Terminology of the growing bone: A historical study.

Division of the growing long bone into individual basic parts, that is, diaphysis, metaphysis, physes and epiphyses, has become generally accepted and used. However, the origin of these terms is almost unknown. Therefore, we have analyzed the literature in order to identify their sources. The terms epiphysis and apophysis have been used since the time of Hippokrates, although with different meanings. During the time of Galen, the term apophysis was used to describe all types of bone processes, and epiphyses denoted articular ends. The term diaphysis denoting the middle cylindrical part of the long bone was used for the first time by Heister in 1717. The first to use the term metaphysis was Theodor Kocher in his books on gunshot wounds and on bone inflammation of 1895. On the basis of Kocher's study, Lexer published a radiological study of the vascular supply to bones in which he defined metaphyseal blood vessels as a separate group supplying a particular part of the long bone. The epiphyseal growth plate had no particular name from the time of its first description in 1836. During the second half of 19th century, this structure acquired different names. The term "physis" was therefore introduced in 1964 by the American radiologist Rubin in order to label the growth structure between metaphysis and epiphysis clearly. One year later, the term physis also appeared in the radiological literature, and during the following decades it spread in the orthopedic literature.

Superficial retrocalcaneal bursae and nerves: From anatomy to ultrasound-guided procedures.

The pertinent literature widely describes ultrasound-guided procedures targeting the retrocalcaneal bursa and the tendon tissue to manage insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Synovial bursae and cutaneous nerves of the superficial retrocalcaneal pad are often overlooked pain generators and are poorly considered by clinicians and surgeons. A layer-by-layer dissection of the superficial soft tissues in the retrocalcaneal region of two fresh frozen cadavers was matched with historical anatomical tables of the textbook Traite d'Anatomie Topographique Avec Applications Médico-Chirurgicales (1909 by Testut and Jacob). An accurate and detailed description of the superficial retrocalcaneal pad with its synovial bursae and cutaneous nerves was provided. Cadaveric dissections confirmed the compartmentalized architecture of the superficial retrocalcaneal fat pad and its histological continuum with the superficial lamina of the crural fascia. Superficial synovial tissue islands have been demonstrated on the posterior aspect of the Achilles tendon in one cadaver and on the posterolateral surface of the tendon in the other one. Digitalization of the original anatomical tables of the textbook Traite d'Anatomie Topographique Avec Applications Médico-Chirurgicales (1909 by Testut and Jacob) showed five potential locations of the superficial calcaneal bursa and a superficial retrocalcaneal nerve plexus within the Achilles tendon-fat pad interface. In clinical practice, in addition to the previously described interventions regarding the retrocalcaneal bursa and the tendon tissue, ultrasound-guided procedures targeting the synovial and neural tissues of the superficial retrocalcaneal pad should be considered to optimize the management of insertional Achilles tendinopathy.

Early history of the study of bone growth (1722-1875).

INTRODUCTION: Bone growth is a fascinating process, primarily due to its complexity. Equally engaging is the history of its study, which, however, remains unknown to most anatomists and surgeons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was performed in original publications and historical sources. RESULTS: The early history of bone growth study may be divided into two periods. Firstly, the experimental one, between 1722 and 1847, which consisted in the study of bone growth by the drilling of benchmark holes into the diaphysis, and examination of growing bones in madder-fed animals. In the course of one century, four French scientists (Henri-Louis Duhamel du Monceau, Marie-Jean-Pierre Flourens, Gaspard Auguste Brullé and Frédéric Léopold Hugueny) and one British researcher (John Hunter) proved experimentally that the longitudinal growth of long bones occurred only at its epiphyseal ends and their final shape resulted from apposition and resorption processes taking place simultaneously both on the periosteal and intramedullary surfaces of the bone. In the second, the microscopic period (1836-1875), the physeal growth cartilage was discovered and described in detail, including its importance for the longitudinal growth of long bones. The first description of growth cartilage was published by a Swiss anatomist Miescher in 1836. Subsequently, this structure was studied by a number of English, German and French anatomists and surgeons. This whole period was concluded by Alfred Kölliker´s extensive study of bone resorption and its significance for typical bone shapes and Karl Langer´s study of the vascular supply of the growing and mature bone. CONCLUSION: Research by French, English, German and Swiss scientists between 1727 and 1875 yielded fundamental insights into the growth of long bones, most of which are still valid today.

History of proximal femur fractures in the German literature.

INTRODUCTION: German-speaking surgeons have left a deep imprint on the history of diagnostics and treatment of proximal femur fractures. Some of the studies published in German have fell into oblivion, others are cited until today, although sometimes quite inaccurately. The cause of such inaccuracies are citations from secondary sources due to unavailability of the original or inability to read it because of a language barrier. In the current literature, globally predominated by English articles, the "German history" of treatment of proximal femur fractures remains undervalued. The aim of the present article is to point out its contribution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature search was performed in original publications and historical sources. RESULTS: The German-speaking surgeons have considerably contributed to the development of the treatment of proximal femur fractures. The analyzed period between 1847 and 1970 may be divided into three basic periods. In the first period (1847-1896), the German-speaking surgeons (Langenbeck, Trendelenburg, König, Heine, Dolinger) were the first worldwide to start treating the fractures of proximal femur operatively. In the second period (1897-1935), mainly in the 1930s, the initiative in Europe was taken over by surgeons publishing studies in France and in Belgium. Overseas, American surgeons were coming to the forefront. In Germany, only Pauwels developed the first biomechanical classification of femoral neck fractures. In the third period (1936-1970), mainly in the 1940s and 1950s, implants were designed (Pohl, Künstcher), based on close collaboration between German engineers and surgeons, that served as a model for a dynamic hip screw and a proximal femoral nail, which are currently the implants of choice in the treatment of trochanteric fractures. CONCLUSION: The historical contribution of German-speaking surgeons to understanding the issue of proximal femur fractures and their operative treatment is far more significant than presented in the historical studies published in English.

Anatomy of the iliopsoas notch and its relationship with morphology of the proximal femur.

PURPOSE: Discrepancy between the morphology of the acetabular margin and the design of hemispheric acetabular cups used in total hip arthroplasty may produce postoperative hip pain due to an iliopsoas impingement at the iliopsoas notch. This study aimed to determine the anatomical features of the iliopsoas notch in the Central European sample, and to test whether the morphology of the proximal femur affects the size of the iliopsoas notch. METHODS: The sample was composed of 40 matched pairs of dry hip bones and corresponding femora. The depth and length of the iliopsoas notch were measured and correlated with the available demographic data. The anthropometric parameters of the proximal femur were calculated using image-analysis software, and their association with the measurements of the iliopsoas notch was tested. RESULTS: The iliopsoas notch was present in all specimens and featured four morphological configurations: curved (61.3%), angular (16.2%), irregular (16.2%), and straight (6.3%). Its size was found to be larger in males (P = 0.014 for depth, P < 0.001 for length). No significant difference existed between the sides. The height and age of the specimens did not correlate with the size of the iliopsoas notch. Furthermore, neither the femoral neck version, the lesser trochanteric version, nor the angle between the neck of the femur and the lesser trochanter influenced the dimensions of the iliopsoas notch. CONCLUSION: The iliopsoas notch is a consistent landmark of the acetabulum, although its anatomical appearance is widely variable. The iliopsoas notch arrangement cannot be predicted perioperatively based on the morphology of the proximal femur. The various shapes and sex-related differences detected in this study could be used for designing new hip implants or could be utilized during cup positioning in total hip arthroplasty.

Ultrasound-guided injection of the ankle joint: cadaveric investigation of the anterolateral approach.

OBJECTIVE: Injection of the tibiotalar (TT) joint is commonly performed in clinical practice under ultrasound (US) guidance using an anteromedial approach. However, in some patients, this approach may be technically challenging due to post-traumatic and/or degenerative bony changes. Therefore, the aim of this cadaveric investigation was to demonstrate the feasibility of the ultrasound-guided (USG) injection of the ankle joint via the anterolateral sulcus (ALS) by confirming the dye placement/distribution inside the articular space. Likewise, the safety of the procedure has also been evaluated by measuring the distance between the needle and the intermediate dorsal cutaneous nerve of the foot. DESIGN: A descriptive laboratory study with eight embalmed cadaveric ankles using the Fix for Life (F4L) method was performed at the setting of an academic institution. The interventional technique and the related anatomical findings were illustrated. During the injection, the needle was advanced into the TT joint through the ALS under US guidance, i.e., in-plane anterior-to-posterior approach. With the objective to confirm its correct placement, the needle was kept in situ and-to demonstrate the location of the dye inside the articular space-all eight ankles were injected with 3 mL of green color dye. Thereafter, a layer-by-layer anatomical dissection was performed on all four cadavers. RESULTS: The position of the needle's tip within the ALS was confirmed in all specimens. Accurate placement of the dye inside the articular space of the ankle was confirmed in seven of the eight cadaveric ankles, with 87.5% of accuracy. Herewith, unintentional spilling of the dye within the superficial soft tissues was reported in two of the eight ankles (25.0%). The mean distance between the needle and the intermediate dorsal cutaneous nerve of the foot, measured in all eight procedures, was 3 cm. CONCLUSION: USG injection of the ALS using the in-plane, anterior-to-posterior approach can accurately place the injectate inside the articular space. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This cadaveric investigation described the accuracy and potential pitfalls of USG injection of the ankle via the anterolateral approach which represents an alternative technique in patients with reduced accessibility of the anteromedial recess due to degenerative and/or post-traumatic bony changes.

Ultrasound-guided injection of the achilles paratenon: A cadaveric investigation.

BACKGROUND: Injections around the Achilles tendon (AT) are commonly performed in clinical practice to manage non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy, but the presence/distribution of the injectate with relation to its sheath has not been assessed specifically. Accordingly, the aim of this cadaveric investigation was to demonstrate the feasibility of Achilles paratenon injection under ultrasound guidance - by confirming the exact needle positioning as well as the dye distribution inside the paratenon lumen. METHODS: A descriptive laboratory study with three human cadaveric specimens (one fresh cadaver and two cadavers embalmed using the Fix for Life (F4L) method) was performed in a tertiary-care academic institution. The interventional technique and the related anatomical findings were illustrated. During the injection, the needle was advanced inside the Achilles paratenon under ultrasound guidance i.e. in-plane medial-to-lateral approach. With the objective to confirm its correct placement, the needle was kept in situ on the right AT of the fresh cadaver. Likewise, to demonstrate the location of the dye inside the lumen of Achilles paratenon, the other five ATs - four on the embalmed cadavers and one on the fresh cadaver - were injected with 5 mL of green color dye. After removal of the needle, a layer-by-layer anatomical dissection was performed on all three cadavers. RESULTS: On the right AT of the fresh cadaver, the position of the needle's tip within the Achilles paratenon was confirmed. Accurate placement of the dye inside the paratenon lumen was confirmed in four (80%) ATs, one of the fresh and three of the embalmed cadavers. No spread inside the crural fascia compartment or between the AT and the Kager's fat pad was observed. Herewith, unintentional spilling of the dye within the superficial soft tissues of the posterior leg was reported in the left AT of one of the two embalmed cadavers (20%). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided injection using the in-plane, medial-to-lateral approach can accurately target the lumen of Achilles paratenon.

Ultrasound Imaging of the Sciatic Nerve.

The sciatic nerve (SN) is the biggest nerve in the human body and innervates a large skin surface of the lower limb and several muscles of the thigh, leg, and foot. It originates from the ventral rami of spinal nerves L4 through S3 and contains fibers from both the posterior and anterior divisions of the lumbosacral plexus. After leaving the neural foramina, the nerve roots merge with each other forming a single peripheral nerve that travels within the pelvis and thigh. Non-discogenic pathologies of the SN are largely underdiagnosed entities due to nonspecific clinical tests and poorly described imaging findings. Likewise, to the best of our knowledge, a step-by-step ultrasound protocol to assess the SN is lacking in the pertinent literature. In this sense, the aim of the present manuscript is to describe the normal sono-anatomy of the SN from the greater sciatic foramen to the proximal thigh proposing a standardized and simple sonographic protocol. Then, based on the clinical experience of the authors, a few tips and tricks have been reported to avoid misinterpretation of confounding sonographic findings. Last but not least, we report some common pathological conditions encountered in daily practice with the main purpose of making physicians more confident regarding the sonographic "navigation" of a complex anatomical site and optimizing the diagnosis and management of non-discogenic neuropathies of the SN.

Internal architecture of the proximal femur: calcar femorale or Adams' arch?

PURPOSE: The calcar femorale (femoral calcar) is used in the English literature to designate the thickened medial cortex of the femoral neck. This term is, however, incorrect, as the calcar femorale is actually quite another structure. METHODS: Searching was performed in original and historic publication. RESULTS: The importance of the thickened medial cortex of the proximal femur in femoral neck fractures was discussed already by Robert Adams in 1834-1836. Therefore, the German surgeon C.W. Streubel, in 1847, called it Adamscher Knochenbogen (Adams' arch). Due to misspelling, this term was gradually changed to Adambogen, and at the turn of twentieth century, it was commonly used primarily in the German literature. Then, it fell into oblivion and its "renaissance" came as late as during the 1960s, again in the German literature, in connection with operative treatment of trochanteric fractures. CONCLUSIONS: However, under the influence of the English literature, it has been replaced by the term calcar femorale (femoral calcar), used ever since. The term Adams' arch should be reserved for the thickened medial cortex of the proximal femur, while the term calcar femorale (femoral calcar) should be used for the vertical plate arising from the medial cortex close below the lesser trochanter.

Early history of posterior malleolus fractures in ankle fractures.

INTRODUCTION: No comprehensive treatise on the early history of fractures of posterior malleolus (PM) has yet been published, and many substantial discoveries have fallen into oblivion-particularly if not having been published in English originally. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature search was performed in original publications and historical sources. RESULTS: Early history of PM fractures from their first description up to the beginnings of their operative treatment may be divided into three basic periods, covering the era between 1828 and 1940. In the pre-radiological period (1828-1895), description of PM injuries was based merely on the autopsy findings in deceased patients. The first mentions of this injury were published by the British authors. In the radiologic period (1899-1916), the x-ray examination started a revolution also in diagnostics of ankle fractures, with the first radiographs performed as early as in 1899. Radiographic examination had subsequently become an integral part of the diagnostics of these injuries and initiated a number of significant studies of PM fractures. The first detailed mention of a PM injury may be found in the French and German literature. The period of early operative treatment (1918-1940), i.e., open reduction and internal fixation of PM, was started by the younger post-WWI generation, primarily the French surgeons, represented by Gaston Picot. His operative technique and the first six cases treated operatively between 1918 and 1921 were described in 1921 by Edouard Huc. Picot himself published his technique in great detail in 1923. CONCLUSION: The early history of diagnostics and treatment of PM fractures witnesses the remarkable body of knowledge gathered about that topic by numerous visionary surgeons predominantly French and German surgeons immediately before and after World War I. They substantially contributed to the radiological examination and operative treatment of this injury.

Lateral malleolar crest and its clinical importance.

PURPOSE: During study of anatomy of a fractured posterior malleolus of the ankle on CT scans, the authors noticed a prominent crest on the lateral malleolus, which they termed the lateral malleolar crest (LMC). As, in their view, LMC is a clinically important structure which was only briefly mentioned by a few authors without an official term, they focused on the anatomy of this structure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 352 dry fibulae were analyzed and the following parameters recorded: (F) length of the fibula, (LMC) total length of LMC, (A) length of the part of the examined crest from the superior border of the articular facet of the lateral malleolus (AFLM) to its most proximal intersection with the midline of the fibula, (B) height of the medial triangular rough surface, and (A/F) A/F ratio. RESULTS: The crest was observed in all specimens. (F) was 346.5 ± 26 mm (95% confidence interval [CI] 344-349), (LMC) was 85.4 ± 11.6 mm (95% CI 84.2-86.6), (A/F) was 25% ± 3% (95% CI 24.7-25.3) in the whole group. (A) was 25.9 ± 6.5 mm (95% CI 24.8-26.8) in the whole group, (B) was 34.9 ± 4.7 mm (95% CI 34.3-35.5) in the whole group, 36 ± 6.1 mm (95% CI 35.1-36.9). CONCLUSION: LMC is an important structure on the lateral malleolus. The knowledge of its anatomy is essential for placement of syndesmotic screws or/and the fibular plate.

A novel technique of ultrasound-guided lateral cutaneous branch of the iliohypogastric nerve block: A cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND: The lateral cutaneous branch of the iliohypogastric nerve (LCBIN) block combined with the lateral femoral cutaneous, superior cluneal and subcostal nerve blocks has been shown to provide complete anaesthetic coverage for the incisions used for hip arthroplasty. Successful ultrasound-guided selective nerve blocks have been described for these nerves, except for the LCBIN. The objective of this cadaveric study was to determine the position of the LCBIN in order to provide the anatomical basis for an ultrasound-guided nerve block approach. Furthermore, we aimed to evaluate the spread of injected dye after using the ultrasound-guided nerve block approach. METHODS: The LCBIN and its relationship with iliac crest (IC) was assessed bilaterally in 27 adult cadaveric dissections. Bilaterally, in two cadavers, an ultrasound transducer was applied transversely above the IC and moved in caudal or cranial direction to identify the LCBIN. A needle was inserted in-plane and 3 ml of a solution with methylene blue was injected and confirmed by dissection. RESULTS: The mean distance from the anterior superior iliac spine to the point where the LCBIN crossed the IC was 9.74 ± 0.84 cm. The mean distance from the point where the nerve pierced the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle to the point where it crossed the IC was 0.59 ± 0.77 cm. The nerve was easily visualised in 3 out of 4 sides using ultrasound. However, the nerve was coloured in all cases. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that the LCBIN has a constant location and is sonographically easy visualized in a well-defined anatomical space. Thus, the ultrasound guided LCBIN block may be an alternative to the blind injection technique.

Assessing/Imaging the Subcoracoid Space: From Anatomy to Dynamic Sonography.

In the pertinent literature, standardized sonographic protocols have been widely described to evaluate the different compartments of the shoulder. However, the subcoracoid space is a complex anatomical region-usually not included/described in basic ultrasound approaches. Accordingly, starting from its anatomy, we describe a two-phase dynamic ultrasound protocol to scan the subcoracoid space. This way, we aim to optimize the diagnosis and management of patients with anterior shoulder pain and subcoracoid effusion.

Anatomy and ultrasound imaging of the tibial collateral ligament: A narrative review.

Medial knee pain is commonplace in clinical practice and ultrasound assessment of the tibial collateral ligament-medial meniscus complex is increasingly becoming a valuable examination tool in the outpatient setting. In the pertinent literature, basic sonographic protocols have been proposed to evaluate the medial compartment of the knee joint. Using high-frequency ultrasound probes and high-level ultrasound machines; we matched the histo-anatomical features of the tibial collateral ligament-medial meniscus complex and its different sonographic patterns in physiological/pathological conditions to define a standardized (layer-by-layer) sonographic approach. Moreover, high-sensitive power Doppler assessments have also been performed to evaluate the nearby microcirculation. Modern ultrasound equipment appears to provide optimal "sonographic dissection" of the tibial collateral ligament-medial meniscus complex for its various physiological/pathological patterns. Likewise, high-sensitive power Doppler allows clear visualization of the microcirculation as regards the local ligamentous and capsular structures. In clinical practice, using adequate technological equipment, a detailed sonographic assessment of the tibial collateral ligament-medial meniscus complex can be performed. High-frequency B-mode ultrasound imaging and high-sensitive power Doppler perfusion patterns can be matched/integrated with the clinical findings to optimize the management of patients with medial knee pain.

History of diagnostics and treatment of scapular fractures in children and adolescents and its clinical importance.

Almost 70 scapular fractures in children and adolescents, up to the age of 17 years, have been described in detail in the literature since 1839. The diagnosis of these injuries was based on autopsy, radiographs, CT and MRI examinations. The most frequent findings were fractures/epiphyseolyses of the coracoid, followed by fractures of the infraspinous part of the body and avulsion of the inferior angle of the scapular body. Less common were fractures of the acromion. Intra-articular fractures of the glenoid, or separation of an intact glenoid along the line of the anatomical or surgical necks, were reported only sporadically. Scapulothoracic dissociation was also recorded in several cases. The majority of fractures were treated non-operatively; operative treatment was used in glenoid fractures, certain fractures of the coracoid and fractures of the scapular body with intrathoracic penetration. Except for scapulothoracic dissociation, outcomes of treatment of these injuries were very good.

Circumflex arterial sulcus of the scapula (sulcus arteriae circumflexae scapulae): its anatomy and clinical relevance.

INTRODUCTION: The circumflex scapular artery (CSA) has been described in detail in the literature, but the groove, i.e., the circumflex sulcus (CFS), formed by the artery on the lateral pillar of the scapula has been completely neglected. The aim of the present study was to describe the variability and anatomy of the CFS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was based on the examination of 103 pairs of dry bone specimens of adult scapulae, i.e., 206 specimens, including 92 (46 pairs) male and 114 (57 pairs) female specimens. In the first step, quantitative criteria were defined for assessment of the CFS presence and type. Subsequently, statistical analysis of the obtained data was performed. RESULTS: The study revealed considerable variability of the arterial groove, which was well developed in 33% (type A), shallow in 40% (type B), and absent in 27% (type C) of cases. The mean distance between CFS and the infraglenoid tubercle was 3.3 cm CI0.95 (3.1-3.3), which corresponds to the proximal third of the lateral border of the scapula. CONCLUSION: The study has confirmed variability of the arterial groove (CFS) and its localization in relation to the inferior glenoid rim. The findings are clinically important, particularly in relation to the Judet approach to scapular fractures (localization of the CSA course).

Current issues of body donation for teaching and research purposes and their use in the Czech Republic.

Since time immemorial, bodies of deceased have been an integral part of teaching anatomy, and therefore the study of medicine. Without them, the teaching of anatomy, clinical anatomy and many research projects could not be realized. Nowadays, the European countries allow to use exclusively bodies of the deceased donors. Recently, we have registered a growing trend in the needs of the bodies not only for the purposes of medical education, but also for those of clinical anatomy. The question also arose of the suitability of using COVID-19 positive donors or the legislative possibility of obtaining bodies in the absence of donors in the donor program. Our communication addresses current issues of body donation for teaching and research purposes and their use in the Czech Republic.

Craniovascular traits and braincase morphology in craniosynostotic human skulls.

Middle meningeal vessels, dural venous sinuses, and emissary veins leave imprints and canals in the endocranium, and thus provide evidence of vascular patterns in osteological samples. This paper investigates whether craniovascular morphology undergoes changes in craniosynostotic human skulls, and if specific alterations may reflect structural and functional relationships in the cranium. The analyzed osteological sample consists of adult individuals with craniosynostoses generally associated with dolichocephalic or brachycephalic proportions, and a control sample of anatomically normal adult skulls. The pattern and dominance of the middle meningeal artery, the morphology of the confluence of the sinuses, and the size and number of the emissary foramina were evaluated. Craniovascular morphology was more diverse in craniosynostotic skulls than in anatomically normal skulls. The craniosynostotic skulls often displayed enlarged occipito-marginal sinuses and more numerous emissary foramina. The craniosynostotic skulls associated with more brachycephalic morphology often presented enlarged emissary foramina, while the craniosynostotic skulls associated with dolichocephalic effects frequently displayed more developed posterior branches of the middle meningeal artery. The course and morphology of the middle meningeal vessels, dural venous sinuses, and emissary veins in craniosynostotic skulls can be related to the redistribution of growth forces, higher intracranial pressure, venous hypertension, or thermal constraints. These functional and structural changes are of interest in both anthropology and medicine, involving epigenetic traits that concern the functional and ontogenetic balance between soft and hard tissues.

Familial occurrence of skeletal developmental anomalies as a reflection of biological relationships in a genealogically documented Central European sample (19th to 20th centuries).

Skeletal developmental anomalies (SDA) are a subject of constant interest across scientific disciplines, but still mostly as isolates and curiosities. The aim of this study was to find out to what extent the occurrence of SDA reflects documented biological relationships. The skeletal remains of 34 individuals with known genealogical data were available, members of one family over four generations (19th to 20th centuries, Bohemia, Czech Republic), including some inbred individuals. The occurrence of 89 SDA was assessed on the basis of scopic morphological evaluation and X-ray and CT examinations. The degree of similarity between individuals was calculated using a "similarity coefficient" (SC). A linear model was used to test the relationship between positive values of the SC and the relatedness of biologically related individuals. Simultaneously, based on population frequencies of the evaluated anomalies, those that could be considered familial were recorded. A statistically significant relationship between morphological similarity and the biological distance between individuals was found. The greatest similarity was found among close relatives such as parents and children, siblings, or grandparents and grandchildren. The effect of increased consanguinity on the occurrence of anomalies was not confirmed, however. Seventeen SDA shared by closely related individuals were found in the sample, supporting the documented family relationships among them. Eleven of these were selected as possibly familial, but only five were statistically significant: an elongated styloid process, a cervical block vertebrae (arch, facet joints), hamate hamulus aplasia, anteater nose sign, and incomplete fusion of the S1 spinous process. There were also 28 cases of individual occurrences of 17 different SDA, without connection to the documented relationships between individuals.

Pediatric dens anatomy and its implications for fracture treatment: an anatomical and radiological study.

PURPOSE: Separation of C2 growth plates and dens fractures are the most common types of injuries to the axis (C2) in children. Operative treatment of these injuries with the use of direct osteosynthesis requires a profound knowledge of detailed anatomy and dimensions of the axis. The main issue addressed by the study was the age at which the size of the dens is adequate at all levels to accommodate two screws, and the size of the posterior dens angulation angle (PDAA) in a healthy child in individual age periods. METHODS: Dimensions and angles of the dens and C2 in individual age categories in both boys and girls were measured in a series of 203 CT scans of individuals 0-18 years old and on anatomical specimens (42 samples). In addition, 5 histological series of this region from the fetal period were reviewed. RESULTS: Dimensions of the dens gradually increase with age, with a considerable acceleration during growth spurt periods that are different in boys and girls. PDAA is markedly changing with age; in the fetal period, the dens shows a slight anterior angulation which gradually transforms into posterior angulation, as early as between 4 and 6 years of age. The screw insertion angle changes accordingly. CONCLUSION: During growth, there occur changes in PDAA that should be respected in evaluation of transformation of anterior into posterior angulation, as shown by imaging methods. Dens dimensions theoretically allow insertion of two 3.5 mm screws as early as from the age of 1 year.