Morphometric and morphological evaluation of temporozygomatic suture anatomy in dry adult human skulls.

This study aims to evaluate the position, morphometric, and morphological features of the temporozygomatic suture (TZS) located on the zygomatic arch (ZA) in dry adult human skulls. Thirty-two crania were evaluated. Measurements for the TZS were carried out using the ImageJ software. Morphometric measurements were carried out bilaterally in 23 crania and unilaterally in 9 crania (right: 4, left: 5). A total of 55 TZSs were analyzed. Localization of the TZS was determined according to the reference landmarks on the ZA. Morphologic features of the TZS evaluated in terms of "joint shape type" and "suture margin pattern". Descriptive statistics of the morphometric and morphologic variables were calculated. A statistically significant difference between the right and left sides was observed for the localization of the TZS (p < 0.05). TZS is located more anteriorly on the left side than the right side. Based on the "joint shape type", four types of TZS were observed: Type 1 (angular) (34.55%), Type 2 (curvy) (34.55%), Type 3 (oblique) (14.55%), Type 4 (horizontal) (16.36%). Based on the "suture margin pattern", five types of TZS were observed: Type A (linear) (12.73%), Type B (denticulate) (34.55%), Type C (serrated) (23.64%), Type D (mixt) (21.82%), Type E (fused) (7.27%). No significant association between the type and lateralization was found for both morphologic classifications. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first published report regarding the localization and morphologic classification of the TZS in adult human crania. Considering the TZS with its morphometric and morphological features may contribute to clinical or forensic medical evaluations.

Assessment of the opinions and experiences of anatomy educators regarding the distance anatomy education in medical facilities under the effect of COVID-19 in Turkey.

PURPOSE: Aim of this research is to assess the perceptions and views of the anatomy lecturers (educators) of the medical faculties in Turkey on undergraduate distance anatomy education during the COVID-19. METHODS: Anatomy educators nationwide were invited to the online questionnaire developed by the authors. Ninety-one anatomy educators participated in the questionnaire. Views of the participants were evaluated by Likert-type questions and open-ended questions. Distance anatomy education experiences of the participants between March and July 2020 were evaluated. RESULTS: Participants found face-to-face education more beneficial than distance education courses conducted with video recordings. They also reported that they agreed synchronous lessons were more beneficial than asynchronous lessons. They agreed that time management was a positive result. However, they were concerned about the adverse effects of the interruption of formal anatomy education regarding quality. The experience of distance anatomy education applied during the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the demand for distance theoretical anatomy education supported by video recordings and face-to-face practical anatomy education methods (blended) for the post-pandemic period. CONCLUSION: There is much research focusing on the students regarding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on anatomy education. The experiences and the suggestions of the anatomy educators are also important. The findings of the current research have revealed the positive approach to distance theoretical anatomy education and face-to-face practical anatomy education methods (blended) for the post-pandemic period.

Evaluation of views and perceptions of the medical faculty students about distance anatomy education during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the students' opinions about the distance anatomy education given in our faculty at the COVID-19 pandemic and present our department's experiences. METHODS: An online questionnaire designed for medical faculty students. The questionnaire was applied to 355 volunteer medical faculty students. The questionnaire consisted of demographics, five-point Likert items, and open-ended questions. The questionnaire was applied between August and September 2020. Distance anatomy education activities were evaluated during March and July 2020. RESULTS: Results showed face-to-face theoretical anatomy education was found to be more effective than distance anatomy education conducted with recorded lecture videos. Even though the positive aspects of distance anatomy education stand out in topics, such as time management, it has been stated that cadaver and laboratory education has been disrupted. Most of the students agreed that they spent more time on supplementary resources during distance anatomy education. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has provided an unexpected experimental environment. The demand for a blended method, which consists of distance (supported by video recordings) theoretical anatomy education and face-to-face practical anatomy education for the post-pandemic period comes to the fore. Distance anatomy education brings some problems with it due to its nature, and it is essential to seek unique solutions to them. Evaluating the perceptions of the parties will play an essential role in solving the problems of distance anatomy education and in the formation of future anatomy education styles.

The practical examination types (spot test and slide test) of gross anatomy course in faculty of medicine: a simultaneous evaluation of the aspect of student success.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the students' scores of the spot (spotter/classical/traditional/tag/ring/bell-ringer) test (3D environment) performed in the laboratory with the slide test (gross anatomy images) (2D environment) in the class. The observation of our department regarding both types for practical examination was reported, in terms of exam marks of the students. Both are preferred as the practical examination types for gross anatomy course our in medical faculty. METHODS: The 29 blocks' scores in 5 years (2013/2014-2017/2018) belonging to first- and second-year medical students' spot tests and slide tests are evaluated retrospectively and statistically compared. Correlations of the spot tests and the slide tests, besides the correlations between theoretical examinations and the practical examination types, are calculated. RESULTS: Spot test scores were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in nine blocks, while slide test scores were higher significantly (p < 0.05) in fourteen. There was no statistically significant difference between the practical examination types (spot/slide) in six blocks. There were correlations between the spot test and the slide test in all blocks (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: It is considered that the spot test reflects the success/ability in a 3D environment, while the slide test reflects it in the 2D environment. In conclusion, neither of these two types of examinations stands out absolutely. Both types of examinations have their own features in areas, such as assessment power, applicability, and effect on success.

Assessment of awareness, knowledge and attitudes about the importance of cadaver and cadaver donation: report of Izmir, Turkey / Evaluación de la conciencia, el conocimiento y las actitudes sobre la importancia del cadáver y la donación de cadáveres: informe de Izmir, Turquía

The aim of this study was to evaluate the awareness, knowledge level and attitudes of the community in I˙zmir/ Turkey about cadaver donation in medical education. A cross-sectional study was carried out. Randomly chosen 245 participants answered twenty items in the questionnaire providing information about their demographics (5 items), awareness and knowledge (10 items), and attitudes (5 items) about body donation. The questionnaire was applied face-to-face. Descriptive statistics presented. Student T test and One-Way ANOVA test were used for statistical analysis. 123 (50.2 %) participants were male and 159 (64.9 %) were between 30 to 59 years old. 185 (75.5 %) respondents knew what the word "cadaver" means. When asked where they would apply if they decided to donate their body, 104 (42.4 %) of the participants gave the answer "state hospital". The mean score of awareness and knowledge about importance of cadaver and body donation (AWKL-Score) was 0.41±0.24 (min:0.00, max:0.90). AWKL-Score was statistically higher in the youngest (18-29 y) and oldest (>60 y) compared to the other age groups (F:4.115; p:0.007). AWKL-Score increased as the level of education increased. The highest AWKL-Score was at post-graduate level (Level 7,8) (F:22.997; p<0.001). The AWKL-Score was higher in public employees and students compared to other occupational groups (F:5.930; p<0,001). The answers to the questionnaire were important indicators of how much society needs to be informed regarding body donation.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el nivel de conciencia, conocimiento y las actitudes de la comunidad en Izmir / Turquía sobre la donación de cadáveres en la educación médica. Se realizó un estudio transversal de 245 participantes elegidos al azar, que respondieron veinte ítems en el cuestionario proporcionando información sobre su demografía (5 ítems), conciencia y conocimiento (10 ítems) y actitudes (5 ítems) sobre la donación de cuerpos. El cuestionario fue administrado directamente en persona; la prueba T de Student y la prueba ANOVA de una vía se utilizaron para el análisis estadístico. De los participantes 123 (50,2 %) eran hombres y 159 (64,9 %) tenían entre 30 y 59 años. 185 (75,5 %) encuestados sabían lo que significa la palabra "cadáver". Cuando se les preguntó dónde se registrarían, en caso de decidir donar su cuerpo, 104 (42,4 %) de los participantes respondieron "hospital estatal". La puntuación media de conciencia y conocimiento sobre la importancia del cadáver y la donación de cuerpos (puntuación AWKL) fue de 0,41 ± 0,24 (mínimo: 0,00, máximo: 0,90). Estadísticamente el puntaje AWKL fue más alto en los más jóvenes (18-29 años) y mayores (> 60 años) en comparación con los otros grupos etarios (F: 4,115; p: 0.007). AWKL-Score aumentó a medida que aumentó el nivel de educación. El puntaje AWKL más alto fue en el nivel de posgrado (Nivel 7,8) (F: 22,997; p <0,001). El puntaje AWKL fue mayor en empleados públicos y estudiantes en comparación con otros grupos ocupacionales (F: 5,930; p <0,001). Las respuestas al cuestionario fueron indicadores importantes de cuánto necesita la sociedad estar informada sobre la donación de cuerpos.

The anatomic analysis of the vidian canal and the surrounding structures concerning vidian neurectomy using computed tomography scans / Avaliação anatômica do canal vidiano e estruturas adjacentes por tomografia computadorizada para a neurectomia do vidiano

Abstract Introduction: The type of endoscopic approach chosen for vidian neurectomy can be specified by evaluating the vidian canal and the surrounding sphenoid sinus structures. Objective: The variations and morphometry of the vidian canal were investigated, focusing on the functional correlations between them which are crucial anatomical landmarks for preoperative planning. Methods: This study was performed using paranasal multidetector computed tomography images that were obtained with a section thickening of 0.625 mm of 250 adults. Results: The distributions of 500 vidian canal variants were categorized as follows; Type 1, within the sphenoid corpus (55.6%); Type 2, partially protruding into the sphenoid sinus (34.8%); Type 3, within the sphenoid sinus (9.6%). The pneumatization of the pterygoid process is mostly seen in vidian canal Type 2 (72.4%) and Type 3 (95.8%) (p < 0.001). The mean distances from the vidian canal to the foramen rotundum and the palatovaginal canal were greater in the vidian canal Type 2 and 3 with the pterygoid process pneumatization (p < 0.001). The prevalence of the intrasphenoid septum between the vidian canal and the vomerine crest and lateral attachment which ending on carotid prominence were much higher in vidian canal Type 3 than other types (p < 0.001). The mean angle between the posterior end of the middle turbinate and the lateral margin of the anterior opening of the vidian canal was measured as 33.05 ± 7.71°. Conclusions: Preoperative radiologic analysis of the vidian canal and the surrounding structures will allow surgeons to choose an appropriate endoscopic approach to ensure predictable postoperative outcomes.

Resumo Introdução: O tipo de abordagem endoscópica para a neurectomia do vidiano pode ser definido pela avaliação do canal do vidiano e das estruturas adjacentes aos seios esfenoidais. Objetivo: Investigar as variações e a morfometria do canal vidiano com enfoque nas suas correlações funcionais, pois são parâmetros anatômicos cruciais para o planejamento pré-operatório. Método: Esse estudo foi realizado utilizando-se imagens de tomografia computadorizada multidetectores dos seios paranasais com espessura de corte de 0,625 mm obtidas de 250 indivíduos adultos. Resultados: A distribuição das 500 variantes do canal vidiano foi categorizada da seguinte forma: Tipo 1, dentro do corpo ósseo esfenoidal (55,6%); Tipo 2, protrusão parcial no interior do seio esfenoidal (34,8%); Tipo 3, no interior do seio esfenoidal (9,6%). A pneumatização do processo pterigoide foi observada principalmente no canal vidiano Tipo 2 (72,4%) e Tipo 3 (95,8%) (p < 0,001). As distâncias médias do canal vidiano até o forame redondo e o canal palatovaginal foram maiores no canal vidiano do Tipo 2 e 3, com a pneumatização do processo pterigoide (p < 0,001). A presença do septo intraesfenoidal entre o canal vidiano e a crista vomeriana e a extensão lateral, que termina na proeminência da carótida, foi muito maior no canal vidiano Tipo 3 do que nos outros tipos (p < 0,001). A angulação média entre a cauda da concha média e a margem lateral da abertura anterior do canal vidiano foi de 33,05° ± 7,71°. Conclusões: A análise radiológica pré-operatória do canal do vidiano e das estruturas circunjacentes permitem ao cirurgião escolher uma abordagem endoscópica apropriada e prever resultados pós-operatórios.

The anatomic analysis of the vidian canal and the surrounding structures concerning vidian neurectomy using computed tomography scans.

INTRODUCTION: The type of endoscopic approach chosen for vidian neurectomy can be specified by evaluating the vidian canal and the surrounding sphenoid sinus structures. OBJECTIVE: The variations and morphometry of the vidian canal were investigated, focusing on the functional correlations between them which are crucial anatomical landmarks for preoperative planning. METHODS: This study was performed using paranasal multidetector computed tomography images that were obtained with a section thickening of 0.625mm of 250 adults. RESULTS: The distributions of 500 vidian canal variants were categorized as follows; Type 1, within the sphenoid corpus (55.6%); Type 2, partially protruding into the sphenoid sinus (34.8%); Type 3, within the sphenoid sinus (9.6%). The pneumatization of the pterygoid process is mostly seen in vidian canal Type 2 (72.4%) and Type 3 (95.8%) (p<0.001). The mean distances from the vidian canal to the foramen rotundum and the palatovaginal canal were greater in the vidian canal Type 2 and 3 with the pterygoid process pneumatization (p<0.001). The prevalence of the intrasphenoid septum between the vidian canal and the vomerine crest and lateral attachment which ending on carotid prominence were much higher in vidian canal Type 3 than other types (p<0.001). The mean angle between the posterior end of the middle turbinate and the lateral margin of the anterior opening of the vidian canal was measured as 33.05±7.71°. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative radiologic analysis of the vidian canal and the surrounding structures will allow surgeons to choose an appropriate endoscopic approach to ensure predictable postoperative outcomes.

Computed tomography evaluation of the morphometry and variations of the infraorbital canal relating to endoscopic surgery / Computed tomography evaluation of the morphometry and variations of the infraorbital canal relating to endoscopic surgery

Abstract Introduction: The course of the infraorbital canal may leave the infraorbital nerve susceptible to injury during reconstructive and endoscopic surgery, particularly when surgically manipulating the roof of the maxillary sinus. Objective: We investigated both the morphometry and variations of the infraorbital canal with the aim to show the relationship between them relative to endoscopic approaches. Methods: This retrospective study was performed on paranasal multidetector computed tomography images of 200 patients. Results: The infraorbital canal corpus types were categorized as Type 1: within the maxillary bony roof (55.3%), Type 2: partially protruding into maxillary sinus (26.7%), Type 3: within the maxillary sinus (9.5%), Type 4: located anatomically at the outer limit of the zygomatic recess of the maxillary bone (8.5%). The internal angulation and the length of the infraorbital canal, the infraorbital foramen entry angles and the distances related to the infraorbital foramen localization were measured and their relationships with the infraorbital canal variations were analyzed. We reported that the internal angulations in both sagittal and axial sections were mostly found in infraorbital canal Type 1 and 4 (69.2%, 64.7%) but, there were commonly no angulation in Type 3 (68.4%) (p < 0.001). The length of the infraorbital canal and the distances from the infraorbital foramen to the infraorbital rim and piriform aperture was measured as the longest in Type 3 and the smallest in Type 1 (p < 0.001). The sagittal infraorbital foramen entry angles were detected significantly smaller in Type 3 and larger in Type 1 than that in other types (p = 0.003). The maxillary sinus septa and the Haller cell were observed in 28% and 16% of the images, respectively. Conclusion: Precise knowledge of the infraorbital canal corpus types and relationship with the morphometry allow surgeons to choose an appropriate surgical approach to avoid iatrogenic infraorbital nerve injury.

Resumo: Introdução: O trajeto do canal infraorbitário pode predispor o nervo infraorbitário a lesões durante cirurgias reconstrutoras e endoscópicas com manipulação do teto do seio maxilar. Objetivo: Investigamos a morfometria e as variações do canal infraorbitário e objetivamos demonstrar a relação entre elas, visando as abordagens endoscópicas. Método: Este estudo retrospectivo foi realizado em imagens de tomografia computadorizada multidetectora de seios paranasais de 200 pacientes. Resultados: Os tipos de corpos do canal infraorbitário foram categorizados como Tipo 1; inseridos no teto ósseo maxilar (55,3%), Tipo 2; projetando-se parcialmente dentro do seio maxilar (26,7%), Tipo 3; dentro do seio maxilar (9,5%), Tipo 4; localizado anatomicamente no limite externo do recesso zigomático do osso maxilar (8,5%). A angulação interna e o comprimento do canal infraorbitário, os ângulos de entrada do forame infraorbitário e as distâncias relacionadas à localização do forame foram medidos e suas relações com as variações do canal infraorbitário foram analisadas. Observamos que as angulações internas em ambos os cortes sagital e axial foram encontradas em sua maioria em canais infraorbitários Tipo 1 e 4 (69,2%, 64,7%) e, no geral, não houve angulação no canal Tipo 3 (68,4%) (p < 0,001). O comprimento do canal infraorbitário e as distâncias desde o forame infraorbitário até o rebordo infraorbitário e a abertura piriforme foram medidos e os mais longos foram identificadas no Tipo 3 e os mais curtos no Tipo 1 (p < 0,001). Os ângulos de entrada do forame infraorbitário em projeção sagital foram significativamente menores no Tipo 3 e maiores no Tipo 1, em relação aos outros tipos (p = 0,003). Septos nos seios maxilares e as células de Haller foram observados em 28% e 16% das imagens, respectivamente. Conclusão: O conhecimento preciso dos tipos de corpo do canal infraorbitário e a relação com a morfometria permitem que o cirurgião escolha uma abordagem cirúrgica apropriada para evitar lesões iatrogênicas do nervo infraorbitário.

Computed tomography evaluation of the morphometry and variations of the infraorbital canal relating to endoscopic surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The course of the infraorbital canal may leave the infraorbital nerve susceptible to injury during reconstructive and endoscopic surgery, particularly when surgically manipulating the roof of the maxillary sinus. OBJECTIVE: We investigated both the morphometry and variations of the infraorbital canal with the aim to show the relationship between them relative to endoscopic approaches. METHODS: This retrospective study was performed on paranasal multidetector computed tomography images of 200 patients. RESULTS: The infraorbital canal corpus types were categorized as Type 1: within the maxillary bony roof (55.3%), Type 2: partially protruding into maxillary sinus (26.7%), Type 3: within the maxillary sinus (9.5%), Type 4: located anatomically at the outer limit of the zygomatic recess of the maxillary bone (8.5%). The internal angulation and the length of the infraorbital canal, the infraorbital foramen entry angles and the distances related to the infraorbital foramen localization were measured and their relationships with the infraorbital canal variations were analyzed. We reported that the internal angulations in both sagittal and axial sections were mostly found in infraorbital canal Type 1 and 4 (69.2%, 64.7%) but, there were commonly no angulation in Type 3 (68.4%) (p<0.001). The length of the infraorbital canal and the distances from the infraorbital foramen to the infraorbital rim and piriform aperture was measured as the longest in Type 3 and the smallest in Type 1 (p<0.001). The sagittal infraorbital foramen entry angles were detected significantly smaller in Type 3 and larger in Type 1 than that in other types (p=0.003). The maxillary sinus septa and the Haller cell were observed in 28% and 16% of the images, respectively. CONCLUSION: Precise knowledge of the infraorbital canal corpus types and relationship with the morphometry allow surgeons to choose an appropriate surgical approach to avoid iatrogenic infraorbital nerve injury.