The interaction between the vastus medialis and vastus intermedius and its influence on the extensor apparatus of the knee joint.

PURPOSE: Although the vastus medialis (VM) is closely associated with the vastus intermedius (VI), there is a lack of data regarding their functional relationship. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anatomical interaction between the VM and VI with regard to their origins, insertions, innervation and function within the extensor apparatus of the knee joint. METHODS: Eighteen human cadaveric lower limbs were investigated using macro-dissection techniques. Six limbs were cut transversely in the middle third of the thigh. The mode of origin, insertion and nerve supply of the extensor apparatus of the knee joint were studied. The architecture of the VM and VI was examined in detail, as was their anatomical interaction and connective tissue linkage to the adjacent anatomical structures. RESULTS: The VM originated medially from a broad hammock-like structure. The attachment site of the VM always spanned over a long distance between: (1) patella, (2) rectus femoris tendon and (3) aponeurosis of the VI, with the insertion into the VI being the largest. VM units were inserted twice-once on the anterior and once on the posterior side of the VI. The VI consists of a complex multi-layered structure. The layers of the medial VI aponeurosis fused with the aponeuroses of the tensor vastus intermedius and vastus lateralis. Together, they form the two-layered intermediate layer of the quadriceps tendon. The VM and medial parts of the VI were innervated by the same medial division of the femoral nerve. CONCLUSION: The VM consists of multiple muscle units inserting into the entire VI. Together, they build a potential functional muscular complex. Therefore, the VM acts as an indirect extensor of the knee joint regulating and adjusting the length of the extensor apparatus throughout the entire range of motion. It is of clinical importance that, besides the VM, substantial parts of the VI directly contribute to the medial pull on the patella and help to maintain medial tracking of the patella during knee extension. The interaction between the VM and VI, with responsibility for the extension of the knee joint and influence on the patellofemoral function, leads readily to an understanding of common clinical problems found at the knee joint as it attempts to meet contradictory demands for both mobility and stability. Surgery or trauma in the anteromedial aspect of the quadriceps muscle group might alter a delicate interplay between the VM and VI. This would affect the extensor apparatus as a whole.

The posterior ridge of the greater tuberosity of the humerus: a suitable landmark for the posterior approach to the shoulder joint?

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the posterior ridge of the greater tuberosity, a palpable prominence during surgery, as a landmark for the posterior approach to the glenohumeral joint. METHODS: Twenty-five human cadaveric shoulders were dissected. In 5 cases, a full-thickness rotator cuff tear was present. The posterior surgical anatomy was defined, and the distance from the ridge to the interval between the infraspinatus (IS) and teres minor (TM) muscle, the distance from the ridge to the inferior border of the glenoid (IBG), and the distance between the IS-TM interval and the IBG were determined. RESULTS: In all specimens, a prominent ridge on the posterior greater tuberosity lateral to the articular margin could be identified. The IS-TM interval was located, on average, 3 mm proximal to this ridge. The IS-TM interval corresponded to a point 5 mm proximal to the IBG. In all shoulders, the ridge was located, on average, 8 mm proximal to the IBG. The plane of the IS-TM interval showed a vertically oblique direction. CONCLUSION: The posterior ridge of the greater tuberosity is a suitable landmark to locate the internervous plane between the IS and TM and should not be crossed distally. Unlike other landmarks, the ridge moves with the humeral head, making it is less dependent on the patient's size, sex, and arm position and the quality of the rotator cuff. The ridge is always located proximal to the insertion of the TM and IBG.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the tensor vastus intermedius: A topographic study based on anatomical dissections.

The tensor of the vastus intermedius (TVI) is a newly described component of the extensor apparatus of the knee joint. The objective of this study was to evaluate the appearance of the TVI on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and its association with the adjacent vastus lateralis (VL) and vastus intermedius (VI) muscles and to compare these findings with the corresponding anatomy. MR images were analyzed from a cadaveric thigh where the TVI, as part of the extensor apparatus of the knee joint, had been dissected. The course of the TVI in relation to the adjacent VL and VI was studied. The anatomic dissection and MR imaging revealed a multilayered organization of the lateral extensor apparatus of the knee joint. The TVI is an intervening muscle between the VL and VI that combined into a broad flat aponeurosis in the midthigh and merged into the quadriceps tendon. Dorsally, the muscle fibers of the TVI joined those of the VL and VI and blended into the attachment at the lateral lip of the linea aspera. In this area, distinguishing between these three muscles was not possible macroscopically or virtually by MR imaging. In the dorsal aspect, the onion-like muscle layers of the VL, TVI, and VI fuse to a hardly separable muscle mass indicating that these muscles work in conjunction to produce knee extension torque when knee joint action is performed. Clin. Anat. 30:1096-1102, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The causes of the nasolabial crease: a histomorphological study.

There are two main conflicting theories on how the nasolabial crease is formed: a muscular theory and a fascial theory. The muscular theory states that the nasolabial crease is mainly formed by the musculodermal insertions of the lip elevator muscles. The fascial theory claims that the nasolabial crease is mainly formed by dense fibrous tissue and by the firm fascial attachments to the fascia of the lip elevator muscles. If the muscular theory was true, the musculodermal insertions of the facial muscles could be interrupted directly by intradermal injections of low doses of botulinum toxin. Eight cadavers who presented with bilateral nasolabial creases were enrolled in the study. The nasolabial creases were harvested from 14 facial halves in their entire lengths and breadths with 5-mm medial and lateral rims. The horizontally cut samples were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and Elastica van Gieson (EVG). Immunohistochemistry for the smooth muscle marker actin and the skeletal muscle marker desmin was also performed. In each of the nasolabial creases, numerous skeletal muscle fibers were found in the dermis, which confirmed the muscular theory of the cause of the nasolabial crease. In addition, muscle fibers were present in the dermis 4 mm medial and 4 mm lateral to the nasolabial crease, but the amounts were significantly less than the amount located directly in the crease. Botulinum toxin injected intradermally into the nasolabial crease might constitute a new treatment option to minimize or even eradicate the crease and the fold.

Illusions of fusions: assessing cervical vertebral fusion on lateral cephalograms, multidetector computed tomographs, and cone-beam computed tomographs.

INTRODUCTION: The aims of this study were to compare lateral cephalograms with other radiologic methods for diagnosing suspected fusions of the cervical spine and to validate the assessment of congenital fusions and osteoarthritic changes against the anatomic truth. METHODS: Four cadaver heads were selected with fusion of vertebrae C2 and C3 seen on a lateral cephalogram. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) were performed and assessed by 5 general radiologists and 5 oral radiologists, respectively. Vertebrae C2 and C3 were examined for osseous fusions, and the left and right facet joints were diagnosed for osteoarthritis. Subsequently, the C2 and C3 were macerated and appraised by a pathologist. Descriptive analysis was performed, and interrater agreements between and within the groups were computed. RESULTS: All macerated specimens showed osteoarthritic findings of varying degrees, but no congenital bony fusion. All observers agreed that no fusion was found on MDCT or CBCT. They disagreed on the prevalence of osteoarthritic deformities (general radiologists/MDCT, 100%; oral radiologists/CBCT, 93.3%) and joint space assessment in the facet joints (kappa = 0.452). The agreement within the rater groups differed considerably (general radiologists/MDCT, kappa = 0.612; oral radiologists/CBCT, kappa = 0.240). CONCLUSIONS: Lateral cephalograms do not provide dependable data to assess the cervical spine for fusions and cause false-positive detections. Both MDCT interpreted by general radiologists and CBCT interpreted by oral radiologists are reliable methods to exclude potential fusions. Degenerative osteoarthritic changes are diagnosed more accurately and consistently by general radiologists evaluating MDCT.

The number of intercostal artery perforators over the distal latissimus dorsi muscle.

With the increasing popularity of perforator flaps as "musculocutaneous flaps without muscle," a new interest in the intercostal vessels as source vessels for perforator flaps has arisen. In a recent study, the branches of the three lowermost intercostal vessels to the latissimus dorsi were studied in detail. Now that these muscular branches are well understood, the present study examines how many of these branches reach the overlying skin as musculocutaneous perforators. We identified the intercostal artery perforators in the ninth, tenth, and eleventh interspaces, in 42 hemithoraces. Only branches that measured 0.5 mm or more in external diameter were included. The course of the perforators was followed from their exit from the latissimus dorsi muscle up to the entrance at the undersurface of the skin. This entrance point was punctured by a pin and thus marked on the skin. This study showed that at least three musculocutaneous perforators were present over the intercostal spaces IX-XI in every dorsal hemithorax (average 8 +/- 3, range 3-16). Potentially, each of these vessels can be used as a pedicle for a separate perforator flap, leaving the more proximal parts of the latissimus dorsi intact for a second flap based on the dominant thoracodorsal vessels.

The normal width of the linea alba in nulliparous women.

The function of the linea alba is to maintain the abdominal muscles at a certain proximity to each other. In the case of long-lasting increased intra-abdominal pressure, the linea alba widens. Yet, as the existence of the linea a priori implicates a physiological distance between the two rectus muscles, the question arises as to what the normal width of the linea alba is. To evaluate the normal width of the linea alba, we examined 150 nulliparous women between 20 and 45 years of age with a body mass index < 30 kg m(-2) by ultrasound at three reference points: the origin at the xiphoid and 3 cm above and 2 cm below the umbilicus. The examination revealed a broad range of widths at the three reference points. The linea was widest at 3 cm above the umbilicus (-35 mm), followed by the reference point 2 cm below the umbilicus (-31 mm) and the origin at the xiphoid (-31 mm). The mean width was 7 +/- 5 mm at the xiphoid and 13 +/- 7 mm above and 8 +/- 6 mm below the umbilicus. For the definition of the normal width of the linea, the 10th and 90th percentiles were taken. The linea alba can be considered "normal" up to a width of 15 mm at the xiphoid, up to 22 mm at the reference point 3 cm above the umbilicus and up to 16 mm at the reference point 2 cm below the umbilicus in nulliparous women.

The interpectoral fascia flap.

Despite the great number of pedicled and free flaps that are available for defect and contour repair, the number of fascia flaps with an axial blood supply are sparse. Such flaps with their gliding function are mandatory, whenever coverage with very thin, well-vascularized tissue is necessary. To the currently established fascia flaps, (the temporoparietal fascia flap, the radial forearm fascia flap, the lateral arm fascia flap, and the serratus anterior fascia flap), we want to add a new fascia flap, the interpectoral fascia flap. We dissected the interpectoral fascia flap from 20 cadavers. In each of the 40 hemichests, the trunk of the thoracoacromial vessels was selectively injected with red polyurethane and the tissue containing the pectoral branches was separated from the overlying pectoralis major muscle and converted into an independent fascia flap. The maximum flap length was 13.5 cm and the maximum breadth was 10.3 cm. The length of the vascular pedicle before entering the flap was 3.9 cm +/- 1.4 cm with a range of 1.5-6.8 cm. Concerning the arc of rotation, all 40 flaps reached the posterior axillary fold, and 29 flaps (73%) reached the mandibular border. This new fascia flap has applications as pedicled and as free flap. The pedicled flap is used in the neck region, in the axillary region and as gliding tissue between the nipple-areola complex and the pectoralis major muscle. The usage of the fascia flap as a free flap has similar characteristics as the other fascia flaps.

Evaluation of an anatomic model of the paranasal sinuses for endonasal surgical training.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the suitability of a new anatomic model of the paranasal sinuses for endonasal surgical training. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational pilot study. METHODS: A new anatomic model of the paranasal sinuses was developed by the Department of Anatomy at the University of Zurich. The practicability of the model was evaluated by three experienced endoscopic sinus surgeons with a special focus on its possible use in training. Standardized surgical procedures were performed under simulated real-life conditions in the operating theatre. RESULTS: The endoscopic appearance of the nasal airway closely resembled real human tissue and the detailed anatomy of the model allowed the same structured surgical steps to be performed as in real life in the absence of bleeding. CONCLUSION: This anatomic model is a readily available teaching tool for endoscopic sinus surgeons.

The Anatomy of the Articularis Genus Muscle and Its Relation to the Extensor Apparatus of the Knee.

BACKGROUND: The anatomy of the articularis genus muscle has prompted speculation that it elevates the suprapatellar bursa during extension of the knee joint. However, its architectural parameters indicate that this muscle is not capable of generating enough force to fulfill this function. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the anatomy of the articularis genus, with special emphasis on its relationship with the adjacent vastus intermedius and vastus medialis muscles. METHODS: The articularis genus muscle was investigated in 18 human cadaveric lower limbs with use of macrodissection techniques. All components of the quadriceps muscle group were traced from origin to insertion, and their affiliations were determined. Six limbs were cut transversely in the middle third of the thigh. The modes of origin and insertion of the articularis genus, its nerve supply, and its connections with the vastus intermedius and vastus medialis were studied. RESULTS: The muscle bundles of the articularis genus were organized into 3 main layers: superficial, intermediate, and deep. The bundles of the superficial layer and, in 60% of the specimens, the bundles of the intermediate layer originated from both the vastus intermedius and the anterior and anterolateral surfaces of the femur. The bundles of the deep layer and, in 40% of the specimens, the bundles of the intermediate layer arose solely from the anterior surface of the femur. The distal insertion sites included different levels of the suprapatellar bursa and the joint capsule. A number of connections between the articularis genus and the vastus intermedius were found. While the vastus medialis inserted into the whole length of the vastus intermedius aponeurosis, it included muscle fibers of the articularis genus, building an intricate muscle system supplied by nerve branches of the same medial deep division of the femoral nerve. CONCLUSIONS: The articularis genus, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius have a complex, interacting architecture, suggesting that the articularis genus most likely does not act as an independent muscle. With support of the vastus intermedius and vastus medialis, the articularis genus might be able to function as a retractor of the suprapatellar bursa. The finding of likely interplay between the articularis genus, vastus intermedius, and vastus medialis is supported by their concurrent innervation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The association between the articularis genus, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius may be more complex than previously believed, and this close anatomical connection could have functional implications for knee surgery. Dysfunction, scarring, or postoperative arthrofibrosis of the sophisticated interactive mechanism needs further investigation.

The Anatomical Course of the Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve with Special Attention to the Anterior Approach to the Hip Joint.

BACKGROUND: Injury to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) is a risk during the operative anterior approach to the hip joint. Although several anatomical studies have described the proximal course of the nerve in relation to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and the inguinal ligament, the distal course of the LFCN in the proximal aspect of the thigh has not been sufficiently studied. The aim of this cadaveric study was to examine the branching pattern of the nerve, with special consideration to the anterior approach to the hip joint. METHODS: Twenty-eight cadaveric hemipelves from 18 donors (10 paired and 8 unpaired specimens) were dissected. The LFCN branches were localized proximal to the inguinal ligament and traced distally into the area of the proximal aspect of the thigh. Distribution patterns of the nerve with respect to its relationship to the ASIS and the internervous plane of the anterior approach to the hip joint were recorded. RESULTS: We found 3 different branching patterns of the LFCN: sartorius-type (in 36% of the specimens), characterized by a dominant anterior nerve branch coursing along the lateral border of the sartorius muscle with no, or only a thin, posterior branch; posterior-type (in 32%), characterized by a strong posterior nerve branch; and fan-type (in 32%), characterized by multiple spreading nerve branches of equal thickness. In 50% of the specimens, the LFCN divided into ≥2 branches superior to the inguinal ligament. Sixty-two percent of the LFCN branches entered the proximal aspect of the thigh medial to the ASIS; 27%, above; and 11%, lateral to the ASIS. The LFCN consistently coursed within the deep layer of the subcutaneous fat tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Injury to branches of the LFCN cannot be avoided in approximately one-third of surgical dissections that use the anterior approach to the hip joint. To protect the anterior branch of the LFCN, the skin incision should be as lateral as possible. The posterior branch of the LFCN is most vulnerable in the proximal aspect of the anterior approach to the hip joint, where it can be expected to course within the deep layer of the subcutaneous tissue.

New insight in the architecture of the quadriceps tendon.

BACKGROUND: Published data regarding the structure of the quadriceps tendon are diverse. Dissection of the quadriceps muscle group revealed that beside the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius and vastus medialis a fifth muscle component- named the tensor vastus intermedius consistently fused into quadriceps tendon. It can be hypothesized that all these elements of the extensor apparatus of the knee joint must also be represented in the quadriceps tendon. This study investigated the multi-layered quadriceps tendon with special emphasis on all components of the quadriceps muscle group including the newly discovered tensor vastus intermedius. METHODS: Ten cadaveric lower limbs were dissected. All muscle bellies of the extensor apparatus of the knee joint were identified and traced distally until they merged into the quadriceps tendon. Connections between the different aponeurotic layers of each muscle were studied from origin to insertion. The fusing points of each layer were marked. Their distance to the patella and the distances between the fusing points were measured. RESULTS: Six elements of the quadriceps muscle group form a tri-laminar structure of the quadriceps tendon. The intermediate layer could be further sub-divided. The elements of the quadriceps tendon are 1. lateral aponeurosis of the vastus intermedius, 2. deep and 3. superficial medial aponeurosis of the vastus intermedius, 4. vastus lateralis, 5. tensor vastus intermedius and 6. rectus femoris. Even with differences in fiber direction - these elements join each other a certain distance proximal to the patella. All elements were fused over a region measuring 13 to 90 mm proximal to the patella. Lateral parts of the vastus intermedius formed the deepest layer of the quadriceps tendon. The superficial and deep layer of the medial vastus intermedius aponeurosis fused 56 mm (range, 30 to 90 mm) and 33 mm (range, 13 to 53 mm) above the patella with the aponeurosis of the tensor vastus intermedius and vastus lateralis respectively. Together they built the two-layered intermediate layer of the quadriceps tendon. The tendon of the rectus femoris forms the superficial layer. The vastus medialis inserts medially in all layers of the quadriceps tendon. Fibers of the lateral muscle components were oriented towards the medial, and fibers of the medial muscle components were oriented towards the lateral femoral condyle. CONCLUSIONS: The three-layered quadriceps tendon is formed by six elements. These are 1. lateral aponeurosis of the vastus intermedius, 2. deep and 3. superficial medial aponeurosis of the vastus intermedius, 4. vastus lateralis, 5. tensor vastus intermedius and 6. rectus femoris. These elements of the extensor apparatus join each other proximal to the patella in a complex onion-like architecture. Its two-layered intermediate layer shows variable fusions points. The vastus medialis contributes to the quadriceps tendon with its medial insertion into all layers of the quadriceps tendon.

Potential Risk to the Superior Gluteal Nerve During the Anterior Approach to the Hip Joint: An Anatomical Study.

BACKGROUND: The anterior approach to the hip joint is widely used in pediatric and adult orthopaedic surgery, including hip arthroplasty. Atrophy of the tensor fasciae latae muscle has been observed in some cases, despite the use of this internervous approach. We evaluated the nerve supply to the tensor fasciae latae and its potential risk for injury during the anterior approach to the hip joint. METHODS: Cadaveric hemipelves (n = 19) from twelve human specimens were dissected. The course of the nerve branch to the tensor fasciae latae muscle, as it derives from the superior gluteal nerve, was studied in relation to the ascending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery where it enters the tensor fasciae latae. RESULTS: The nerve supply to the tensor fasciae latae occurs in its proximal half by divisions of the inferior branch of the superior gluteal nerve. The nerve branches were regularly coursing in the deep surface on the medial border of the tensor fasciae latae muscle. In seventeen of nineteen cases, one or two nerve branches entered the tensor fasciae latae within 10 mm proximal to the entry point of the ascending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery. CONCLUSIONS: Coagulation of the ascending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and the placement of retractors during the anterior approach to the hip joint carry the potential risk for injury to the motor nerve branches supplying the tensor fasciae latae. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: During the anterior approach, the ligation or coagulation of the ascending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery should not be performed too close to the point where it enters the tensor fasciae latae. The nerve branches to the tensor fasciae latae could also be compromised by the extensive use of retractors, broaching of the femur during hip arthroplasty, or the inappropriate proximal extension of the anterior approach.

MR imaging of cartilage in cadaveric wrists: comparison between imaging at 1.5 and 3.0 T and gross pathologic inspection.

PURPOSE: To evaluate prospectively the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the identification of cartilage abnormalities at 3.0 and 1.5 T in cadaveric wrists, with gross pathologic findings as the standard of reference. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was approved by the hospital review board, and informed consent for scientific use of body parts had been provided by the subjects. Ten cadaveric wrists from nine subjects were evaluated (seven left wrists, three right; five women, four men; age range, 46-99 years; mean age, 80 years). All wrists were examined with MR imaging in a 1.5-T unit and a 3.0-T unit, with the same imaging protocol used with both systems. Imaging protocol included intermediate-weighted fast spin-echo sequences and three-dimensional gradient-recalled-echo sequences. Cartilage surfaces of the proximal and distal carpal row, including the scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal joint, were analyzed in blinded fashion by two musculoskeletal radiologists working independently and then in consensus. Open inspection of the wrists was used as the standard of reference. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated. The McNemar test was used to assess differences in diagnostic assessment. Weighted kappa values were calculated for interobserver agreement. RESULTS: One hundred seventy cartilage surfaces were graded. The sensitivity and specificity for cartilage lesions were 43%-52% and 82%-89%, respectively, at 1.5 T and 48%-52% and 82% at 3.0 T. Differences in assessment did not reach statistical significance (P > .99). Highest sensitivities were found in the proximal carpal row (67%-71%); lowest sensitivities were found in the distal carpal row (14%-24%). Interobserver agreement was higher for imaging at 3.0 T (kappa = 0.634) than at 1.5 T (kappa = 0.267). CONCLUSION: The performance of MR imaging for the detection of articular cartilage abnormalities in the wrist depends on anatomic location. Interobserver agreement is higher for imaging at 3.0 than at 1.5 T, but diagnostic performances were not significantly different (P > .99) at either field strength.

Polyurethane elastomer: a new material for the visualization of cadaveric blood vessels.

A multitude of various materials are available for the visualization of cadaveric vessels, ranging from natural materials like gelatin and latex to synthetic materials like silicone rubber or acrylates. To achieve a detailed overview of the vascular architecture in microvascular studies in experimental flap surgery, the injected material should have low viscosity to assure perfusion of even the smallest vessels. In addition, the material ideally should have either no or only minimal shrinkage, and should harden within a reasonable time, but retain sufficient elasticity and resistance to withstand tearing off the delicate vessels during subsequent dissection or casting. Because none of the available injection materials adequately combines these attributes, we evaluated the polyurethane elastomer "PU4ii" in latissimus dorsi muscles as a new material for the visualization of cadaveric vessels in comparison with the frequently used silicone rubber. The dissection of vessels injected with PU4ii proved easy largely because of its exceptional hardness. Even if not visible before dissection, the completely perfused vessels were easily palpated in the surrounding fat or muscle tissue of the microsurgical latissimus dorsi model. Despite the significantly higher hardness of PU4ii over silicone rubber (98 Sh-A vs. 12 Sh-A), PU4ii proved enough elasticity (20-25 N/mm(2) E modulus) and a high tear resistance (64-68 N/mm vs. 15 N/mm) preventing breakage during dissection even within the smallest vessels. In contrast to silicone rubber (and latex or gelatin), the high corrosion resistance and form stability of PU4ii also allowed building of casts for qualitative examination by scanning electron microscopy and quantitative analysis of the vessel density using micro-computed tomography with accurate 3D representation. In this study we show that PU4ii has physical characteristics that make it a multi-purpose material that allows at the same breath an excellent gross visualization of the architecture of cadaveric blood vessels as well as a detailed evaluation of casts by modern microscopic and or radiologic tools. Thus, the new polyurethane elastomer PU4ii is in many respects superior to the widely used silicone rubber and can be strongly recommended as a visualization material for a comprehensive evaluation of cadaveric blood vessels in microsurgery.

The bipedicled and bipartite latissimus dorsi free and perforator flap: an anatomic study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to search for an enhanced blood supply in the distal one third of the latissimus dorsi and, thus, to have a closer look at the muscular branches of the intercostal vessels. METHODS: The muscle branches to the latissimus dorsi muscle arising in the "costal groove" segment of the three lowermost intercostal vessels (ninth to eleventh interspaces) were identified bilaterally in 28 fixed hemithoraces (84 interspaces). In the interspaces, the perforators 0.5 mm or greater were localized and dissected free to their junction with the intercostal source vessels. The number of branches was recorded and external diameters of branches and source vessels were measured. RESULTS: At least one big muscular branch to the latissimus dorsi was found in every hemithorax. In the tenth and eleventh interspaces, at least one branch was found in all cases; in the ninth interspaces, one branch was found in 93 percent of cases. A second big branch was found in approximately half of the ninth and tenth interspaces, and in one fourth of the eleventh interspaces. The external mean diameter of the muscular branches at their branching point from the source vessel was 1.5 mm for the artery and 1.8 mm for the vein. CONCLUSIONS: The versatility of the latissimus dorsi muscle can be enhanced by including intercostal vascular branches of the intercostal groove segment into the flap design. The latissimus dorsi can be harvested as a bipedicled free flap; thus, it allows the harvest of two separate bipartite, independent muscle, musculocutaneous, or perforator flaps.

The anatomy of the sphenopalatine artery for the endoscopic sinus surgeon.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to determine the variations in the branching pattern of the sphenopalatine artery medial to the crista ethmoidalis. Seventy-seven cadaver head sides that had been sectioned sagittally in the midline with their septum removed were used after injecting pink latex to highlight the arterial vessels. METHODS: The mucosa from the middle meatus from the level of the basal lamella was removed until the artery and its branches were seen and then was examined under the microscope to identify the position of the arterial branches. RESULTS: The sphenopalatine artery and its branches were identified in 75 specimens. Of these 75 specimens, 73 (97%) had 2 or more branches medial to the crista ethmoidalis, 49 (67%) had 3 or more branches, 26 (35%) had 4 or more branches, and 1 specimen had 10 branches. In two specimens the artery presented as a single trunk. CONCLUSION: The sphenopalatine artery normally starts to branch lateral to the crista ethmoidalis and these branches vary widely. It is important that the surgeon who undertakes ligation or cautery of the artery is aware of these variations, otherwise they may overlook some of the branches. With an endoscopic approach, removal of the crista ethmoidalis helps visualize these branches.

The thoracoacromial vessels as recipient vessels in microsurgery and supermicrosurgery: an anatomical and sonographic study.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence and the precise course of the pectoral branch of the thoracoacromial vessels on the underside of the pectoralis major muscle by anatomical dissection and by color Doppler ultrasound. A further goal was to determine whether these vessels were suitable as recipient vessels in microsurgery and supermicrosurgery for breast reconstruction. In 18 cadavers, the pectoral branch of the thoracoacromial vessels was followed caudally until the diameter of the artery diminished to 1 mm. The same examination was carried out in 40 young female volunteers by tracing the vessel course with color Doppler ultrasound. The 1-mm cutoff point of the artery was measured with reference to the manubrium, the midsternal line, the clavicle, and the upper border of the closest rib. In addition, in the cadavers, the 2-mm cutoff point was determined. At both cutoff points, the diameter of the accompanying vein was measured. The pectoral branch of the thoracoacromial vessels with the artery and concomitant veins could be detected on all 100 undersides of the pectoralis major muscle, anatomically and sonographically. In their course from the acromial region downward, the arteries reached a diameter of 1 mm at an average of 9.9 cm from the manubrium, horizontally 9.4 cm from the midsternal line, and vertically 4.0 cm from the lower border of the clavicle. The 1-mm reference point was situated on the upper border of the third rib in 85 percent of cases. The average distance between the 1-mm and the 2-mm cutoff points was 3.5 cm. At the 1-mm cutoff point, the diameter of the vein was 0.9 mm, and at the 2-mm cutoff point, it was 1.7 mm. Because of their central position at the anterior hemithorax, these vessels are easily accessible from mastectomy incisions, even in skin-sparing mastectomies; the donor-site morbidity is negligible; and as the diameters of the vessels gradually decrease along their caudal course, the recipient site can be chosen precisely according to the length and the diameter of the donor vessels and major mismatch can be avoided. Thus, the pectoral branches of the thoracoacromial vessels are well suited as recipient vessels for (super)microsurgery and are a very promising addendum to the thoracodorsal and internal mammary vessels.

Interosseous ligament tears of the wrist: comparison of multi-detector row CT arthrography and MR imaging.

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of multi-detector row computed tomographic (CT) arthrography and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in depicting tears of dorsal, central, and palmar segments of scapholunate (SL) and lunotriquetral (LT) ligaments in cadavers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cadaver wrists were obtained and used according to institutional guidelines and with informed consent of donors prior to death. Nine cadaver wrists of eight subjects were evaluated. MR images were obtained with a 1.5-T MR unit. Imaging protocol included intermediate-weighted coronal and transverse fast spin-echo and coronal three-dimensional gradient-echo sequences. Multi-detector row CT arthrography was performed after tricompartmental injection of 3-6 mL of contrast material with a concentration of 160 mg per milliliter of iodine. Palmar, dorsal, and central segments of both ligaments were analyzed on transverse and coronal MR images and multiplanar multi-detector row CT reconstructions by two musculoskeletal radiologists working independently. Open inspection of the wrists was the reference standard. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated from the imaging and gross pathologic readings. Statistical significance was calculated with the McNemar test. Weighted kappa values for interobserver agreement were calculated for both imaging modalities. RESULTS: All ligament segments could be visualized in all cases with both imaging modalities. CT arthrography was more sensitive (100%) than MR imaging (60%) in detection of palmar segment tears (P = .62); specificity of both imaging modalities was 77%. Sensitivity (CT arthrography, 86%; MR imaging, 79%) and specificity (CT arthrography, 50%; MR imaging, 25%) for detection of the central segment tears were determined. Dorsal segment tears were detected only with CT arthrography, while all tears were missed with MR imaging (P = .02). Interobserver agreement was better for multi-detector row CT arthrography (kappa = 0.37-0.78) than for MR imaging (kappa = -0.33 to -0.10). CONCLUSION: Performance in depiction of palmar and central segment tears of SL and LT ligaments is almost equal for multi-detector row CT arthrography and MR imaging, with much higher interobserver reliability for CT arthrography. CT arthrography is significantly superior to MR imaging in the detection of dorsal segment tears of SL and LT ligaments.