Morphometric Study of Orientation of Superior Articular Facets of Thoracolumbar Vertebral Column in North Indian Population

Background: The orientation of superior articular processes in the thoracic & lumbar vertebrae differs. These processes play an important role in weight transmission & determining the range & direction of movements between any two vertebrae. Methods: The present study has been conducted on the articular processes of 510 vertebrae (thoracic:360; lumbar: 150) with the aim to investigate the possible mehanism for the change from a posterolaterally facing superior articular surface in the thoracic region to posteromedially facing curved articular surface in the lumbar region. Results: In thoracic region, the angle varied between 112o to 120o but suddenly decreased to 85o (R) and 92.1o (L) at T12. In lumbar region, it showed a marked decrease at L1(R:32o; L:34.2o) which further decreased upto L3 and again increased upto L5. Thus, the above observations indicated that between T1-T11 the facet was directed posterolaterally, at T12 it was almost posterior and at L1 it changed its orientation to posteromedially and remained so in whole of the lumbar region. This change in orientation of superior articular processes at the thoracolumbar junction was abrupt at T12-L1 level or gradual over T11-L1 in almost equal number of columns. Conclusion: Clinical implication: The pattern of orientation not only guides & limits the excursion of motion segments but also is relevant in axial weight bearing.

Morphometric Study of Estimation of Stature from Index Finger Length in Indian Population.

Background: Estimation of stature is basic and major section of Anthropological research which is necessary for unmistakable conformation and is used by medico- legal experts, forensic examiners and Anatomists. Methods: In the present, morphometric, cross sectional study of the measurement of stature from index finger length among the population of India is done. This study consist of 400 subject among them 200 are males and 200 females between the age group of 17-25 year. The subjects are students of Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College and Research centre. The data was statistically analysed by calculating mean and standard deviation as well as standard error. Regression formula was also derived by calculating the stature and the index and ring finger length. Result: The high value of the regression coefficient shows that the index finger length may clearly predict the body height in both sexes. It is a good predictor for estimation of the height of the males and females subjects. Regression equations are- For male:- Y= 124.26+6.41(RIFL), For female:- Y= 110.16+5.82(RIFL). Conclusion: The finding of the present study shows that the index finger length can be used successfully to predict the height of the human being. Medico-legally it is a considerable parameter which determines the height of subject which is a major step in recognition of a deceased subject.

A Study of Auricle Morphology for Identification in Indians.

Background: External ear is a significant feature for human face identification. Its size, shape and spatial location on human face are vital from aesthetic point of view. The knowledge of morphometry of normal human auricle and its symmetry is also required for the surgical resection. Aim: The aim of the current study was to estimate the morphometry of external ear and its anatomical landmarks with respect of identification. Methods: In the current, morphometric, cross sectional study was done on 400 Indian students (males = 200 and females = 200) of Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College and Research Centre.The parameters was analysed by using camera and adobe Photoshop software (version 7.0). The data was statistically analyzed by using student’s t test. p <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In our cohort, all parameters were higher in males except left lobular width, which was higher in females. The mean observation of the right and left ear length of males were 4.61± 0.41 cm, 4.54± 0.44 cm respectively, while in females were 3.68± 0.42 cm, 3.67±0.54 cm respectively. The mean value of the right and left ear width of males were 3.17±0.37 cm, 3.03±0.47 cm respectively, and while in females 2.57 ± 0.32 cm, 2.55±0.41 cm respectively. The mean value of the left right and left lobular length of males were 1.56±0.12 cm, 1.50± 0.19 cm and in females were 1.09± 0.13 cm, 1.08±0.13 cm respectively. The mean values of the right and left lobular width of males were 1.58± 0.26 cm, 1.51± 0.37 cm and in females were 1.53± 0.35 cm, 1.53±0.35 cm respectively. Free lobule = 88.5% and the attach lobule = 11.5% respectively. Conclusion: This study makes possible the identification of an individual such as race, sex and age whose identity is unknown. Medico legally it is considerable parameter for forensic investigation to optimize the crime.

The Morphometric Study of Sexual Dimorphism in Index & Ring Finger Length Ratio in Indian Population.

Background: Anthropometry is a science which deals with method and techniques of measurement of living as well as skeletons of individuals. The morphometry of different parts of human body helps in personal identification and also sexual dimorphism. Methods: Total number of students (200=Male & 200=Female) of age 17-25 years of Teerthanker Mahaveer University were examined for one year. With the help of vernier caliper, the lengths of index and ring fingers were measured and then ratio was calculated in both the genders. The data was tabulated & mean & standard deviation was calculated. The paired t- test was used and P- value was calculated. P value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean values of male population were found to be right 2D 7.04cm, right 4D 7.20cm, right 2D:4D ratio 0.97cm respectively, while in females the mean value were found to be right 2D 6.52cm, right 4D 6.72cm, right 2D:4D Ratio 0.96 cm respectively. Using t-test, in males and females the 2D:4D ratio was statistically insignificant for the right hand with p>0.05. Conclusion: The anthropometric ratios help in establishing the gender and race of the individual, thus plays an important role in forensic science.

A Study of Sexual Dimorphism in Finger Print Pattern in Indian Population.

Background: In Dermatoglyphics the finger palms and soles elevation pattern are studied. The term dermatoglyphics, the uniqueness of a person’s fingerprints have been thought by some to be fixing to a person’s personality and constructing genetic quality of each individual. Methods: In the present study, 400 students are taken from out of which 200 males and 200 females. Prints are taken and the ridge counts are studied with the help of a magnifying lens. They are identified as: Arches, Loops and Whorls in both genders. The Performa is prepared on a durable A4 sheet divided into five marked areas. The right hand thumb (1) index finger (2) middle finger (3) ring finger (4) little finger (5), followed by the left hand; thumb (6) index finger (7) middle finger (8) ring finger (9), little finger (10). Result: The most common fingerprint patterns in Indian population is loops (both ulnar and radial) (60.65%) followed by whorls (34.7%) and arch (53.5%). The most common fingerprint patterns in Indian males is ulnar loops (55.1%) similarly (64.6%) females had ulnar loops. The percentage of whorls in males and females were 38% and 31.4% respectively. The rarest finger pattern was arch (6%) in males and (4.7%) in females. Conclusion: Dermatoglyphics can play an important role in person identity and gender estimation. Thus this study we prove helpful in forensic science and also in slowing medico legal cases.

Morphometric Study and Sexual Dimorphism of Percutaneous Tibial Length in Indian Race.

Background: “Anthropometry” includes the different techniques which express the human body and its parts in quantitative manner. Hence, this technique is considered as one of the useful and most applicable, non-invasive and also inexpensive technique worldwide. For the establishment of size of the body and also in sexual dimorphism this technique has been used by the anthropologist for many years. Aim: this study is undertaken to show sexual dimorphism in percutaneous tibial length in Indian race. Methods: The study was carried out on 200 subjects (100 male and 100 female) among the population of India. Percutaneous tibial length was measured with the help of spreading caliper. The data was collected and analyzed statistically. Results: Our study shows no significant difference between the Right and left PCTL in male and female among Indian races. Mean right PCT: Male – 37.82±1.99, Female – 34.84±1.91, Mean left PCT: Male – 37.79±1.98, Female – 34.79±1.89. The percutaneous tibial length was significantly high in males as compared to females. Conclusion: The present study reveals that there is no statistical significance difference occurs between the right and left percutaneous tibial length among male and female. It also shows that the percutaneous tibial length of male is significantly higher than female in the Indian race.

Cheiloscopy: An Aid to Personal Identification in India.

Background: As said “Identification is an individual’s birth right”. Identification of the individual is based on certain characteristics, which is unique to that individual. Cheiloscopy is the examination of lip prints, the lip prints are permanent and fixed, like fingerprint and palatal rugae, hence it can be used in personal identification. Aim: This study is undertaken to evaluate the uniqueness of lip print for personal identification Methods: The study was carried out on 400 subjects (200 male and 200 female) among the population of India. Lipstick was applied on the lips and print was taken on bond paper, the prints were divided into four quadrants and were analyzed by using magnifying lens and Suzuki and Tsuchihashi classification were used to identify the most common type of pattern among Indians for personal identification. Results: Our study shows that the most common type of pattern in Indian race was TYPE III (39%) and in all the quadrants (I, II, III, IV) most dominant pattern was type III in males and type II in females. Conclusion: The present study reveals that, there was no similarity in the lip print pattern of one individual with that of the other individual. The lip print pattern varies between the same age group people as well as among the population of same region.

Analysis of position of greater palatine foramen in central Indian adult skulls: a consideration for maxillary nerve block.

To anaesthetize posterior part of soft palate for various surgical procedures, knowledge of the position of the greater palatine foramen (GPF) is very important. Blocking of maxillary division of trigeminal nerve or its branches for local anaesthesia is common practice for maxillofacial surgeries. Objective: this study was aimed to determine the morphology of greater palatine foramen in relation to certain fixed points. Methodology: this study was conducted on 86 dry adult Indian skulls. All the measurements were done with vernier caliper accurate to 0.1 mm. Using flexible stainless steel wire direction of opening of GPF into oral cavity was noted. Results: In 73.26% cases, GPF is located opposite third maxillary molar tooth. Mean distance from GPF to the incisive fossa (IF) was found to be 35.9 mm. The mean distance between posterior margins of GPF to posterior border of hard palate was 3.4 mm. The distance between the GPF to the midline maxillary suture was 15.3 mm. In 74.42% cases, direction of opening of GPF was located antero-laterally. Arched palatal vault was found in 66.28% skulls. Conclusion: The location of greater palatine foramen is variable still in most of the cases it is located opposite third molar tooth and is directed antero-later.

A rare variation in the formation of the lateral cord and median nerve of brachial plexus : a case report.

Brachial plexus is the plexus of nerves that supplies the upper limb. The Anatomical variations of the brachial plexus in humans have clinical significance to surgeons, radiologists and anatomists. Variation in the origin and distribution of branches of brachial plexus are common but variation in the roots, trunks and cords are very rare. Here we report a rare variation in the formation of lateral cord and variation in origin of median nerve. Lateral cord was formed by anterior division of upper trunk alone (C5, C6 ), but an additional intermediate cord between medial & lateral cord was found which was a continuation of anterior division of middle trunk (C7) . Median nerve was formed by: A lateral root carrying C5and C6 fibers arising from lateral cord, intermediate cord carrying C7 fibers and medial root of medial cord carrying C8 and T1 fibers.

Aluminium induced microscopic changes in the kidney.

Reports of aluminium toxicity on kidneys through dietary source is less reported even though it’s adverse effects such as encephalopathy, dementia, osteomalacia and fractures have been reported in renal failure cases after ingestion of aluminium gel. As Majority of Indian population is exposed to aluminium through dietary source, therefore, the effects of alumuinium toxiciy was studied in albino rats after oral administration of Aluminium salts. The present study was carried out on 40 albino rats divided into two equal group: control and experimental. Each of twenty animals of experimental group were given 37.5 mg of aluminium chloride per day orally for 3 weeks. All the animals were sacrificed on 22nd day. Small pieces of kidney were procured, fixed in 10% neutral buffered formaline and embedded in paraffin. Sections of 7µ thickness were cut and stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin for general morphology and PAS for basement membrane. Significant histopathological changes were observed. Breakdown of general architectural pattern with degenerative changes were seen more in cortex as compared to medulla. Haemorrhage and inflammatory cell reaction was also observed in cortex.