Ultrasonographical and histological cross-sectional study of the human superficial branch of the radial nerve.

PURPOSE: The superficial branch of radial nerve (SBRN) is one of the cutaneous nevus biopsied for diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy. The purpose of this study is to find out the cross sectional microanatomy of the (SBRN) at antecubital fossa for changes in the fascicular, non-fascicular components with respect to age and also to find cross sectional area of SBRN in healthy volunteers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty SBRN were harvested bilaterally from 30 fresh human bodies (25 males and five females) with ages of 37 to 88 years. Samples were divided into three age groups (G1, 37-55 years; G2, 55-70 years; G3, ≥ 71 years) and studied at different magnifications after histological processing for morphometric analysis - total cross-sectional (Asc), fascicular (Af), and non-fascicular area (Anonf). Fifteen volunteers SBRN cross sectional area was measured by ultrasonography (US). RESULTS: The SBRN was found to have 2-6 fascicles. The differences in the adipose tissue (FAT) areas, between G1 and G2 (p=0.233) and between G2 and G3 (p=0.458) were not statistically significant. However, a significant difference was seen between G3 and G1 (p=0.021). The differences in the non-adipose tissue (FAT) areas, between G1 and G2 (p=0.110), between G2 and G3 (p=0.950) and between G3 and G1 (p=0.210) were not statistically significant. The amount of adipose tissue (FAT) in the epifascicular and interfascicular region increased in elderly individuals (age ≥ 71 years). Ultrasonographic cross-sectional area ranged from 2 to 3 mm². CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed comparatively more adipose tissue in human SBRN with advanced age (≥ 71 years). Findings may help to explain poor prognosis with advancing age following repair. SBRN ultrasonographical Asc was comparable to histological Asc in ages between 37-55 years.

A preliminary survey of the median artery in human cadavers of South Indian origin.

BACKGROUND: The median artery is a transitory vessel that represents the arterial axis of the forearm during early embryonic life. It normally regresses in the second embryonic month. Its persistence in the human adult has been recorded in 2 different patterns: as a large, long vessel (palmar type) which reaches the hand; or as a small and short vessel (antebrachial type) which ends before reaching the wrist joint. The palmar type is of major clinical significance. OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to investigate the incidence and course of the palmar type of the median artery in South Indian cadavers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 25 upper limbs of South Indian cadavers were taken to study the median artery. RESULTS: The occurrence of median artery was 8%; of which 4% was on the right side and the other 4% was on the left side. On both sides, the artery originated from the ulnar artery. On the right side, the artery was involved in the formation of superficial palmar arch, whereas the artery on the left side did not join the arch; it terminated as 1st and 2nd common palmar digital arteries. CONCLUSION: Persistent median artery is closely related to the anterior interosseous nerve, it is possible that the artery may compress the anterior interosseous nerve and cause the anterior interosseous nerve syndrome (Fig. 2, Ref. 17).

Twisted renal vessels producing an abnormal shape of the right kidney.

The kidneys and the renal vessels are subject to a wide variety of variations. We report a rare variation of the right kidney and right renal vessels in a 60-year-old male cadaver. The right kidney was pyramidal in shape and the hilum was directed anteriorly. The right renal vessels were twisted against each other, and the inferior vena cava had a kink to the right side. Knowledge of this variation may be useful for the nephrologists, radiologists and surgeons.

Anomalous origin of the lumbrical muscles: a study on South Indian cadavers.

Although variations in the attachments of the lumbrical muscles have been commonly reported, these have been seen mainly in the Caucasian population. The present study has been undertaken in South Indian population. The upper extremities of 24 South Indian (20 male and four female) cadavers were examined. Three instances of variant origins of the lumbrical muscles (two instances of the second and one of the first lumbrical) were seen. The muscles were unusually long extending to the level of the proximal border of the flexor retinaculum and in two of the cases it was taking origin from the flexor digitorum profundus tendon and its accessory belly. In one case it was taking origin from the flexor digitorum profundus and superficialis tendons. An anomalous origin of the lumbrical from muscles in the forearm has the potential to cause compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel.