Effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage in intensive phase I therapy of breast cancer-related lymphedema-a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: The standard therapy for lymphedema of any origin is complex physical decongestive therapy (CDT). It comprises manual lymph drainage (MLD), compression therapy (CT), exercise therapy (ET), skincare, and patient education. Additionally, intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) can be applied. However, the contribution of MLD to decongestion is repeatedly questioned. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study re-analyzes a previous study during a 3-week decongestion period, comparing two different types of compression bandaging at the weekend. Sixty-one patients with unilateral breast cancer-related lymphedema were included. The patients received the same therapy (CDT + IPC) except for the different weekend compression bandaging. MLD was performed twice a day on weekdays. The volume of the affected arm was measured on days 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, and 22. For the analysis, the data of both study groups were pooled. RESULTS: During the week, the patients showed a significant volume reduction (- 155.23 mL (week 1), - 101.02 mL (week 2), - 61.69 mL (week 3), respectively; p < 0.001 each) with a high effect size. On the weekends without MLD, they showed a slight, but also significant increase (12.08 mL (weekend 1), 8.36 mL (weekend 2), 4.33 mL (weekend 3), respectively; p < 0.001 each) with a medium effect size. CONCLUSIONS: We showed a strong effect of MLD on volume reduction. Differences from other studies are the larger study population and the more intensive application of MLD. If applied intensively, MLD is strongly decongestive during a 3-week decongestion therapy for breast cancer-related lymphedema.

Body mass index vs. waist-to-height-ratio in patients with lipohyperplasia dolorosa (vulgo lipedema).

BACKGROUND: Lipedema, also known as lipohyperplasia dolorosa (LiDo), is a painful condition affecting women, causing a disproportionate accumulation of subcutaneous adipose tissue in the extremities. It carries a lower risk of diabetes and cardio-metabolic dysfunctions compared to obesity, but coincident obesity can complicate diagnosis and treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 607 female LiDo patients, ≥ 18 years, stage 1-3, from Germany, the UK, and Spain. Data were collected as part of the standard initial assessment for LiDo patients. RESULTS: Based on waist-to-height-ratio (WHtR), 15.2% of patients were underweight, 45.5% normal weight, 22.1% overweight and 17.3% obese. There was a significant association between WHtR category and age group. Body mass index (BMI) is often overestimated, leading to misdiagnosis of obesity. CONCLUSIONS: The use of BMI also affects the recent decision of the German Federal Joint Committee on the reimbursement of liposuction costs by health insurance funds. Patients with BMI of more than 40 kg/m2 are excluded from cost coverage, and those with BMI between 35 kg/m2 and 40 kg/m2 must first receive conservative obesity therapy. In conclusion, the sole use of BMI in lipedema is unreliable and, in contrast to WHtR, leads to inaccurate diagnoses overestimating overweight and obesity.

The anatomy and variation of the coracoid attachment of the subclavius muscle in humans.

The functions of the subclavius muscle (SM) are described as stabilization of the sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) and resisting elevation of the lateral end of the clavicle. During systematic cadaveric dissections, we observed additional fibrous structures, previously described as variants of the anatomy, extending from the SM and inserting into the coracoid process (CP). Due to the high incidence of these structures in our dissections, we hypothesized that the attachment at the CP is more common than appreciated and that, as a corollary, the function of the SM was (or has been) more complex than simply depressing the clavicle and generating stability at the SCJ. For our investigation, fifty-two upper extremities of 26 human cadavers were dissected. The SM was demonstrated from costal to clavicular attachment. We documented additional fibrous structures apparently derived from the SM inserting into the CP. Measurements of the length of the SM, the length of its attachment, and the length of the clavicle were taken in situ, with the specimens supine and the upper extremity in the anatomical position. Variations in the anatomy of the SM and its coracoidal attachment were recorded, and potential correlations were investigated. For documentation purposes photographs and video sequences of passive motion of the shoulder girdle of the specimens were taken. In 49 of the 52 specimens we found additional fibrous structures passing from the SM to the CP. We differentiated three types: (1) a strong cord-like structure; (2) a small or thin cord-like structure or structures; and (3) a planar twisted sheet-like structure. The SM and its extension to the CP appears to contribute to a 'functional scapular suspension system' together with the other muscles enveloped by the clavipectoral fascia (pectoralis minor, coracobrachialis and the short head of the biceps brachii). This system assists in the control of the position of the scapula in relation to the thorax, particularly in elevated positions of the upper extremity. We speculate that the differentiation of the fibrous structure depends on the functional demands of the individual. Level of Evidence: Basic science study.

Cellular senescence at the saphenofemoral junction in patients with healthy, primary varicose and recurrent varicose veins - A pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: Cellular senescence could play a role in the development of venous disease. Superficial venous reflux at the saphenofemoral junction is a common finding in patients with primary varicose veins. Furthermore, reflux in this essential area is associated with higher clinical stages of the disease and recurrent varicose veins. Therefore, this pilot study aimed to investigate cellular senescence in the immediate area of the saphenofemoral junction in patients with healthy veins, primary varicose veins and additionally in patients with recurrent varicose veins due to a left venous stump. METHODS: We analyzed vein specimens of the great saphenous vein immediately at the saphenofemoral junction. Healthy veins were collected from patients who underwent arterial bypass reconstructions. Samples with superficial venous reflux derived from patients who received high ligation and stripping or redo-surgery at the groin, respectively. Sections were stained for p53, p21, and p16 as markers for cellular senescence and Ki67 as a proliferation marker. RESULTS: A total of 30 samples were examined (10 healthy, 10 primary varicose, and 10 recurrent varicose veins). We detected 2.10% p53+ nuclei in the healthy vein group, 3.12% in the primary varicose vein group and 1.53% in the recurrent varicose vein group, respectively. These differences were statistically significant (p = 0.021). In the healthy vein group, we found 0.43% p16+ nuclei. In the primary varicose vein group, we found 0.34% p16+ nuclei, and in the recurrent varicose vein group, we found 0.74% p16+ nuclei. At the p < 0.05 level, the three groups tended to be significant without reaching statistical significance (p = 0.085). There was no difference in respect of p21 and Ki67. CONCLUSION: We found significantly higher expression rates of p53 in primary varicose veins at the saphenofemoral junction than in healthy veins. p16 expression tended to be increased in the recurrent varicose vein group. These preliminary findings indicate that cellular senescence may have an impact in the development of varicose veins or recurrence. Further studies addressing this issue are necessary.

HCN channels in the mammalian cochlea: Expression pattern, subcellular location, and age-dependent changes.

Neuronal diversity in the cochlea is largely determined by ion channels. Among voltage-gated channels, hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels open with hyperpolarization and depolarize the cell until the resting membrane potential. The functions for hearing are not well elucidated and knowledge about localization is controversial. We created a detailed map of subcellular location and co-expression of all four HCN subunits across different mammalian species including CBA/J, C57Bl/6N, Ly5.1 mice, guinea pigs, cats, and human subjects. We correlated age-related hearing deterioration in CBA/J and C57Bl/6N with expression levels of HCN1, -2, and -4 in individual auditory neurons from the same cohort. Spatiotemporal expression during murine postnatal development exposed HCN2 and HCN4 involvement in a critical phase of hair cell innervation. The huge diversity of subunit composition, but lack of relevant heteromeric pairing along the perisomatic membrane and axon initial segments, highlighted an active role for auditory neurons. Neuron clusters were found to be the hot spots of HCN1, -2, and -4 immunostaining. HCN channels were also located in afferent and efferent fibers of the sensory epithelium. Age-related changes on HCN subtype expression were not uniform among mice and could not be directly correlated with audiometric data. The oldest mice groups revealed HCN channel up- or downregulation, depending on the mouse strain. The unexpected involvement of HCN channels in outer hair cell function where HCN3 overlaps prestin location emphasized the importance for auditory function. A better understanding may open up new possibilities to tune neuronal responses evoked through electrical stimulation by cochlear implants.

External valvuloplasty of the saphenofemoral junction in insufficient great saphenous veins - six weeks results of a prospective multicentre trial.

Background: Varicosis of the great saphenous vein (GSV) is a common disease. Most of the therapeutic concepts attempt to remove or destroy the truncal vein. However, the absence of the GSV could be harmful for further treatments of artherosclerotic disease as the GSV is often used as bypass graft in lower extremity or coronary artery revascularisations. External valvuloplasty (EV) is one of the vein-sparing treatment options. The aim of this clinical study was to describe the outcome, safety and complications of this procedure in a prospective multicentre trial. Patients and methods: The function of the terminal and preterminal valve was restored by external valvuloplasty. Furthermore, multiple phlebectomies of tributaries were performed. Patients were reinvestigated six weeks after surgery. Primary endpoint was the function of the external valvuloplasty measured by diameter of the GSV and the prevalence of reflux in the GSV. The eligibility of the vein as a potential bypass graft was noticed. CEAP class and VCSS scores were analysed. Results: A total of 359 patients were included in the study. After six weeks 297 patients could be reinvestigated. The function of the external valvuloplasty was sufficient in 284 patients (95.6%). Treatment failed in 8 patients (2.6%) due to an occlusion or junctional reflux despite valvuloplasty. The GSV was estimated as suitable as a bypass graft in 261 patients (87.8%). Reflux at the saphenofemoral junction was significantly reduced after treatment and the diameter of the GSV near the saphenofemoral junction significantly decreased from 4.4 mm to 3.8 mm (p < 0.05). The VCSS was significantly reduced from 4.6 preoperatively to 2.6 postoperatively. Conclusions: External repair of the great saphenous vein can reduce venous symptoms and may preserve the great saphenous vein as a bypass graft. Nevertheless, this treatment option is only suitable for a limited number of patients.

Case report: absence of the right piriformis muscle in a woman.

We report a very rare case of a unilaterally absent piriformis muscle in a 60 year old woman. Accompanying variations comprised a common gluteal artery (instead of two distinct superior and inferior gluteal arteries), and an absent gemellus inferior muscle. The contralateral left side showed a normally developed piriformis muscle. In hominoids, the piriformis is constant, but is regularly missing in several other vertebrates. The piriformis muscle is an anatomical landmark for ultrasound investigations and ultrasound-guided interventions in the deep gluteal region such as a superior gluteal nerve block or even a sacral plexus block, also for any surgical approach such as total hip arthroplasty. A missing piriformis muscle therefore affects the orientation in the deep gluteal region and therefore the identification of the targeted structures.

Teres major muscle - insertion footprint.

Teres major muscle (TM) and latissimus dorsi muscle (LD) are frequently used in muscle transfers around the shoulder girdle. Some authors have suggested harvesting techniques in which the muscle is detached in continuity with a bone segment. Information on the bony attachment footprint of these muscles is lacking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the region of attachment of the TM to facilitate safe and complete harvesting with a bone segment where it is indicated, and to determine the relationship of the TM footprint with that of the LD. Twenty-eight upper extremities of 14 human cadavers (six female, eight male) were investigated during the students' dissection course in the winter term 2012. The attachment footprints were photographed and the images were processed with ImageJ Version 1.46r. The TM attachment footprint at the crest of the lesser tubercle had an average dimension of 187 ±â€…89 mm2 . It was 49.6 ±â€…7.9 mm long and 7.4 ±â€…2.5 mm wide. The bony attachment of the LD within the bicipital groove, just below the tendon of the long head of the biceps muscle, had an area of 94 ±â€…37 mm2 . It was 36.5 ±â€…8 mm long and 3.7 ±â€…1.2 mm wide. Both muscles were separated by 4.4 ±â€…1.7 mm and their attachments overlapped in the craniocaudal direction by 24.4 ±â€…12.4 mm. Earlier studies have investigated the dimensions of the muscles' tendons close to the attachment not the bony attachment itself. The dimension of the attachment of the TM was larger than that of the LD. The ratio between the footprint areas was approximately 2:1. This information should be considered by surgeons undertaking transfers, which include a bony segment of the muscle insertion.

New laparoscopic approach to the pudendal nerve for neuromodulation based on an anatomic study.

AIMS: The aim was to develop a new laparoscopic technique for placement of a pudendal lead. METHODS: Development of a direct, feasible and reliable minimal-invasive laparoscopic approach to the pudendal nerve (PN). Thirty-one embalmed human specimens were dissected for the relevant anatomic structures of the pelvis. Step-by-step documentation and analysis of the laparoscopic approach in order to locate the PN directly in its course around the medial part of the sacrospinous ligament and test this approach for feasibility. Landmarks for intraoperative navigation towards the PN as well as the possible position of an lead were selected and demonstrated. RESULTS: The visible medial umbilical fold, the intrapelvine part of the internal pudendal artery, the coccygeus muscle and the sacrospinous ligament are the main landmarks. The PN traverses the medial part of the sacrospinous ligament dorsally, medially to the internal pudendal artery. The medial part of the sacrospinous ligament has to be exposed in order to display the nerve. An lead can be placed ventrally on the nerve or around it, depending on the lead type or shape. CONCLUSIONS: A precise and reliable identification of the PN by means of laparoscopy is feasible with an easy four-step approach: (1) identification of the medial umbilical fold; (2) identification of the internal iliac artery; (3) identification of the internal pudendal artery and incision of the coccygeus muscle ('white line', arcuated line); and (4) exposition of the medial part of the sacrospinous ligament to display the PN.

The attitudes of medical students in Europe toward the clinical importance of histology.

Many studies have been undertaken to assess the attitudes of medical students to the clinical importance of gross anatomy. However, much less is known about their attitudes toward the clinical importance of histology. Using Thurstone and Chave methods to assess attitudes, over 2,000 early stage medical students across Europe provided responses to a survey that tested the hypothesis that the students have a high regard for histology's clinical relevance. Regardless of the university and country surveyed, and of the teaching methods employed for histology, our findings were not consistent with our hypotheses, students providing a more moderate assessment of histology's importance compared to gross anatomy but more positive than their attitudes toward embryology. Histology should play a significant role in medical education in terms of appreciating not just normal structure and function but also pathology. We conclude that teachers of histology should pay special attention to informing newly-recruited medical students of the significant role played by histology in attaining clinical competence and in underpinning their status as being learned members of a healthcare profession. This work was conducted under the auspices of the Trans-European Pedagogic Research Group (TEPARG). Clin. Anat. 30:635-643, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Case report: a common trunk of the coronary arteries.

We describe the heart from a 79-year-old woman with no medical history of cardiac complaints. Her heart shows a regular right coronary artery (RCA) and a variant left coronary artery (LCA) arising from the right sinus of Valsalva. The common stem of the RCA and the LCA is extremely short. The LCA depicts a preinfundibular course with a cranial-anterior loop and reaches the intersection of the anterior interventricular sulcus and the left coronary sulcus, where it divides into the regular branches, the anterior interventricular branch (left anterior descending, LAD) and the circumflex branch (left circumflex, LCx). All further branching resembles a normal distribution with the posterior interventricular branch coming for the RCA. Such a variant LCA is extremely rare with a reported incidence of 0.17 %. However, recognition and angiographic demonstration of such a variation assume the highest priority in a patient undergoing, for instance, direct coronary artery surgery or prosthetic valve replacement.

A case of crossed-doubled patellar tendon: an atavistic variant, simple mutation or pathologic finding?

Anatomical variants can be found throughout the whole body. Especially in the knee region, some variability has been reported concerning the osseous, tendinous, and muscular system. Beside a few cases of patellar tendon aplasia, no anatomical variations of this tendon are known. We present a rare case of a doubled patellar tendon as an anatomical variant, which to our knowledge, has not been described previously.

The attitudes of medical students in Europe toward the clinical importance of embryology.

Although there have been many studies reporting the attitudes of medical students to the clinical importance of gross anatomy, little is known about their opinions concerning the clinical importance of embryology. Using Thurstone and Chave methods to assess attitudes, nearly 1,600 medical students across Europe in the early stages of their training provided responses to a survey that tested the hypothesis that they do not regard embryology as highly clinically relevant. Indeed, we further proposed that student attitudes to gross anatomy are much more positive than those toward embryology. Our findings show that our hypotheses hold, regardless of the university and country surveyed and regardless of the teaching methods employed for embryology. Clearly, embryology has a significant part to play in medical education in terms of understanding prenatal life, of appreciating how the organization of the mature human body has developed, and of providing essential information for general medical practice, obstetrics and pediatrics, and teratology. However, while newly recruited medical students understand the importance of gross anatomy in the development of professional competence, understanding the importance of embryology requires teachers, medical educationalists, and devisors of medical curricula to pay special attention to informing students of the significant role played by embryology in attaining clinical competence and achieving the knowledge and understanding of the biomedical sciences that underpins becoming a learned member of a health care profession.

Variability and reliability of the vastus lateralis muscle anatomy.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study are to investigate the variability of the morphological and neurovascular anatomy of the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle and to describe the relationships among its intramuscular partitions and with the other muscles of the quadriceps femoris. Clinical implications in its reliability as a flap donor are also discussed. METHODS: In 2012, the extra- and intramuscular neurovascular anatomy of the VL was investigated in 10 cadaveric lower limbs. In three specimens, the segmental arterial pedicles were injected with latex of different colors to point out their anastomotic connections. The morphological anatomy was investigated with regard to the mutual relationship of the three muscular partitions and the relation of the VL with the other muscles of the quadriceps femoris. RESULTS: The VL has a segmental morphological anatomy. However, the fibers of its three partitions interconnect individually and with the other bellies of the quadriceps femoris, particularly, in several variable portions with the vastus intermedius and mainly in the posterior part of the VL. The lateral circumflex femoral artery and its branches have variable origin, but demonstrate constant segmental distribution. Intramuscular dissection and colored latex injections show a rich anastomotic vascular network among the three partitions. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate variability exists in both the myological and the neurovascular anatomy of the VL. Despite this variability, the anatomy of the VL always has a constant segmental pattern, which makes the VL a reliable flap donor. Detailed knowledge of the VL anatomy could have useful applications in a broad clinical field.

The neurovascular anatomy of the teres major muscle.

BACKGROUND: Information in recent literature on the teres major muscle (TM) is limited and, at times, contradictory. Exact information on its neurovascular supply is clinically relevant for its use in a free or pedicled muscle transfer in reconstructive shoulder surgery. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the TM topographically, especially its neurovascular supply and its macroscopic appearance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty upper extremities of 15 human cadavers (7 female and 8 male cadavers) were investigated during the students' dissection course of our anatomic department in the winter term of 2012. RESULTS: The lower subscapular nerve (LSN) innervated the TM in 86.6% of shoulders. In 13.3%, the thoracodorsal nerve (TDN) supplied the muscle. The LSN's branch was 49.8 ± 11.8 mm long. The TDN's branch was 83.5 ± 9.8 mm long. The entry of the neurovascular pedicle was located almost in the center part of the muscle. The arterial branch was 33.6 ± 7.3 mm long. DISCUSSION: In general, the LSN innervates the TM. However, in 10% to 20% of shoulders, the TDN innervates this muscle. The branch of the TDN supplying the TM is longer than the branch of the LSN. In a muscle transfer, the vessels are the predictable limiting factor for translation because they are shorter than the nerve. The artery, nerve, and vein enter the muscle in a close relationship (<2 cm). It is useful to describe the entry point as an area of 2 cm in diameter around the middle of the TM.

Human body preservation - old and new techniques.

This review deals with the art of (anatomical) embalming. The first part contains a brief historical review of the history of embalming, starting with ancient cultures such as the Egyptians and the lesser known Chinchorro culture, then going down the centuries and describing the anatomical techniques developed over the last two centuries. The second part deals in detail with the chemicals used for embalming purposes. The third part deals with several approaches to evaluating embalming methods, their suitability for biomechanical testing, antimicrobial properties, histological appearance, and usability. The fourth and final part analyze the European Biocidal Products Directive (98/8/EC) in the light of embalming.

The legal and ethical framework governing body donation in Europe - 2nd update on current practice.

BACKGROUND: In 2008, members of the TEPARG provided first insights into the legal and ethical framework governing body donation in Europe. In 2012, a first update followed. This paper is now the second update on this topic and tries to extend the available information to many more European countries. METHODS: For this second update, we have asked authors from all European countries to contribute their national perspectives. By this enquiry, we got many contributions compiled in this paper. When we did not get a personal contribution, one of us (EB) searched the internet for relevant information. RESULTS: Perspectives on the legal and ethical framework governing body donation in Europe. CONCLUSIONS: We still see that a clear and rigorous legal framework is still unavailable in several countries. We found national regulations in 18 out of 39 countries; two others have at least federal laws. Several countries accept not only donated bodies but also utilise unclaimed bodies. These findings can guide policymakers in reviewing and updating existing laws and regulations related to body donation and anatomical studies.

Anatomical considerations of US-guided carpal tunnel release in daily clinical practice.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most frequent compression neuropathy with an incidence of one to three subjects per thousand. As specific anatomical variations might lead to unintended damage during surgical interventions, we present a review to elucidate the anatomical variability of the carpal tunnel region with important considerations for daily clinical practice: several variants of the median nerve branches in and around the transverse carpal ligament are typical and must - similarly to the variant courses of the median artery, which may be found eccentric ulnar to the median nerve - be taken into account in any interventional therapy at the carpal tunnel. Unintended interference in these structures might lead to heavy arterial bleeding and, in consequence, even underperfusion of segments of the median nerve or, if neural structures such as variant nerve branches are impaired or even cut, severe pain-syndromes with a profound impact on the quality of life. This knowledge is thus crucial for outcome- and safety-optimization of different surgical procedures at the volar aspect of the wrist and surgical therapy of the carpal tunnel syndrome e.g., US-guided carpal tunnel release, as injury might result in dysfunction and/or pain on wrist motion or direct impact in the region concerned. For most variations, anatomical and surgical descriptions vary, as official classifications are still lacking.

Innsbruck's histological institute in the third Reich: Specimens from NS-victims.

As elsewhere, the cadavers of Nazi victims were used at the 'Alpenunversität Innsbruck' for the education of medical students. They were also used by members of the Institute of Anatomy and the Institute of Histology for scientific research and publications. In 2018, over 300 drawers were discovered in a laboratory anteroom of the Innsbruck Histological Institute containing around 15,000 histological slides. After a closer examination, 237 slides were found to have human tissues from victims of the 3rd Reich possibly. These 237 slides were produced between May 1938 and March 1944. All 237 slides were digitized, the labels carefully analysed, and some of the victims were identified. Several specimens come from the tissues of three Nazi victims who were executed in Munich-Stadelheim and whose bodies were brought to the Innsbruck Anatomical Institute. From there, the organs were passed on to the Histological Institute Innsbruck. Inscriptions on other slides such as "Cl[ara]. 40", "hing[erichtet]. Clara" or "Hinger[ichtet]. Cl[ara]." prove that the specimens were most likely sent to the Institute by the histologist Max Clara. At this time, Clara was Director of the Leipzig Anatomical Institute and still had close ties to the Innsbruck Institute, where he had been trained. Based on several sources, some Nazi victims could be identified by name; biographical traces complement this identification. Under what political and sociological conditions future generations will look at the crimes of the Nazi dictatorship is not yet foreseeable. As anatomists and scientists, we must be cautious about removing evidence from this terrible time. Therefore, we will bury all slides where relatives wish to do so or where it is clear that Rabbi Polak's "Vienna Protocol" must be applied. However, the remaining slides will be kept safe for eventual further investigation.