Body composition and morphological limbs asymmetry in competitors in six martial arts / Composición corporal y asimetría morfológica de miembros en competidores en seis artes marciales

The aim of this study was to compare body composition (BC) and morphological symmetry differences among elite athletes (n = 132) in six martial arts (judo, karate, fencing, wrestling, taekwondo, kickboxing). Multivariate analysis of variances (MANOVA) was used to compare the following variables: absolute (FFM) and relative (FFMrel) value of fat free mass, percentage of fat mass (FMp), bone mass, protein mass, basal metabolic rate, absolute (TBW) and percentual (TBWp) value of total body water, segmental proportion of muscle mass, phase angle, and percent-age differences between the upper and lower limbs. MANOVA revealed significant differences in BC among the groups (λ = 0.01, F104, 256 = 10.01, p< 0.01, ηp2 = 0.67). No significant differences were observed for FMp, FFMrel, and TBWp (p>0.05). In all other BC variables, significant differences were detected (p<0.05). The comparison of paired differences between limbs revealed significantly greater fluid volume in the preferred arm compared to the non-preferred arm in karate and fencing athletes. Significant differences (p<0.05) in favour of the preferred leg in all combat athletes were detected. This study revealed morphological differences among practitioners of different martial arts and between paired limbs.

El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la composición corporal (CC) y las diferencias de simetría morfológica entre atletas de élite (n = 132) en seis artes marciales (judo, karate, esgrima, lucha, taekwondo, kickboxing). Se utilizó el análisis multivariado de varianzas (MANOVA) para comparar las siguientes variables: valor absoluto (FFM) y relativo (FFMrel) de la masa libre de grasa, porcentaje de masa grasa (FMp), masa ósea, masa proteica, tasa metabólica basal, absoluto (TBW) y el valor porcentual (TBWp) de líquido corporal total, la proporción segmentaria de la masa muscular, el ángulo de fase y las diferencias porcentuales entre los miembros superiores e inferiores. MANOVA reveló diferencias significativas en BC entre los grupos (λ = 0,01, F104, 256 = 10,01, p <0,01, ηp2 = 0,67). No se observaron diferencias significativas para FMp, FFMrel y TBWp (p>0,05). En todas las demás variables de BC, se detectaron diferencias significativas (p<0,05). La comparación de las diferencias pareadas entre los miembros reveló un volumen de líquido significativamente mayor en el brazo dominante en comparación con el brazo no dominante en karate y atletas de esgrima. Se detectaron diferencias significativas (p<0,05) a favor de la pierna dominante en todos los atletas de combate. Este estudio reveló diferencias morfológicas entre los practicantes de diferentes artes marciales y entre las miembros emparejadas.

Body asymmetries in young male road cyclists / Asimetrías corporales en ciclistas de carretera masculinos jóvenes

An anthropometric analysis was conducted on 64 competitive young male road cyclists of different age categories (U17; U19; & U23 years of age). The purpose of the study is to find asymmetries between the left and right side of upper and lower limbs with the NX-16 (TC2) 3D body scanner, which includes measurement of left and right upper arm girth, elbow girth, forearm girth, wrist girth, thigh girth, knee girth, thigh length, calf girth, and shin length. Body composition was measured by the bioelectrical impedance machine InBody 720 (Biospace Ltd.). Results of body composition measurements of male road cyclists showed that U17 and U19 youth road cyclist differed statistically in five (from 11) paired variables, and the U23 age group differed statistically in six (from 11) paired variables. All of the age groups differed statistically in elbow, forearm, and calf girth. The main finding of study was that as the age of a cyclist increases, there is a tendency to increase asymmetries between the left and right side of several body segments.

Se realizó un análisis antropométrico de 64 ciclistas hombres, competidores de carretera, de diferentes categorías de edad (M17 y M23 años). El objetivo del estudio fue encontrar asimetrías entre el lado izquierdo y el lado derecho de los miembros superiores e inferiores con escáner corporal NX-16 (TC2) 3D, que incluyó la medición de las circunferencias izquierda y derecha de la parte superior del brazo, circunferencia del codo, circunferencia del antebrazo, y de la muñeca, circunferencia del muslo, de la cintura y de la rodilla; se midió el largo del muslo, circunferencia de la pantorrilla y el largo de la tibia. La composición corporal se midió mediante la máquina de impedancia bioeléctrica InBody 720 (Biospace Ltd.). Los resultados de las mediciones de la composición corporal de los ciclistas de carretera mostraron que los ciclistas juveniles de las categorías M17 y M19 difirían estadísticamente en cinco (de 11) variables pareadas, y el grupo de edad de los 23 años difirió estadísticamente en seis variables. Todos los grupos etarios difirieron estadísticamente en el codo, el antebrazo y en la circunferencia de la pantorrilla. El principal hallazgo del estudio indicó que al aumentar de edad un ciclista, se observa un aumento de la asimetría entre los lados izquierdo y derecho de varios segmentos corporales.

Anopheles darlingi Root 1926 (Diptera: Culicidae): variaciones morfométricas en alas y patas de poblaciones de Colombia / Anopheles darlingi (Diptera: Culicidae) Rood 1926: Morphometric variations in wings and legs of populations from Colombia

Resumen Introducción. Las poblaciones naturales de Anopheles darlingi, principal transmisor de la malaria en Colombia, han mostrado plasticidad fenotípica en algunos de sus caracteres diagnósticos. Objetivo. Caracterizar las variaciones morfométricas de los patrones alares y de la pata posterior en poblaciones naturales de An. darlingi recolectados en localidades colombianas donde la malaria es endémica. Materiales y métodos. Se analizaron los patrones de manchas de la vena costal del ala de hembras silvestres recolectadas en los departamentos de Chocó, Guaviare, Meta y Vichada mediante morfometría lineal y geométrica. El segundo tarsómero posterior de las hembras se analizó mediante morfometría lineal. Resultados. Se encontraron 19 patrones de manchas de la vena costal. Los patrones I, con 49 % (n=118/240) y VI, con 28 % (n=66), fueron los más frecuentes. La proporción del área oscura basal (DS-III2 ) y del tarsómero posterior (Ta-III2 ) constituyó una característica sólida de diagnóstico, pues representó el 89 % (n=213/240) del total de especímenes analizados. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en la forma (F=1,65; gl=50; p<0,001) y el tamaño (F=3,37; gl=5; p=0,005) del ala entre las poblaciones de diferentes localidades. El centroide de menor tamaño (2,64 mm) se encontró en las poblaciones de Chocó. Conclusiones. Se registraron 11 patrones nuevos para las manchas de la vena costal y se confirmó la dominancia de los patrones alares I y VI en las poblaciones de An. darlingi de Colombia, así como la relación de DS-III2 y Ta-III2 como un rasgo sólido de diagnóstico para la taxonomía de la especie. Se encontraron diferencias en el tamaño corporal de las poblaciones evaluadas, lo cual reviste importancia para el análisis de aspectos bionómicos de la especie.

Abstract Introduction: Natural populations of Anopheles darlingi, the main malaria vector in Colombia, have shown phenotypic variations in some of their diagnostic characters. Objective: To characterize morphometric variations in wing spot patterns and diagnostic characters of the hind leg of adult females of An. darlingi collected in areas where malaria is endemic. Materials and methods: Patterns of the costal vein spots of wild females of An. darling populations collected in the departments of Chocó, Guaviare, Meta and Vichada were analyzed using linear and morphometric approaches. The second tarsomere of the hind leg of females was characterized by linear morphometric analysis. Results: We found 19 patterns of spots in the costal vein; patterns I (n=118/240, 49%) and VI (n=66, 28%) were the most frequent. The proportion of the basal dark area of hind tarsomere II and the length of hind tarsomere II (DSIII2 /Ta-III2) constituted a robust diagnostic character as it represented 89% (n=213/240) of the total specimens studied. Significant differences were found in the wing shape (F=1.65, df =50, p<0.001) and the wing size (F=3.37, df=5, p=0.005) among populations from different locations. The smallest centroid size (2.64 mm) was found in populations from Chocó. Conclusions. We registered 11 new wing spot patterns in the costal vein and the dominance of the patterns I and VI for populations of An. darlingi from Colombia. We confirmed DSIII2/TaIII2 ratio as a robust diagnostic character for the taxonomy of this species. We found differences between the size and shape of the wings of An. darlingi populations in accordance to their geographical distribution, which constitute important bionomic aspects for this malaria vector.

Screening for acromegaly in adult patients not reporting enlargement of the extremities, but with arterial hypertension associated with another comorbidity of the disease / Rastreamento de acromegalia em pacientes adultos não relatando crescimento de extremidades, mas com hipertensão arterial associada a outra comorbidade da doença

Objective To determine the value of acromegaly screening in adult patients not reporting enlargement of the extremities, but who present arterial hypertension associated with at least one other comorbidity of the disease. Subjects and methods Patients seen by general practitioners at primary health care units were evaluated. Among the patients without extremity enlargement, those with recently diagnosed arterial hypertension associated with at least one other comorbidity were selected. Results A total of 1,209 patients were submitted to laboratory investigation. Elevated IGF‐1 was observed in 22 patients. Eighteen patients had adequate suppression of growth hormone (GH). No GH suppression was observed in four women with confirmed elevated IGF‐1. In the latter, IGF‐1 and nadir GH were only slightly elevated, magnetic resonance showed a normal pituitary, and chest and abdominal computed tomography revealed no tumor, and no intervention was performed. Conclusion In patients with arterial hypertension without known pituitary disease, acromegaly is unlikely in the absence of enlargement of the extremities. .

Objetivo Determinar o valor do rastreamento de acromegalia em pacientes adultos sem aumento de extremidades, mas com hipertensão arterial associada a pelo menos uma outra comorbidade da doença. Sujeitos e métodos Pacientes vistos por clínicos em unidades primárias de saúde foram avaliados. Entre pacientes sem aumento de extremidades, aqueles com hipertensão arterial diagnosticada recentemente e associada a pelo menos uma outra comorbidade foram selecionados. Resultados Um total de 1.209 pacientes foi submetido à investigação laboratorial. IGF‐1 foi elevado em 22 pacientes. Dezoito pacientes apresentavam supressão adequada do hormônio do crescimento (GH). Ausência de supressão do GH foi vista em quatro mulheres com IGF‐1 repetidamente elevado. Nestas, IGF‐1 e nadir do GH foram apenas discretamente aumentados, ressonância magnética revelou hipófise normal, tomografia computadorizada de tórax e abdome não revelaram tumor, e nenhuma intervenção foi realizada. Conclusão Em pacientes com hipertensão arterial sem doença hipofisária conhecida, acromegalia é improvável na ausência de aumento de extremidades. .

Reprodutibilidade do volume de membros fetais pela ultrassonografia tridimensional utilizando o método XI VOCAL / Reproducibility of fetal limbs volume by three-dimensional ultrasonography utilizing the XI VOCAL method

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a reprodutibilidade do volume do braço e coxa fetais aferido pela ultrassonografia tridimensional utilizando o método eXtended Imaging Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis (XI VOCAL). MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Realizou-se estudo de reprodutibilidade com 43 fetos normais entre 20 e 37 semanas. Para o cálculo do volume do braço e coxa fetais utilizou-se o método XI VOCAL com delimitação de 10 planos consecutivos. Para o cálculo da variabilidade interobservador, um examinador realizou uma medida do volume do braço e coxa dos 43 fetos, enquanto um segundo examinador, sem o conhecimento prévio dos resultados do primeiro examinador, realizou uma segunda medida dos mesmos volumes. Utilizaram-se, para os cálculos estatísticos, o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (ricc), gráficos de Bland-Altman e teste t-Student pareado (p). RESULTADOS: Observou-se alta reprodutibilidade interobservador. Para o volume do braço, obtiveram-se ricc = 0,996 (intervalo de confiança [IC] 95 por cento: 0,992; 0,998) e média das diferenças = 0,13 ± 1,29 por cento (95 por cento limites de concordância: -2,54; +2,54 por cento). Para o volume da coxa, obtiveram-se ricc = 0,997 (IC 95 por cento: 0,995; 0,999) e média das diferenças = 0,24 ± 7,60 por cento (95 por cento limites de concordância: -7,6; +7,6 por cento). CONCLUSÃO: O volume do braço e coxa fetais aferido pela ultrassonografia tridimensional utilizando o método XI VOCAL apresentou elevada reprodutibilidade interobservador.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the reproducibility of fetal thigh and upper arm volumes measurement by threedimensional ultrasonography utilizing the eXtended Imaging Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis (XI VOCAL) method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This reproducibility study enrolled 43 pregnant women with healthy singleton pregnancies between 20 and 37 gestational weeks. The XI VOCAL 10 planes was the method utilized for volumetric measurement of the fetal limbs. The calculation of the interobserver reproducibility was based on blind volumetric measurements of fetal thighs and upper-arms performed by two observers in 43 fetuses. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland-Altman plots and paired Student's t-test (p) were utilized in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: A high interobserver reproducibility was observed. For the upper arm volume ICC was 0.996 (confidence interval [CI] 95 percent: 0.992; 0.998) and mean difference = 0.13 ± 1.29 percent (95 percent limits of agreement: -2.54; +2.54 percent). For the thigh volume, ICC was 0.997 (CI 95 percent: 0.995; 0.999) and mean difference = 0.24 ± 7.60 percent (95 percent limits of agreement: -7.6; +7.6 percent). CONCLUSION: Fetal thigh and upper arm volumes measured by three-dimensional ultrasonography with the XI VOCAL method presented a high interobserver reproducibility.

Volúmetro com câmaras comunicantes: apresentação de um protótipo de dimensões reduzidas desenvolvido para a avaliação objetiva do volume de mão / Volumeter with communicating chambers: presentation of a prototype with reduced dimensions developed for objective assessment of hand volume

A volumetria tradicional por deslocamento de água, que utiliza o princípio do transbordamento de Arquimedes, é considerada o padrão-ouro da avaliação do volume de membros, porém tem seu uso rotineiro prescindido por apresentar uma série de desvantagens: o método é embaraçoso ao paciente, pouco prático e desprovido de higiene, além de consumir muito tempo do examinador. Este artigo apresenta o protótipo de um aparelho inédito que utiliza o princípio dos vasos comunicantes de Pascal para a avaliação direta do volume de mão.

Traditional water displacement volumetry, based on Archimedes' principle of buoyancy, is considered the gold-standard for limb volume measurement. However, the routine use of this technique is associated with a series of disadvantages: the method is cumbersome to the patient, messy and unhygienic, and it takes a great amount of the examiner's time. This article presents the prototype of a new piece of equipment designed according to Pascal's principle of communicating vases for the direct evaluation of hand volume.

O uso de curativos a vácuo como tratamento intermediário no trauma complexo de extremidade: experiência clínica e padronização da técnica / The use of vacuum dressing in intermediate treatment on complex traumac of extremitys: clinic experience and tecnic standardisation

Ferimentos com extensos danos aos tecidos e exposição de estruturas nobres, tradicionalmente, têmsido tratados com múltiplos procedimentos. O curativo a vácuo aplicado sobre uma lesão estáassociado à melhora da perfusão local, controle da infecção, diminuição do edema e proliferação do tecidode granulação. O curativo a vácuo é realizado utilizando-se técnicaasséptica, no centro cirúrgico, de maneira padronizada com materiais facilmente acessíveis e de baixo custo. Omesmo é trocado a cada 48h, sob anestesia e o tratamento definitivo, é realizado quando as condiçõeslocais da lesão forem favoráveis.Em todos os pacientes incluídos no protocolo deste trabalho obtiveram boa evolução, com resolução dainfecção, desenvolvimento de tecido de granulação, melhora da circulação local, possibilitando a execução do tratamento definitivo (retalhos ou enxertos). Dois dos pacientes que foram encaminhados com indicação de amputação do membro tiveram a função do membropreservada. O sucesso no tratamento dos pacientes submetidos ao curativo a vácuo demonstra a eficácia do método. Os materiais utilizados na confecção do mesmo possibilitaram uma grande economia uma vez que podemser adquiridos facilmente no comércio local e apresentam baixo custo. Tem-se como rotina no serviço onde seaplicou o protocolo, a utilização deste método em pacientes com lesões graves do membro inferior e superior.

Wounds with extensive damages to tissues and exposition of noble structures, traditionally, have beentreated with multiple procedures. The vacuum applied on an injury is associated with the improvement of the local perfusion, control of infection, reduction of edema and proliferation of the granulation tissue. The dressing is carried through using aseptictechnique, in the surgical center, in standardized way with easily accessible materials and of low cost. Each 48h itis changed under general anesthesia and the definitive treatment is carried through when the local conditions ofthe injury will be favorable. All patients in the protocol have been presentedwith good evolution, resolution of the infection, development of granulation tissue, improve of the local circulation, making possible the execution of the definitive treatment (free flaps or skin grafs). Two of the patients who had been proposed amputation of the member, had had the functionpreserved. The success in the treatment of the patients submitted to the vacuum demonstrates the effectivenessof this method. The materials used can be acquired easily in the local commerce and are cost effective. It is routinein the service of plastic surgery and reconstructive microsurgery at the Cristo Redentor Hospital, to use thismethod in patients with serious injuries of the inferior and superior member.

The pre-Mendelian, pre-Darwinian world: shifting relations between genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in early multicellular evolution.

The reliable dependence of many features of contemporary organisms on changes in gene content and activity is tied to the processes of Mendelian inheritance and Darwinian evolution. With regard to morphological characters, however, Mendelian inheritance is the exception rather than the rule, and neo-Darwinian mechanisms in any case do not account for the origination (as opposed to the inherited variation) of such characters. It is proposed, therefore, that multicellular organisms passed through a pre-Mendelian, pre-Darwinian phase, whereby cells, genes and gene products constituted complex systems with context-dependent, self-organizing morphogenetic capabilities. An example is provided of a plausible 'core' mechanism for the development of the vertebrate limb that is both inherently pattern forming and morphogenetically plastic. It is suggested that most complex multicellular structures originated from such systems. The notion that genes are privileged determinants of biological characters can only be sustained by neglecting questions of evolutionary origination and the evolution of developmental mechanisms.

Limb measurements for height and bone mineral density estimation.

To estimate height and forearm bone mineral density (BMD), three simple sites of limb segments of 428 healthy subjects (321 females and 107 males) were measured. Mean length of upper arm length (UAL), lower arm length (LAL) and knee to floor height (KFH) were not different in various age groups (p > 0.05). Good correlations were obtained from all measurements compared with height (r = 0.789, 0.826 and 0.810 for UAL, LAL and KFH, respectively) and moderate correlations were found compared with BMD (r = 0.386, 0.461 and 0.458 for UAL, LAL and KFH, respectively). If physically disabled activity occurred in some segmental limbs, the others which have good ability can be used for height assessment. When applying the stepwise method for multiple regression analysis, combination of LAL, KFH and UAL showed the best correlation (r = 0.866) with height. It indicated that UAL, LAL and KFH measurements provide enough predictive ability for height estimation. Only LAL and KFH were the variables which predicted BMD equation with moderately predictive ability. In primary health care, simple long bone measurements with the patient's history should be a primary step for screening of high risk osteoporotic patients. In prevention of osteoporotic fracture, LAL and KFH may be a useful adjunct to other criteria in the discrimination of high risk patients.

Patrón de reflujo en pacientes con insuficiencia venosa de miembros inferiores: estudio con eco-doppler color / Reflux pattern in patients with venous insufficiency: a study with color-doppler

Con el fin de conocer cual es el patrón de distribución del reflujo venoso en los diferentes segmentos anatómicos en nuestra población, se diseñó el siguiente estudio descriptivo analizando las extremidades con eco-doppler (Duplex)color. Se analizaron un total de 253 extremidades durante un período de un año,94 por ciento fueron de sexo femenino, 61.7 por ciento de los casos se encontraban en un estadío clínico de C1 a C3, mientras que un 38.3 por ciento presentaban enfermedad complicada. (C4 a C6). El patrón de reflujo más común fue el superficial (55.3 por ciento), seguido por el de superficial+perforante. Estos dos grupos juntos hicieron un 81.4 por ciento de la muestra, l5 por ciento de las extremidades estudiadas tenían algún grado de patología profunda, vena safena interna (VSI)era hasta la porción proximal de la pierna en la mayoría de los casos. Se concluye que este estudio es útil pues nos permite conocer datos de nuestra población. En la misma la mayoría de pacientes presentan reflujo superficial y la mayoría son potencialmente curables con cirugía superficial y de perforantes. Recomendamos que el Duplex venoso debería hacerse como mapeo pre operatorio en todo paciente que se considere candidato a tratamiento quirúrgico

Doppler a color (dúplex) comparado con flebografía en el diagnóstico de trombosis venosa profunda después de cirugá ortopédica mayor de miembros inferiores / Colour Doppler (duplex) comparison to phlebography in diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis, after major orthopaedic surgery in lower limbs

La trombosis venosa profunda (TVP) es una complicación frecuente en cirugía ortopédica de miembros inferiores. Las modalidades diagnósticas con que se cuenta actualmente muestran limitaciones como baja sensibilidad y especificidad. El dúplex ha sido utilizado en años recientes con considerables ventajas. El presente trabajo estudió 110 pacientes sometidos a cirugía ortopédica de miembros inferiores en el periodo comprendido del 1o. de septiembre de 1997 al 30 de mayo de 1998, se utilizó como profiláctico para TVP enoxaparina subcutánea a dosis de 40 miligramos diarios por promedio de 10 días. Fue un estudio prospectivo, longitudinal y comparativo entre dúplex y flebografía como métodos diagnósticos. Los resultados obtenidos demostraron una incidencia de TVP de miembros inferiores de 9.09 por ciento. De 10 pacientes diagnósticados con TVP, solo cuatro (40 por ciento) presentaron datos clínicos. Hubo tres falsos negativos y tres falsos positivos con dúplex, lo que no representó diferencia estadística significativa con la flebografía (p=0.61). La sensibilidad del dúplex fue del 70 por ciento y expecificidad del 90.9 por ciento. El tiempo quirúrgico prolongado resultó tener relación directa con la aparición de TVP (p=0.001). El uso de torniquete neumático no demostró correlacionarse con la incidencia de TVP (p=0.42)

Esporotricosis en el estado de Jalisco, estudio clínico-epidemiológico (1960-1996) / Sporotrichoses in Jalisco state, a clinical-epidemiological study (1960-1996)

Se analizaron 822 casos de esporotricosis con cultivo positivo, en una revisión de 37 años, de archivos micológicos en diversas instituciones públicas y privadas de la ciudad de Guadalajara, Jalisco, México. Se destacan aspectos clínicos y epidemiológicos. La forma clínica más frecuente es la linfangítica, su topografía habitual son las extremidades superiores, afecta casi por igual a ambos sexos, el grupo etario más afectado fue de < 1 a 15 años. Respecto a la ocupación, las amas de casa fueron el grupo con más incidencia. Los casos encontrados proceden de cinco estados del país, en donde Jalisco presentó 539 casos, distribuidos en 54 municipios de la entidad. Este estudio representa la serie de casos más grande informada en México; la esporotricosis es la micosis subcutánea más frecuente en el estado de Jalisco y las variables analizadas no difieren sustancialmente de otras series publicadas

Correlation between the postmortem stature and the dried limb-bone lengths of Korean adult males

The postmortem stature was measured in 57 Korean adult males (age range: 20-86 years old, mean: 52.3 years old) in supine position. After dissection of the corpses, we measured the maximum length of the remaining limb-bones (humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia and fibula). The correlation coefficients between the stature and each limb-bone length were calculated. Simple regression equations for estimating stature from each limb-bone length and multiple regression equations from the combination of limb-bone lengths were also obtained.

Median nerve somatosensory evoked potentials correlation with physical parameters.

Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) following median nerve stimulation of 25 medical students were recorded along with their height, age and upper limb length. Three major positive and negative peaks were recorded. P1 (16 msec), N1 (20 msec), P2 (28 msec), N2 (33 msec), P3 (43 msec), N3 (50 msec). Significant correlation (P value < 0.05) of N1 and P1 with height and limb length was observed. It is therefore suggested that studies involving SEPs must include physical parameters like age, height and limb length. Our future studies will indicate the accurate correction factor for these physical parameters.

Aspectos anatómicos de la disposición y anastomosis de las ramas terminales del plexo braquial: (nervus mediano, ulnar, radial y musculocutáneo) / Anatomical aspects of the disposition and anastomosis of the braquial plexus: (median nerve urnal, radial and musclecutaneous)

En los tiempos modernos, los múltiples traumatismos que ocurren en el miembro superior, exigen de los profesionales de la salud conocimiento preciso de la disposición del pedículo y sus posibles variaciones. Se estudiaron 40 miembros superiores de cadáveres adultos previamente tratados con solución de formol al 5 por ciento, glicerina y fenos durante al menos tres meses en el Instituto Anatómico José Izquierdo de la Escuela Luis Razetti de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Central de Venezuela. Los resultados fueron registrados en un protocolo, tras lo cual se obtuvo un 47,5 por ciento de variabilidad (19 variaciones), de las cuales el 35 por ciento correspondían al nervio mediano, 7,5 por ciento al nervio ulnar, y 5 por ciento al nervio musculocutáneo. Por otro lado se encontró mayor variabilidad en el miembro derecho (57,9 por ciento) y en el sexo masculino (84,2 por ciento)