Compartments of the crural fascia: clinically relevant ultrasound, anatomical and histological findings.

PURPOSE: Compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency that can occur in any part of the body and can cause cell necrosis when maintained over time. The resulting defects can affect the nerves, muscle cells, bone tissue, and other connective tissues inside the compartment, and fasciotomy has to be performed. The anatomical and histological characteristics of the leg make acute, chronic, and exertional compartment syndrome more likely in this limb. For these reasons, knowledge of the ultrasound, anatomical, and histological features of the crural fascia can help in the treatment of leg compartment syndrome. METHODS: Twenty-one cryopreserved lower limbs from adult cadavers and from one 29-week-old fetus were obtained from the dissection room. They were examined by ultrasound and a subsequent anatomical dissection and microscopy to study the crural fascia and its relationship with the different muscles. Anthropometric measurements were taken of the distances from the head of the fibula and lateral malleolus to the origin of the tibialis anterior muscle in the crural fascia, the exit of the superficial fibular nerve, and the fascia covering the deep posterior muscles of the leg. RESULTS: The crural fascia has very important clinical relationships, which can be identified by ultrasound, as the origin of the tibialis anterior muscle at 16.25 cm from the head of the fibula and the exit of the superficial fibular nerve that crosses this fascia at 21.25 cm from the head of the fibula. Furthermore, the presence of a septum that fixes the deep posterior muscles of the leg and the vessels and nerve can be seen by ultrasound and can explain the possible development of a posterior compartmental syndrome of the leg. Awareness of these features will help to keep these structures safe during the surgical treatment of compartment syndrome. CONCLUSION: The ultrasound study allows identification of anatomical structures in the leg and, thus, avoids damage to them during surgery for compartmental syndromes.

Does physical activity improve motor function and gait in huntington disease? A systematic review and meta-analysis. / ¿La actividad física mejora la función motora y la marcha en la enfermedad de Huntington? Una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis.

INTRODUCTION: Huntington's disease (HD) is a degeneration of the brain. OBJECTIVE: To assess the evidence of the physical activity (PA) to improve motor function, gait speed, and walking endurance in individuals with HD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two reviewers independently screened references and selected relevant studies to identify randomized controlled trials (RCT), from MEDLINE/PubMed, CENTRAL, PEDro, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science databases from inception to September 2021. Two reviewers evaluated risk of bias by the PEDro scale. The primary outcome was assessed motor function, gait speed and walking endurance as a secondary outcome was evaluated activities of daily living (ADL), lower limb functionality strenght, balance, mobility and cognition function in HD. RESULTS: Eight RCT were finally included (231 individuals). Forest plots showed a positive effect for gait endurance, the mean difference (MD) was 17.40 (95% CI from 5.40 to 29.35; p = 0.004), the MD lower limb functionality strength was 1.76 (95% CI from 0.18 to 3.33; p = 0.03) favoring PA group and the MD cognition function was 1.83 (95% CI from 0.50 to 3.16; p = 0.007). No benefits were found for motor function, gait speed, ADL, balance and mobility. CONCLUSIONS: Positive effects of programs PA were observed for walking endurance lower limb functionality strenght and cognition function in low and moderate stage of HD. However, no benefits were found for motor function, gait speed, ADL, balance and mobility. All authors included aerobic exercises in their programs but is unclear if vigorous and intensive PA is optimal for individuals with HD.

TITLE: ¿La actividad física mejora la función motora y la marcha en la enfermedad de Huntington? Una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis.Introducción. La enfermedad de Huntington (EH) es una degeneración del cerebro. Objetivos. Evaluar la evidencia de la actividad física (AF) para mejorar la función motora y la marcha en las personas con EH. Materiales y métodos. Dos revisores examinaron de forma independiente las referencias y seleccionaron ensayos controlados aleatorizados en Medline/PubMed, CENTRAL, PEDro, Scopus, CINAHL y Web of Science desde el inicio hasta septiembre de 2021 y evaluaron el riesgo de sesgo mediante la escala PEDro. Las variables principales fueron la función motora y la marcha, y las secundarias, las actividades de la vida diaria (AVD), la funcionalidad (extremidades inferiores), el equilibrio, la movilidad y la función cognitiva en la EH. Resultados. Se incluyeron ocho ensayos controlados aleatorizados (231 individuos). Se observó un efecto positivo para la resistencia en la marcha, la diferencia de medias fue de 17,4 (intervalo de confianza al 95%: 5,4-29,35; p = 0,004), la diferencia de medias para la funcionalidad (extremidades inferiores) fue de 1,76 (intervalo de confianza al 95%: 0,18-3,33; p = 0,03) y la diferencia de medias para la función cognitiva fue de 1,83 (intervalo de confianza al 95%: 0,5-3,16; p = 0,007) a favor del grupo de AF. No se encontraron beneficios para la función motora, la velocidad de marcha, las AVD, el equilibrio y la movilidad. Conclusiones. Los programas de AF mejoran la resistencia en la marcha, la función cognitiva y la funcionalidad (extremidades inferiores) en la EH. Sin embargo, no se observaron efectos positivos para la función motora, la velocidad de la marcha, las AVD, el equilibrio y la movilidad. Todos los autores incluyeron ejercicios aeróbicos en sus programas, pero no está claro si la AF vigorosa e intensiva es óptima para las personas con EH.

¿La actividad física mejora la función motora y la marcha en la enfermedad de Huntington? Una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis / Does physical activity improve motor function and gait in huntington disease? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objetivos: Evaluar la evidencia de la actividad física (AF) para mejorar la función motora y la marcha en las personas con EH. Materiales y métodos: Dos revisores examinaron de forma independiente las referencias y seleccionaron ensayos controlados aleatorizados en Medline/PubMed, CENTRAL, PEDro, Scopus, CINAHL y Web of Science desde el inicio hasta septiembre de 2021 y evaluaron el riesgo de sesgo mediante la escala PEDro. Las variables principales fueron la función motora y la marcha, y las secundarias, las actividades de la vida diaria (AVD), la funcionalidad (extremidades inferiores), el equilibrio, la movilidad y la función cognitiva en la EH. Resultados: Se incluyeron ocho ensayos controlados aleatorizados (231 individuos). Se observó un efecto positivo para la resistencia en la marcha, la diferencia de medias fue de 17,4 (intervalo de confianza al 95%: 5,4-29,35; p = 0,004), la diferencia de medias para la funcionalidad (extremidades inferiores) fue de 1,76 (intervalo de confianza al 95%: 0,18-3,33; p = 0,03) y la diferencia de medias para la función cognitiva fue de 1,83 (intervalo de confianza al 95%: 0,5-3,16; p = 0,007) a favor del grupo de AF. No se encontraron beneficios para la función motora, la velocidad de marcha, las AVD, el equilibrio y la movilidad. Conclusiones: Los programas de AF mejoran la resistencia en la marcha, la función cognitiva y la funcionalidad (extremidades inferiores) en la EH. Sin embargo, no se observaron efectos positivos para la función motora, la velocidad de la marcha, las AVD, el equilibrio y la movilidad. Todos los autores incluyeron ejercicios aeróbicos en sus programas, pero no está claro si la AF vigorosa e intensiva es óptima para las personas con EH.(AU)

Introduction: Huntington’s disease (HD) is a degeneration of the brain. Objective: To assess the evidence of the physical activity (PA) to improve motor function, gait speed, and walking endurance in individuals with HD. Materials and methods: Two reviewers independently screened references and selected relevant studies to identify randomized controlled trials (RCT), from MEDLINE/PubMed, CENTRAL, PEDro, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science databases from inception to September 2021. Two reviewers evaluated risk of bias by the PEDro scale. The primary outcome was assessed motor function, gait speed and walking endurance as a secondary outcome was evaluated activities of daily living (ADL), lower limb functionality strenght, balance, mobility and cognition function in HD. Results: Eight RCT were finally included (231 individuals). Forest plots showed a positive effect for gait endurance, the mean difference (MD) was 17.40 (95% CI from 5.40 to 29.35; p = 0.004), the MD lower limb functionality strength was 1.76 (95% CI from 0.18 to 3.33; p = 0.03) favoring PA group and the MD cognition function was 1.83 (95% CI from 0.50 to 3.16; p = 0.007). No benefits were found for motor function, gait speed, ADL, balance and mobility. Conclusions: Positive effects of programs PA were observed for walking endurance lower limb functionality strenght and cognition function in low and moderate stage of HD. However, no benefits were found for motor function, gait speed, ADL, balance and mobility. All authors included aerobic exercises in their programs but is unclear if vigorous and intensive PA is optimal for individuals with HD.(AU)

Compartments of the antebrachial fascia of the forearm: clinically relevant ultrasound, anatomical and histological findings.

PURPOSE: Acute compartment syndrome is defined as a limb-threatening condition caused by bleeding or oedema in a closed muscle compartment surrounded by fascia or bone. It is most commonly encountered in the forearm, which has three compartments: posterior, anterior and lateral. These are surrounded and closed in by the antebrachial fascia, formed by dense connective tissue that facilities their study on ultrasound and is key to fasciotomy treatment. The purpose of this study was to broaden existing ultrasound, anatomical and histological knowledge of the fascia of the forearm to facilitate their identification on ultrasound, with possible clinical and therapeutic applications. METHODS: The study was performed in 50 cryopreserved upper limbs from adult cadavers from the dissection room of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. They were examined on ultrasound and subsequent anatomical dissection and microscopy to study the fascia and its relationship with different muscles of the forearm compartments. RESULTS: Distinct anatomical relationships were observed on ultrasound and dissection between the fascia and the extensor carpi ulnaris, extensor digiti minimi, and anconeus muscle in the posterior compartment, and the flexor carpi radialis and flexor carpi ulnaris in the anterior compartment. They were isolated by the antebrachial fascia and had distinct relationships with the neurovascular structures. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that high-definition ultrasound enables us to locate the antebrachial fascia and particular muscles with a distinct relationship with neurovascular structures. This helps better identify these structures, facilitating diagnosis of any pathology in the area, with potential therapeutic and clinical applications.

Causas anatómicas de compresión del nervio ciático en la pelvis. Síndrome piriforme / Anatomical causes of compression of the sciatic nerve in the pelvis. Piriform syndrome

Objetivo: El síndrome piriforme constituye una de las causas de dolor pélvico debido al atrapamiento del nervio ciático por el músculo piriforme. En la actualidad es un síndrome de difícil diagnóstico. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer la prevalencia de variaciones anatómicas en nuestra población que puedan contribuir a la aparición del síndrome piriforme. También se estudian medidas antropométricas del músculo piriforme y el nervio ciático para su posible aplicación en procedimientos de la región glútea. Material y método: El estudio se realizó en 59 pelvis de 32 cadáveres criopreservados. Las variaciones anatómicas del músculo piriforme y del nervio ciático encontradas se describieron según la clasificación de Beaton y Anson. Se realizaron mediciones antropométricas de ambas estructuras con referencia al trocánter mayor del fémur. Resultados: El nervio ciático y el músculo piriforme presentaban una variación anatómica en un 28,13%. La variación más frecuente fue la de tipo II (21,64%) y la de tipo III (6,49%). La inserción observada con mayor frecuencia fue un tendón independiente del músculo piriforme insertado en la fosa trocantérea, con un 53,85%. Conclusión: La incidencia de variaciones anatómicas en la población estudiada indica que son importantes como diagnóstico diferencial de posibles dolores en la región glútea ya que los síntomas y signos del síndrome piriforme se asemejan a la patología discal vertebral con afectación radicular. Además, el conocimiento anatómico de esta región puede ser útil en la interpretación con técnicas de imagen, especialmente cuando se realizan inyecciones guiadas por ecografía

Objective: The piriformis syndrome is one of the etiologies of pelvic pain due to the sciatic nerve's entrapment by the piriformis muscle. Nowadays this syndrome might be difficult to be diagnosed. The aim of this study is to know the prevalence of anatomic variations in our population that may contribute to the appearance of piriformis syndrome. Furthermore, anthropometric measurements of the piriformis muscle and the sciatic nerve procedures are studied for a possible application in the gluteal region. Material and method: The study was carried out in 59 pelvis of 32 cryopreserved bodies. The anatomical variations of piriformis and sciatic nerve founded were described following the Beaton and Anson's classification. Anthropometric measurements of both structures with reference to the greater trochanter of the femur were performed. Results: The sciatic nerve and the piriformis had an anatomical variation in a 28.13%. The most frequent variation found was tipus II (21.64%) and tipus III (6.49%).Insertion most frequently observed was an independent piriformis tendon inserted into the trochanteric fossa with 53.85%. Conclusion: The anatomic variations' incidence in the population studied indicates that those have to be evaluated as a differential diagnosis of gluteal region pain due to the symptoms and signs resemblance with the vertebral disc pathology involving nerve root injury. In addition, anatomical knowledge of this region can be useful for the interpretation of imaging techniques, especially when ultrasound-guided injections are performed

Anatomical causes of compression of the sciatic nerve in the pelvis. Piriform syndrome. / Causas anatómicas de compresión del nervio ciático en la pelvis. Síndrome piriforme.

OBJECTIVE: The piriformis syndrome is one of the etiologies of pelvic pain due to the sciatic nerve's entrapment by the piriformis muscle. Nowadays this syndrome might be difficult to be diagnosed. The aim of this study is to know the prevalence of anatomic variations in our population that may contribute to the appearance of piriformis syndrome. Furthermore, anthropometric measurements of the piriformis muscle and the sciatic nerve procedures are studied for a possible application in the gluteal region. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study was carried out in 59 pelvis of 32 cryopreserved bodies. The anatomical variations of piriformis and sciatic nerve founded were described following the Beaton and Anson's classification. Anthropometric measurements of both structures with reference to the greater trochanter of the femur were performed. RESULTS: The sciatic nerve and the piriformis had an anatomical variation in a 28.13%. The most frequent variation found was tipus II (21.64%) and tipus III (6.49%).Insertion most frequently observed was an independent piriformis tendon inserted into the trochanteric fossa with 53.85%. CONCLUSION: The anatomic variations' incidence in the population studied indicates that those have to be evaluated as a differential diagnosis of gluteal region pain due to the symptoms and signs resemblance with the vertebral disc pathology involving nerve root injury. In addition, anatomical knowledge of this region can be useful for the interpretation of imaging techniques, especially when ultrasound-guided injections are performed.