Three-dimensional geometric morphometric analysis of the distal radius insertion sites of the palmar radiocarpal ligaments in hominoid primates.

OBJECTIVES: To identify anatomic differences in the insertion sites of the palmar radiocarpal ligaments in different species of hominoid primates that may be related to their different types of locomotion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have used three-dimensional geometric morphometrics (3D GM) to analyze the distal radius ligament insertion sites in 31 Homo sapiens, 25 Pan troglodytes, 31 Gorilla gorilla, and 15 Pongo pygmaeus. We have also dissected the radioscaphocapitate (RSC), long radiolunate (LRL) and short radiolunate (SRL) ligaments in six H. sapiens and five P. troglodytes to obtain quantitative values that were then compared with the results of the 3D GM analysis. RESULTS: H. sapiens had a relatively larger insertion site of the RSC + LRL ligament than the other hominoid primates. P. pygmaeus and P. troglodytes had a relatively large SRL ligament insertion site with a palmar orientation. In G. gorilla, the two ligament insertion sites were relatively smaller and the SRL insertion site had an ulnopalmar orientation. DISCUSSION: The morphological differences observed can be related to the types of locomotion used by the different species and to quantitative data obtained from the dissection of ligaments in H. sapiens and P. troglodytes. 3D GM analysis of ligament insertion sites can help in interpreting the types of locomotion used by extinct hominoid primates through the analysis of preserved fossilized fragments of the distal radius.

A possible new etiology for ophthalmic varicose veins: disseminated intracranial hyperostosis

We wanted to see if cranial anatomical alterations could influence the vascularization of the eyeball, particularly in the production of ophthalmic varicose veins. Orbital dissection of 85 years old woman (who suffered from Alzheimer's disease and respiratory failure).We observed, when performing a horizontal section of the skull to access the roof of the orbit, that the intracranial surface of the anterior and middle cranial fossae was partially covered by bony outgrowths, with the optical aperture and superior orbital fissure included. Also, when removing the roof of the orbits and beginning to extract the orbital fat we saw a dark, bilateral mass in the upper part of the orbital cavity corresponding to very dilated vessels. Bone alteration of the internal face of the skull was a diffuse intracranial hyperostosis and the dark dilated masses were superior ophthalmic varicose veins.Our hypothesis is that the origin of these ophthalmic varicose veins was the narrowing of the superior orbital fissure due to excessive bone proliferation. Intracranial hyperostosis produces a difficulty in draining orbital venous blood and, consequently, venous dilation. For this reason, we should consider this in the differential diagnosis

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Morphological affinities of the proximal humerus of Epipliopithecus vindobonensis and Pliopithecus antiquus: suspensory inferences based on a 3D geometric morphometrics approach.

Suspension plays a major adaptive role in shaping primate postcranial morphology, which therefore enables this positional behavior to be inferred in extinct taxa. The proximal humerus stands as a key region for inferring forelimb suspensory capabilities because its morphology can be effectively linked, from a functional viewpoint, to differences in suspension use between primate taxa. Here we provide an assessment of the suspensory capabilities of two pliopithecoids (Epipliopithecus vindobonensis and Pliopithecus antiquus) by means of a 3D geometric morphometric analysis of proximal humeral shape. The comparative sample includes proximal humeri from eight extant anthropoid genera, as well as other extinct catarrhines (the propliopithecoid Aegyptopithecus zeuxis, the stem hominoid Nyanzapithecus vancouveringorum, and an unascribed small catarrhine, GSP 28062, from the Middle Miocene of Pakistan). Body mass estimates based on allometric regressions of humeral head superoinferior diameter are also provided. Our results support some degree of forelimb suspensory behaviors for Epipliopithecus and GSP 28062. In contrast, and unlike previous qualitative assessments, our analysis shows that P. antiquus has a distinct glenohumeral morphology, much closer to that displayed by generalized arboreal quadrupeds with no evidence of suspensory adaptations (as in Aegyptopithecus and stem hominoids from Africa).

Zygomatic implants placed using the zygomatic anatomy-guided approach versus the classical technique: a proposed system to report rhinosinusitis diagnosis.

PURPOSE: The first aim of this study is to compare the outcomes in rehabilitating the atrophic maxilla using zygomatic implants (ZIs) and regular implants (RIs) using the classical zygomatic technique (CZT) versus the zygomatic anatomy-guided approach (ZAGA). The second goal of this paper is to propose a standardized system to report rhinosinusitis diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two consecutive zygomatic patients operated on from 1998 to 2002 and 80 consecutive zygomatic patients operated on from 2004 to October 2009 were selected. All included patients were in a maintenance program. Survival rates (SRs) of ZI and RI were recorded. Implants were individually tested using Periotest® (Periotest value [PTv], Siemens AG, Bensheim, UK). Sinus health was radiographically and clinically assessed according to Lund-Mackay system and Lanza and Kennedy survey recommended by Task Force on Rhinosinusitis for research outcomes. A satisfaction questionnaire (Oral Health Impact Profile for assessing health-related quality of life in Edentulous adults) and different anatomical measurements were also performed. RESULTS: No significant differences (p = .602) were observed with respect to SR between the two groups (95.12% vs 96.79%). Significant differences (p = .000) were found comparing measurements of ZI head distance to the alveolar crest (5.12 ± 2.38 mm vs 2.92 ± 2.30 mm). With the CZT, more palatal emergence of ZI was observed. PTv gave significantly greater stability for the CZT compared with the ZAGA group in both measurements (-4.38 ± 1.75 vs -2.49 ± 4.31, p = .000; -4.94 ± 1.46 vs -3.11 ± 5.06, p = .000). Lund-Mackay score was significantly lower for the ZAGA group (2.38 ± 3.86 vs 0.56 ± 1.26, p = .042). Statistically significant difference (p = .047) regarding the percentage of patients with no signs or symptoms of rhinosinusitis (Lanza and Kennedy test negative and Lund-Mackay score zero) was observed between groups (54.55% vs 76.25%, p = .047). CONCLUSIONS: Both procedures had similar clinical outcomes with respect to implant survival. The ZAGA concept is able to immediately rehabilitate the severely atrophic maxillae, minimizing the risk of maxillary sinus-associated pathology. Moreover, less bulky, more comfortable, and easy to clean prostheses are achieved.

The long-term use of zygomatic implants: a 10-year clinical and radiographic report.

BACKGROUND: The zygoma implant has been an effective option in the short-term management of the atrophic edentulous maxilla. PURPOSE: To report on long-term outcomes in the rehabilitation of the atrophic maxilla using zygomatic (ZI) and regular implants (RI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 22 consecutive zygomatic patients in a maintenance program were included. Cumulative survival rate (CSR) of ZI, RI, prostheses, and complications were recorded during, at least, 10 years of loading. Implant mobility was tested using Periotest(®). Sinus health was radiographically and clinically assessed according to Lund-Mackay (L-M) score and Lanza and Kennedy survey, respectively. A satisfaction questionnaire and anatomical measurements were also performed. RESULTS: Patients received 22 prostheses, anchored on 172 implants. Forty-one were ZI. Three RI failed (10 years CSR = 97.71%). Two ZI were partly removed due to perimplant infection (10 years CSR = 95.12%). All patients maintained functional prostheses. One patient fractured framework twice. Loosening or fracturing screws happened in 11 patients. Seven patients fractured occlusal material. Four ZI abutments in two patients were disconnected because of uncomfortable prostheses. Alveolar height at the ZI head level on the right and left sides was 2.64 mm and 2.25 mm, respectively. Mean distance of ZI head center to ridge center, on the right and left sides was 4.54 mm and 5.67 mm, respectively. Mean Periotest values (PTv) of ZI were -4.375 PTv and -4.941 PTv before prostheses placement and after 10 years, respectively. Six patients experienced sinusitis 14-127 months postoperatively. 54.55% of the L-M scores did not present opacification (L-M = 0) in any sinus. Osteomeatal obstruction happened in eight patients (two bilateral). Two (9.09%) were diagnosed with sinusitis. Eighty-four percent reported satisfaction levels above 80%. 31.81% reported maximum satisfaction score (100%). CONCLUSIONS: The long-term rehabilitation of the severely atrophic maxillae using ZI is a predictable procedure.

The head and neck muscles of the serval and tiger: homologies, evolution, and proposal of a mammalian and a veterinary muscle ontology.

Here we describe the head and neck muscles of members of the two extant felid subfamilies (Leptailurus serval: Felinae; Panthera tigris: Pantherinae) and compare these muscles with those of other felids, other carnivorans (e.g., domestic dogs), other eutherian mammals (e.g., rats, tree-shrews and modern humans), and noneutherian mammals including monotremes. Another major goal of the article is to discuss and help clarify nomenclatural discrepancies found in the Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria and in veterinary atlases and textbooks that use cats and dogs as models to understand the anatomy of domestic mammals and to stress differences with modern humans. We propose a unifying nomenclature that is expanded to all the head and neck muscles and to all mammalian taxa in order to help build veterinary and mammalian muscle ontologies. Our observations and comparisons and the specific use of this nomenclature point out that felids such as tigers and servals and other carnivorans such as dogs have more facial muscle structures related to the mobility of both the auricular and orbital regions than numerous other mammals, including modern humans, which might be the result of an ancient adaptation related to the remarkable predatory capacities of carnivorans. Interestingly, the skeletal differences, mainly concerning the hyoid apparatus, pharynx, and larynx, that are likely associated with the different types of vocalizations seen in the Felinae (mainly purring) and Pantherinae (mainly roaring) are not accompanied by clear differences in the musculature connected to these structures in the feline L. serval and the pantherine P. tigris.