior abdominal wall, several are based on incomplete "series", substituted in many cases by non-human specimens. Material and Methods: In total, 19 human embryos corresponding to Carnegie stages 15-23, 36 fetuses with estimated gestational ages ranging from 9 weeks to term, and eight neonates were included in this study. All specimens belong to the collection of the Department of Anatomy and Embryology at the Complutense University of Madrid. Results: The muscles of the anterior abdominal wall appear in the dorsal region at stages 15 and 16 (33-37 days). At stages 17 and 18 (41-44 days), this muscular mass grows ventrally and splits into two sheets: the external abdominal oblique muscle and the common mass of the internal abdominal oblique, and the transversus abdominis muscles, all of which end ventrally in the primitive condensation of the rectus abdominis. In embryos at stages 19 and 20 (48 days), the anterior abdominal wall continues to show an umbilical hernia in the amniotic cavity. However, a narrow neck is apparent for the first time and there is a wider anterior abdominal wall below the hernia made up of dense mesenchyme tissue without layers and showing the primordia of the umbilical canal. In embryos at stages 21, 22, and 23 (51-57 days), the abdominal muscles and aponeuroses cross the midline (linea alba) covering the rectus abdominis and pyramidalis muscles while the umbilical hernia has shrunk. In fetuses during the 9th and 10th weeks, the umbilical hernia becomes encircled by the rectus abdominis muscle, its aponeurosis, and the three layers of lateral abdominal muscles, which are more developed and covered by Camper's and Scarpa's fasciae. The inguinal canal has a course and relationships like those described in adults, with Hesselbach's ligament.

The hallucal interphalangeal ossicle: anatomy and basis for ultrasound-guided surgical shaving.

Painful lesions on the plantar aspect of the first interphalangeal joint (IPJ) of the hallux can be attributed to structures called ossicles, nodules, or sesamoids. The aims of the present study were first to verify that ultrasonography (US) is a high-sensitivity tool for diagnosing an interphalangeal ossicle (IO), and second to prove that US-guided-shaving surgery ("milling") is a safe and feasible technique for remodeling the IO. The study is divided into three parts. In the first part, the prevalence of IOs was estimated in 12 cadaver feet using US, anatomical dissection, and fluoroscopy. In the second, a detailed US and morphological description of the IO was obtained. In the third, six cadaver feet were subjected to surgical milling. IO prevalence was 41.6% in gross anatomy, 41.6% in US examination and just 16.6% in fluoroscopy. The ossicles had a mean length of 4 mm (± 2 mm) and a width of 7 mm (± 2 mm). The ossicles could be completely shaved in all specimens without injuring important anatomical structures. Our results indicate that US is a more precise tool for diagnosing an IO than X-ray. Moreover, our US-guided mini-invasive surgical technique appears feasible and safe.

Classification of the popliteofibular ligament.

The purpose of this study was to characterize the morphological variations in the distal attachment of the popliteofibular ligament (PFL) and create an accurate classification for use in planning surgical procedures in this area and in evaluating radiological imaging. One hundred and thirty-seven lower limbs of body donors fixed in 10% formalin solution were examined for the presence and course of the PFL. The PFL was present in 88.3% of cases. We propose the following three-fold classification: type I (72.3%), the most common type, characterized by the attachment onto the apex of the head of the fibula, type II (8.7%), characterized by a bifurcation, with the dominant band inserting on the anterior slope of the styloid process of the fibula and the smaller band onto the posterior surface of the styloid process of the fibula and type III (7.3%), characterized by a double PFL: the first PFL (main) originated from the popliteus tendon and inserted onto the anterior slope of the styloid process of the fibula, while the second originated from the musculotendinous junction of the popliteus muscle and inserted on the posterior surface of the styloid process of the fibula. The PFL was characterized by high morphological variation, as reflected in our proposed classification. This variation may present clinical and biomechanical issues for both medical personnel and researchers. Our proposed classification may be valuable for clinicians who evaluate and perform surgical procedures within the knee joint area.

Prevalence of Petrooccipital Fissure Fusion: Osteological Study with Application to Approaches to the Skull Base and Imaging Interpretation.

INTRODUCTION: The petrooccipital fissure (POF) has relevance to skull base approaches, various tumors and craniosynostoses, and some cases of age-related hearing loss. However, the prevalence of fusion and classification of such is rarely found in the extant medical literature. METHODS: One-hundred and 10 dry human skulls (220 sides) were used for this study. The skulls were evaluated for fusion of the POF. Both the endocranial and exocranial aspects of the POF were analyzed. A classification scheme was developed to better describe the location of POF fusion. RESULTS: A fused POF was identified on 36 sides (16.4%) and commonly found bilaterally (11%). Of these, 30 sides (83.3%) were completely fused (type I) and 6 sides (2.7%) were partially fused (types II and III). For the partially fused fissures, the fused part was on all but 2 sides with the most anterior portion of the petrous part of the temporal bone and adjacent clivus (type II). For the 2 sides (both right sides), the fusion was more posteriorly located between the petrous part of the temporal bone and lateral clivus (type III). Fusion of the POF was more often found in specimens with a partially or fully ossified petroclival ligament. Completely fused POF was positively correlated to sides with an intrajugular bony septum. CONCLUSIONS: A POF fusion was relatively common and associated with an ossified petroclival ligament and intrajugular bony septation. Such a prevalence is important for clinicians and skull base surgeons interpreting imaging of the skull base.

The Anterolateral Cervical Atlanto-Occipital Plexus: A Novel Finding with Application to Skull Base and Spine Surgery and Pain Disorders of the Head and Neck.

BACKGROUND: We have described a novel nerve plexus of the upper neck. By exploring how the individual components of this specific anterolateral nerve plexus communicate with each other, patient care could be improved regarding the preoperative diagnosis, intraoperative navigation, and minimally invasive treatment. METHODS: Using a surgical microscope, 11 adult cadaveric heads (22 cadaveric hemi-sides) were dissected. The region of the junction between the atlanto-occipital and craniocervical junctions was explored, specifically, the innervation of this region via adjacent nerve connections. Branches from these regional nerve sources were analyzed for interconnections, and, when found, these branches were documented and measured. RESULTS: A delicate nerve plexus was found overlying the anterolateral C1-C2 junction in all specimens. The plexus was contributed by the sympathetic trunk, vagus nerve, hypoglossal nerve, and C1 and C2 ventral rami. We termed this plexus the anterolateral cervical atlanto-occipital (ALCAO) plexus. On all but 2 cadaveric hemi-sides (91%), the C2 ventral ramus provided the most input into the plexus, with 1-2 branches. On 2 cadaveric hemi-sides, the C1 ventral ramus was the primary contributor and, on average, this nerve contributed 1-2 branches to the plexus. For 8 cadaveric hemi-sides (36.4%), the C1 fibers that are known to travel with the hypoglossal nerve and be distributed to the geniohyoid and thyrohyoid muscles arose from C1 nerve fibers that first traversed the ALCAO plexus. The sympathetic trunk contributed 1-4 lateral branches, with most of these arising superiorly from the superior cervical ganglion. The vagus nerve contributed 1-2 lateral branches and the hypoglossal nerve contributed 1-2 anteromedial branches. This plexus was located more or less lateral to the sympathetic trunk and superior cervical ganglion and medial to the transverse process of C1 and C2. The plexus innervated the rectus capitis lateralis, rectus capitis anterior, and lateral atlanto-occipital joint and, on 4 cadaveric hemi-sides, the atlantoaxial joint. Additionally, small branches were seen traveling to the anterior atlantoaxial and anterior atlanto-occipital membranes on 55% and 77.2% of the cadaveric hemi-sides, respectively. On 6 hemi-sides, very small branches from the ALCAO plexus ended in the periosteum over the anterolateral aspect of the anterior arch and transverse process of the C1 vertebra. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to recognize that the course of these interneural connections varies and could result in unforeseen complications during surgical procedures. A comprehensive knowledge of these neural connections will be useful when considering surgery and evaluating pathology of the neck and skull base.

Anatomic mapping of the collateral branches of the external carotid artery with regard to daily clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: To identify the anatomical variations of the main branches of the external carotid artery (lingual, facial, occipital, ascending pharyngeal and sternocleidomastoid), giving information about the calibers and origins with the aim of creating a new classification useful in clinical practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 193 human embalmed body-donors were dissected. The data collected were analyzed using the Chi² test. The results of previous studies were reviewed. RESULTS: The majority of the anterior arterial branches (superior thyroid, facial and lingual artery) were observed with an independent origin, respectively, classified as pattern I (80.83%, 156/193). In 17.62% (34/193) a linguofacial trunk, pattern II, has been observed, only in 1,04% (2/193) a thyrolingual trunk, pattern III, has been found and in one case (1/193, 0.52%) one thyrolinguofacial trunk, pattern IV, was found. Depending on the posterior branches (occipital and ascending pharyngeal), four different types could be determined: type a, the posterior arteries originated independently, type b, the posterior arteries originated in a common trunk, type c, the ascending pharyngeal artery was absent, type d, the occipital artery was absent. CONCLUSION: Anatomical variations in these arteries are relevant in daily clinical practice due to growing applications, e.g., in Interventional Radiology techniques. Knowledge of these anatomical references could help clinicians in the interpretation of the carotid system.

The bronchial segmentation and its anatomical variations. A clinical-anatomic and bronchoscopy study.

The development in interventional respiratory medicine entails the need of bronchial anatomical knowledge, whose variations assume their greatest importance nowadays. The aim of this study was to describe the frequency of these variations and to analyze the bronchial lengths, barely registered before in literature. This observational descriptive study (from June 2018 until April 2019) was conducted in a sample of 17 pairs of lungs, which were dissected and measured at the Cadaver Donation Centre (Universidad Complutense, Madrid), and a second sample of 50 bronchoscopies, performed at the San Carlos Clinic Hospital, which were analyzed during the procedure. Our results show that there are no significant differences in the incidence of variations by sex in any of both samples, and neither in the average length of any bronchus by sex nor lobar pattern. Left main bronchus presents the longest length and left upper lobe bronchus the shortest. The highest percentage of variations is contained in the right lower lobe (25.4%), and the most frequent variation in the subsuperior bronchus (B*) (19.4%). The middle lobe and the left lower lobe present the lowest percentage of variations (11.9%). Only 37.3% of the pairs of lungs/patients did not have any anatomical variation in the general sample. Despite of the small size of the sample, results show a high percentage of variations and a minority of completely normal pairs of lungs, which invites us to reflect about the probable high prevalence of variations in the general population. Further studies with greater samples are needed to confirm our hypothesis.

Vascular clinical anatomy of the submandibular gland.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to describe in depth the precise anatomy of the vascular supply of the submandibular gland, trying to determine the existence of patterns of glandular vascularization. Knowledge of these patterns could facilitate surgical management of the gland and the submandibular gland flap. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Neck dissections of formaldehyde preserved human cadavers were performed. Submandibular and transmandibular approaches were used during the dissections. All the vascular branches found were registered and classified into 2groups: main or accessory branches. The anatomical data analyzed was: The diameter and length of the main and accessory branches, as well as the most important measurements of the submandibular gland flap pedicle. RESULTS: 33 glands were dissected to study the arterial supply of the submandibular gland (17 right, 16 left; 17 males, 16 females) and 29 were dissected to study the venous supply (15 left, 14 right; 15 males,14 females). A total of 123 arterial branches were found reaching the 33 submandibular glands (47 main and 76 accessories) and 116 venous branches were found draining the 29 submandibular glands (47 main branches and 69 accessory branches). A constant main venous branch that ran parallel to the Wharton duct and drained in the sublingual vein was found in all of cases (Concomitant Wharton Duct Vein or CWDV). CONCLUSION: The CWDV is a constant venous branch for the drainage of the gland and should be considered as venous pedicle during the dissection of submandibular gland flaps.

[Complications and mortality after radical nephrectomy in a low-volume hospital.] / Complicaciones y mortalidad tras nefrectomía radical en un hospital de bajo volumen quirúrgico.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the complications and 30-day mortality rates following open radical nephrectomy and laparoscopic radical nephrectomy using the Clavien-Dindo classification system in a low-volume hospital. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 263 patients who underwent open or laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (1996-2016) in our local district general hospital. Postoperative complications and 30- day mortalities were evaluated using the Clavien-Dindo classification. The predictors of postoperative complications were assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: We found that, compared to open radical nephrectomy, laparoscopic resulted in a significantly longer operative time (112.6±41 vs 199.3±61 minutes, p <  0.01) and a shorter hospital stay (8.5±2.4 vs 5.7±3 days, p < 0.001). The most common complications were bleeding or hematoma (4.9%) and problems associated with the wound (4.5%). There were no significant differences between the ORN and LRN groups in terms of complications based on the Clavien-Dindo classification. On multivariate analysis, a longer operative time (Odds Ratio, 1.009; 95% confidence interval, 1.002- 1.015; p = 0.010) and higher body mass index (Odds Ratio, 0.898; 95% confidence interval, 0.822-0.981; p = 0.017) were found to be significant predictors of complications after nephrectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that complication and 30-day mortality rates were low. There was a greater number of low-grade complications, and there were no significant differences in these rates between open and laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. A longer operative time and a higher BMI were predictors of possible complications. We provide additional evidence to support the feasibility of performing open or laparoscopic radical nephrectomy in low-volume hospitals.

OBJETIVOS: Evaluar la tasa de complicaciónes y mortalidad a 30 días después de nefrectomía radical abierta o laparoscópica utilizando el sistema de clasificación Clavien-Dindo en un hospital de bajo volumen quirúrgico.MÉTODOS: Realizamos un análisis retrospectivo de 263 pacientes a los que se les practicó nefrectomía radical laparoscópica o abierta (1996-2016). Las complicaciones postoperatorias y la mortalidad a 30 días fueron evaluadas utilizando la clasificación de Clavien-Dindo. Analizamos los factores predictores de complicaciones postoperatorias mediante análisis multivariado con regresión logística. RESULTADOS: Comparado a la nefrectomía abierta, la nefrectomía radical laparoscópica resultó en un mayor tiempo quirúrgico (112,6±41 vs 199,3±61 minutos, p < 0,01) y una menor estancia hospitalaria (8,5±2,4 vs 5,7±3 días, p <  0,001). Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron sangrado o hematoma (4,9%) y problemas asociados a la herida (4,5%). No hubo diferencias significativas entre cirugía abierta o laparoscópica evaluando las complicaciones mediante la clasificación de Clavien-Dindo. En el análisis multivariado, un tiempo quirúrgico prolongado (Odds Ratio, 1.009; 95% intervalo de confianza, 1.002-1.015; p = 0,010) y un mayor índice de masa corporal (Odds Ratio, 0,898; 95% intervalo de confianza, 0,822-0,981; p = 0,017) fueron predictores significativos de complicaciones. CONCLUSIONES: Nuestro estudio muestra que la tasa de complicaciones y mortalidad a 30 días fueron bajas, con un mayor número de complicaciones de bajo grado y sin diferencias significativas entre cirugía abierta o laparoscópica. Un tiempo quirúrgico prolongado y mayor índice de masa corporal fueron predictores de posibles complicaciones. Aportamos evidencia adicional apoyando la realización de nefrectomía radical laparoscópica o abierta en hospitales de bajo volumen quirúrgico.

Ultrasound-guided decompression surgery of the distal tarsal tunnel: a novel technique for the distal tarsal tunnel syndrome-part III.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to provide a safe ultrasound-guided minimally invasive surgical approach for a distal tarsal tunnel release concerning nerve entrapments. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study was carried out on ten fresh-frozen feet. All of them have been examined by high-resolution ultrasound at the distal tarsal tunnel. The surgical approach has been marked throughout the course of the medial intermuscular septum (MIS, the lateral fascia of the abductor hallucis muscle). After the previous steps, nerve decompression was carried out through a MIS release through a 2.5 mm (± 0.5 mm) surgical portal. As a result, an effective release of the MIS has been obtained in all fresh-frozen feet. CONCLUSION: The results of our anatomic study indicate that this novel ultrasound-guided minimally invasive surgical approach for the release of the MIS might be an effective, safe and quick decompression technique treating selected patients with a distal tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Extracranial Course of the Facial Nerve Revisited.

INTRODUCTION: The extrapetrous course of the facial nerve has been a matter of study and debate since XIX century. Two different classifications have been classically proposed and widely accepted by most of the authors. Nevertheless, there are reported cases which do not fit in any of those. The aim of this study is to propose a new and useful classification. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have used 23 embalmed Caucasian adult cadavers (11 male and 12 female) belonging to the Bodies Donation and Dissecting Rooms Centre of the University Complutense of Madrid. The extra-petrous facial nerve was dissected in the possible specimens resulting in 38 facial nerves. The studied parameters were length, diameter of divisions, terminal branches, and nerve connections. RESULTS: In every specimen two main divisions were found, temporofacial and cervicofacial. They divided into five terminal branches from cranial to caudal: temporal, zygomatic, buccal, marginal or mandibular, and cervical. Based on the comparison with previous proposed classifications, we have unified the patterns in 12 types being the most frequent types the type 3 (eight cases, 21.05%), with connections between temporal, zygomatic and buccal branches and the type 8 (eight cases, 21.05%), a complex network between temporal, zygomatic, buccal, and mandibular branches. The number of terminal branches was so variable. CONCLUSION: We propose a new 12-patterned classification which summarizes the previous ones. However, we consider that a good study of the number of terminal branches, connections between branches or with other cranial nerves are more useful for surgeons to avoid injuries to the facial nerve during surgery than complex classifications. Anat Rec, 302:599-608, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The Human Laryngeal Innervation Revisited-The Role of the Neural Connections.

In spite that vascular inconvenients or immunological rejections have been solved in relation with larynx transplant, a successful functional reinnervation has not been achieved. Some studies have suggested that laryngeal nerve connection may contain motor fibers, which could explain unexpected evoked responses in electromyographic studies or the different positions adopted of the vocal folds after similar nerve lesions. Ten patients with unexpected evoked responses after laryngeal nerve stimulation were selected. All the patients underwent a total laryngectomy due to oncological causes. In every case, laryngeal nerve connections were observed. All of them were morphologic and histologic processed for choline-acetyltransferase immunohistochemistry. The presence of motor axons in the nerve connections has been demonstrated, which would explain that the motor innervation to the laryngeal muscles could be dual through these variable connections. This also would justify the difficulty of carrying out laryngeal nerve reinnervation procedures. Anat Rec, 302:646-651, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Symmetrical Apophyses on the Posterior Margins of the Thyroid Cartilage: A Previously Undescribed Anatomical Variation With Potential Forensic Implications.

Differential diagnosis between normal/variant anatomy and pathological/traumatic findings represents one of the main matters of investigation of the so-called forensic clinical anatomy. In the literature, many anatomical variations of the laryngeal thyroid cartilage have been reported, with potential implications in forensic pathology. They include triticeal cartilages, foramen thyroideum, asymmetry, segmentation or agenesis of the superior thyroid horns, bone connections with the hyoid bone, absence of cricothyroid facets, hypertrophy of the inferior thyroid tubercle, and asymmetries in the thyroid notch, isthmus, or length of the inferior horn. In this report, we describe a laryngeal anatomical variation never described before, consisting of 2 apophyses symmetrically arising from the posterior margins of the thyroid laminae. Postmortem computed tomography performed on the laryngeal visceral block excluded previous traumatic injuries or natural pathologies of the laryngeal cartilages, confirming the congenital origin of the finding. An "omega epiglottis" and 3 laryngeal cysts in the piriform sinuses also coexisted, suggesting the possibility of underlying common developmental mechanisms.

Ultrasound-guided decompression surgery of the tarsal tunnel: a novel technique for the proximal tarsal tunnel syndrome-Part II.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to provide a safe ultrasound-guided minimally invasive surgical approach for a proximal tarsal tunnel release concerning nerve entrapments. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study was carried out on ten fresh-frozen feet. All of them were examined by high resolution ultrasound at the medial ankle region. The surgical approach was marked throughout the course of the flexor retinaculum (laciniate ligament). Once the previous steps were done, the flexor retinaculum release technique was carried out with a 2-mm entry only. As a result, an effective and safe release of the flexor retinaculum was obtained in all fresh-frozen feet. CONCLUSION: The results of our anatomic study indicate that our novel ultrasound-guided minimally invasive surgical approach for the release of the flexor retinaculum might be an effective, safe and quick decompression technique treating selected patients with a proximal tarsal tunnel syndrome.

External laryngeal nerve landmarks revisited.

BACKGROUND: Because external laryngeal nerve (ELN) iatrogenic damage is frequent during neck surgery, its precise localization has been highly recommended. This study analyzes the different surgical landmarks previously proposed and the anatomy of the collateral and terminal branches of the ELN. METHODS: The necks of 157 (77 men and 80 women) human adult embalmed cadavers were examined. The ELN origin, length, and relationship to different landmarks were recorded and results statistically compared with those previously reported. RESULTS: The ELN is located deep to the ascending pharyngeal vein in 100% of patients. In most patients, it crosses the carotid axis at the thyroid artery origin level (47% of patients), passes medial to it (89% of patients), and shows an intramuscular trajectory through the inferior constrictor of the pharynx (80% of patients). CONCLUSION: The ELN position, in relation to classical landmarks, is highly variable. The most reliable relationships are those with the ascending pharyngeal vein or with the superior thyroid artery.