Spatial distribution of loose connective tissues on the anterior hip joint capsule: a combination of cadaveric and in-vivo study.

Recently, pathological changes in the fat pad on the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS), between the proximal rectus femoris and joint capsule, have been highlighted as a cause of anterior hip pain. However, precise fat pad features, such as the spatial distribution distal to the AIIS, histological features, and in vivo tissue elasticity, remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the morphological characteristics of the fat pad on the AIIS. Four hips from four cadaveric donors were both macroscopically and histologically investigated, and eight hips from four volunteers were assessed using ultrasonography. The fat pad on the AIIS was also surrounded by the iliopsoas and gluteus minimus, extending distally to the superficial portion of the vastus lateralis, and the anterior portion of the gluteus maximus tendon. Histological analysis revealed that the fat pad was composed of loose connective tissue. Based on the ultrasonography, the shear wave velocity in the fat pad was significantly lower than that in the joint capsule. Conclusively, the pathological adhesion between the joint capsule and pericapsular muscles, if caused by fat pad fibrosis, may occur following the abovementioned fat pad spatial distribution.

Dynamic changes of the joint capsule in relation to the zona orbicularis: An anatomical study with possible implications for hip stability mechanism.

The zona orbicularis, which comprises the inner circular fibers of the joint capsule, is vital for hip stability in distraction. Despite the proximity of the whole joint capsule to the zona orbicularis, their anatomical relationship remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the characteristics of the inner side of the joint capsule comprehensively. Twelve hips from nine bodies donated to science were examined. Six and three of the donated bodies, respectively, were embalmed using 8% formalin and Thiel's method. The joint capsules in three formalin-embalmed bodies were sturied by micro-computed tomography. During formalin fixation of six hips from these three bodies, one side was maintained at hip extension and the other at flexion. The remaining three formalin-embalmed bodies were examined histologically. Micro-computed tomography images revealed that the inward protrusion of the joint capsule narrowed the articular cavity, and the ratio of its narrowest area to that of the femoral neck was less at hip extension than at hip flexion. The Thiel's method specimens showed that the inner surface of the joint capsule protruded inward toward the femoral neck during hip extension. This inward protrusion was not histologically independent of the joint capsule. The zona orbicularis was interpreted as the inward protrusion caused by dynamic change of the joint capsule, rather than the local collar. In other words, the joint capsule could change its morphology dynamically depending on the hip position.

Paediatric knee anterolateral capsule does not contain a distinct ligament: analysis of histology, immunohistochemistry and gene expression.

OBJECTIVES: The presence of a discrete ligament within the knee anterolateral capsule (ALC) is controversial. Tendons and ligaments have typical collagens, ultrastructure, transcription factors and proteins. However, these characteristics have not been investigated in paediatric ALC. The purpose of this study was to characterise the paediatric ALC in terms of tissue ultrastructure and cellular expression of ligament markers scleraxis (SCX)-a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor-and the downstream transmembrane glycoprotein tenomodulin (TNMD), as compared with the paediatric lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and paediatric quadriceps tendon (QT). We hypothesised that, in comparison to the LCL and QT, the ALC would possess poor collagen orientation and reduced SCX and TNMD expression. METHODS: 15 paediatric ALCs (age 6.3±3.3 years), 5 paediatric LCLs (age 3.4±1.3 years) and 5 paediatric QTs (age 2.0±1.2 years) from fresh cadaveric knees were used in this study. Fresh-frozen samples from each region were cryosectioned and then stained with H&E to evaluate collagen alignment and cell morphology. Expression of SCX and TNMD was determined by gene expression analysis and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The histological sections of the paediatric LCL and QT showed well-organised, dense collagenous tissue fibres with elongated fibroblasts, while the ALC showed more random collagen orientation without clear cellular directionality. The aspect ratio of cells in the ALC was significantly lower than that of the LCL and QT (p<0.0001 and p<0.0001, respectively). The normalised distribution curve of the inclination angles of the nuclei in the ALC was more broadly distributed than that of the LCL or QT, indicating random cell alignment in the ALC. SCX immunostaining was apparent in the paediatric LCL within regions of aligned fibres, while the comparatively disorganised structure of the ALC was negative for SCX. The paediatric LCL also stained positive for TNMD, while the ALC was only sparsely positive for this tendon/ligament cell-surface molecule. Relative gene expression of SCX and TNMD were higher in the LCL and QT than in the ALC. CONCLUSION: In this study, a distinct ligament could not be discerned in the ALC based on histology, immunohistochemistry and gene expression analysis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Controlled laboratory study.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the hip capsule innervation and its clinical implications.

Detailed understanding of the innervation of the hip capsule (HC) helps inform surgeons' and anaesthetists' clinical practice. Post-interventional pain following radiofrequency nerve ablation (RFA) and dislocation following total hip arthroplasty (THA) remain poorly understood, highlighting the need for more knowledge on the topic. This systematic review and meta-analysis focuses on gross anatomical studies investigating HC innervation. The main outcomes were defined as the prevalence, course, density and distribution of the nerves innervating the HC and changes according to demographic variables. HC innervation is highly variable; its primary nerve supply seems to be from the nerve to quadratus femoris and obturator nerve. Many articular branches originated from muscular branches of the lumbosacral plexus. It remains unclear whether demographic or anthropometric variables may help predict potential differences in HC innervation. Consequently, primary targets for RFA should be the anterior inferomedial aspect of the HC. For THA performed on non-risk patients, the posterior approach with capsular repair appears to be most appropriate with the lowest risk of articular nerve damage. Care should also be taken to avoid damaging vessels and muscles of the hip joint. Further investigation is required to form a coherent map of HC innervation, utilizing combined gross and histological investigation.

The glenohumeral ligaments: Superior, middle, and inferior: Anatomy, biomechanics, injury, and diagnosis.

The three glenohumeral ligaments (superior, middle, and inferior) are discrete thickenings of the glenohumeral joint capsule and are critical to shoulder stability and function. Injuries to this area are a cause of significant musculoskeletal morbidity. A literature search was performed by a review of PubMed, Google Scholar, and OVID for all relevant articles published up until 2020. This study highlights the anatomy, biomechanical function, and injury patterns of the glenohumeral ligaments, which may be relevant to clinical presentation and diagnosis. A detailed understanding of the normal anatomy and biomechanics is a necessary prerequisite to understanding the injury patterns and clinical presentations of disorders involving the glenohumeral ligaments of the shoulder.

Why Does Hip Arthroscopy Fail? Indications and PEARLS for Revision Success.

The surgical treatment of femoroacetabular impingement has been shown to have successful early and mid-term clinical outcomes. Despite these favorable clinical outcomes that have been published in the literature, there is a subgroup of patients that present with continued or recurrent symptoms after surgical treatment. Not only has there been an increase in the number of hip arthroscopy procedures, but also there has been a corresponding increase in the number of revision hip arthroscopy and hip preservation surgeries. Previous studies have reported residual deformity to be the most common reason for revision hip arthroscopy. However, chondral, labral, and capsular considerations also are important when addressing patients not only in the primary but also, the revision setting. In this review, we outline the evaluation and treatment of the patient that presents with continued hip and groin pain after undergoing a hip.

Micromorphology and topography of tarsal joint capsule's vascular elements in cats and dogs.

Both cats and dogs belong to animals with the same type of limb support but have different nature of movement. Despite belonging to digitigrade animals, cats and dogs have a different nature of motion. While moving, the medial joint surface in cats and lateral surface in dogs carry the larger pressure. The aim of the study was to compare the similar surfaces of the cat's and dog's tarsal joint capsule and to detect differences in its histostructure and vascularisation. For the study, we used the capsule of the tarsal joint of five cats and five dogs dissected with accordance to anatomical surfaces. Sections of the capsule joint were stained with haematoxylin-eosin. The sections were examined with a microscope at magnification ×250 and ×400. The statistical analysis of the results was done using Student's t test. During the research, a difference in histostructure and vascularisation of tarsal joint capsule in cats and dogs on respective surfaces were found. The medial surface of the tarsal joint capsule was the most saturated with hemomicrocirculatory bed structures in cats, whereas this was the lateral surface in dogs. The most active metabolic processes also take place in these areas of the joint capsule, which is important to know when prescribing therapeutic procedures and determining an optimal surgical access.

Anatomy of a dinosaur-Clarification of vertebrae in vertebrate anatomy.

The flat-end surfaces of dinosaur vertebral centra led to the presumption that intervertebral discs occupied the space between their vertebrae. A set of fused hadrosaur vertebrae allowed that hypothesis to be tested. The Tyrannosaurus rex responsible for this pathology did not escape unscathed. It left behind a tooth crown that had fractured. Fragments of that tooth were scattered through the intervertebral space, evidencing that there was no solid structure to impede its movement. That eliminates the possibility of an intervertebral disc and instead proves the presence of an articular space, similar to that in modern reptiles, but at variance to what is noted in birds. While avian cervical vertebral centra appear to be separated by diarthrodial joints, the preponderance of their thoracic vertebral centra is not separated by synovial joints.

New insight into the iliofemoral ligament based on the anatomical study of the hip joint capsule.

The iliofemoral ligament, which plays an important role in hip joint stability, is formed on the anterosuperior region of the hip joint capsule. Although the tendon and deep aponeurosis of the gluteus minimus and iliopsoas are partly connected to the same region of the capsule, the precise location of the connections between the joint capsule and the tendons and deep aponeuroses remains unclear. The locations of the tendinous and aponeurotic connections with the joint capsule may clarify whether the iliofemoral ligament can be regarded as the dynamic stabilizer. This study investigated the relationships between the anterosuperior region of the joint capsule and the tendon and deep aponeurosis of the gluteus minimus and iliopsoas. Fourteen hips from nine cadavers (five males; four females; mean age at death 76.7 years) were analyzed. Ten hips were macroscopically analyzed, and four were histologically analyzed. During macroscopic analysis, the joint capsule was detached from the acetabular margin and the femur, and its local thickness was measured using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). The gluteus minimus tendon was connected to the joint capsule, and the lateral end of this connection was adjoined with the tubercle of the femur at the superolateral end of the intertrochanteric line. The deep aponeurosis of the iliopsoas was also connected to the joint capsule, and the inferomedial end of its anterior border corresponded with the inferomedial end of the intertrochanteric line. In the micro-CT analysis, capsular thickening was observed at the base of the connection to the gluteus minimus tendon and at the anterior border of the deep aponeurosis of the iliopsoas. A histological study showed that the gluteus minimus tendon and the deep aponeurosis of the iliopsoas were continuous with the hip joint capsule. Based on the morphology of the tendinous and aponeurotic connections, local capsular thickening and histological continuity, the transverse and descending parts of the iliofemoral ligament were the joint capsules, with fibers arranged according to the connection with the gluteus minimus tendon and the deep aponeurosis of the iliopsoas, respectively. Therefore, the so-called iliofemoral ligament could be regarded as the dynamic stabilizer, with the ability to transmit the muscular power to the joint via the capsular complex. This anatomical knowledge provides a better understanding of the hip stabilization mechanism.

Iliocapsularis muscle in human fetuses.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of the iliocapsularis muscle in fetal period and its relationship with the hip joint capsule. METHODS: Twenty-one formalin-fixed fetuses (12 female and 9 male) with a mean gestational age of 29 ± 3.89 weeks (range 25-36) were dissected to reveal morphological properties of iliocapsularis muscle. RESULTS: Iliocapsularis muscle was observed in 39 out of 42 sides (92%). Its proximal attachment was detected either below the proximal attachment of rectus femoris muscle in 21 out of 39 sides (54%), or it was forming a common tendon with rectus femoris on the anterior inferior iliac spine in 10 out of 39 sides (26%), or it was forming an arch along the superior-medial-inferior sides of the proximal attachment of rectus femoris muscle in 8 out of 39 sides (20%). Muscle fibers originating from the anteromedial part of hip joint capsule were also constant in all sides. Distal attachment of iliocapsularis muscle was distal to the lesser trochanter in all specimens. Its form was as a broad muscle in 32 out of 39 sides (82%) and as a thin rectangular muscular slip in 7 out of 39 sides (18%). Iliopsoas and iliocapsularis muscles had their particular fascia in 34 out of 39 sides (87%), and in the other 5 sides, there was no fascia which prominently separated the two muscles. Its length was longer in females than males (p = 0.031) and it was wider on the right side (p = 0.029). Linear functions were y = 0.49 + 0.17 × weeks and y = 6.94 + 0.89 × weeks for width and length, respectively. CONCLUSION: Data obtained with the present study about iliocapsularis muscle in fetal period revealed that it is an individual and constant muscle. Its dimension, location, and course over the hip joint capsule support the idea that it tightens the hip capsule and stabilizes the femoral head.

Features of the Femoral Proximocaudal Joint Capsule Insertion Among Canids.

This observational study was conducted to evaluate the anatomic relationship between the proximocaudal femoral joint capsule insertion and the femoral caudolateral curvilinear osteophyte (CCO), across ancient and modern domestic and non-domestic canids. Museum specimens of proximal femora were screened for presence of remnant enthesophytes of the caudal joint capsule insertion (first inclusion criterion) and then for the CCO (second inclusion criterion). The initially screened population included 267 dry bone specimens: Six Canis species, hybrid coyote × domestic dog, and five vulpines (three Vulpes species, one Urocyon, and one Nyctereutes). Proximocaudal joint capsule insertion remnant enthesophytes were limiting at n = 19 specimens: Seven ancient domestic dogs, four modern coyotes, two ancient coyotes, two modern hybrid coyote × dog, two modern red foxes, and two modern raccoon dogs. The joint capsule enthesophytes are associated with inflammation, but are observed far less frequently than the CCO. The CCO is seen radiographically but is visible more frequently by direct inspection. The primary inclusion criterion necessarily was a visible caudal joint capsule insertion; spatial relationships of the CCO can be assigned with confidence only when a capsule insertion line can be recognized clearly. We demonstrate that the anatomic CCO associates with the joint capsule insertion being nonspecific and species-independent. A joint capsule insertion-CCO spatial relationship across species is an important new observation, strongly indicating that both are pathological features. Our data indicate need for new research to characterize the canid coxofemoral joint and its overt and incipient pathology in a phylogenetic context. Anat Rec, 302:2164-2170, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy.

Anatomical Consideration of the Anterolateral Ligament of the Knee.

Many researchers have studied the structures of the anterolateral part of the knee. Several researchers have investigated the existence of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) and its frequency has been inconsistently reported. Therefore, we assessed whether the ALL is the anatomical true ligament and studied the morphological variations of this structure. Sixty-four Korean adult cadavers (120 knees, mean age: 79.1 years) were used for this study. The lateral part of the knee joint was carefully dissected with internal rotation of the tibia. We checked the existence and morphological features and measured the dimensions (length, width, and thickness) of the ALL. The ALL was clearly distinguished from the capsulo-osseous layer of the iliotibial tract and runs obliquely from the lateral femoral epicondyle to the tibial plateau. The ALL was found in 42.5% of the samples, and 15 cadavers had ALLs in both knees. There was no prevalence difference between females and males. Most of the anterior border of the ALL was blended with the knee capsule. Therefore, we concluded that this structure is a local thickening of the capsule in the anterolateral region of the knee, where it possibly developed against some external physical stress. Therefore, the ALLs in this present study can be defined as a capsular ligament of the knee and, as per the nomenclature of the capsular ligament, can be also called the 'anterolateral (capsular) ligament'.

The anatomy of the anterolateral structures of the knee - A histologic and macroscopic approach.

BACKGROUND: The anatomy of the anterolateral structures of the knee is complex and still controversial. The aim of our study was to analyze this anatomy by histologic and macroscopic evaluation, with a particular emphasis on the anterolateral ligament (ALL). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-three cadaveric knee joints were dissected followed by a qualitative and quantitative anatomic analysis of the anterolateral knee structures. Histology and comparison of different anterolateral structures was performed in addition. RESULTS: The ALL was identified in all of the dissected cadaveric knee specimens. It runs in an oblique course from its proximo-dorsal insertion at the distal femur into a ventro-distal direction to the anterolateral tibia. The femoral insertion site was found to be posterior and slightly proximal to the lateral femoral epicondyle and the femoral attachment of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). The femoral insertion of the ALL overlapped the LCL in all dissected knees. The tibial insertion site was midway between Gerdy's tubercle (GT) and the tip of the fibular head (FH). In 15 of the dissected 23 knee joints, thin attachments to the lateral meniscus were observed. Histology confirmed differences in the composition of the anterolateral knee joint capsule, the ALL and the iliotibial band (ITB). CONCLUSIONS: The ALL occurs as a regular separate anterolateral ligamentous structure. It is distinguishable from the ITB and the anterolateral joint capsule in both embalmed and non-embalmed specimens. Histology of the ALL indicates typical ligamentous tissue which clearly differs from the anterolateral knee joint capsule and the thicker ITB. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, descriptive anatomic study.

Anatomical study of the innervation of posterior knee joint capsule: implication for image-guided intervention.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Peripheral nerve block is an important component of the multimodal analgesia for total knee arthroplasty. Novel interventional techniques of ultrasound-guided nerve block supplying the posterior knee joint capsule require knowledge of the innervation of the posterior capsule. The objectives of this cadaveric study were to determine the course, frequency, and distribution of the articular branches innervating the posterior knee joint capsule and their relationships to anatomical landmarks. METHODS: Fifteen lightly embalmed specimens were meticulously dissected. The origin of articular branches was identified, their frequency recorded, and the course documented in relation to anatomical landmarks. The capsular distribution of articular branches was documented and a frequency map generated. RESULTS: In all specimens, articular branches from the posterior division of the obturator and tibial nerves were found to supply the posterior capsule. Additionally, articular branches from common fibular nerve and sciatic nerve were found in eight (53%) and three (20%) specimens, respectively. The capsular distribution of tibial nerve spanned the entire posterior capsule. The posterior division of obturator nerve supplied the superomedial aspect of the posterior capsule overlapping with the tibial nerve. The superolateral aspect of the posterior capsule was innervated by the tibial nerve and, when present, the common fibular/sciatic nerves. CONCLUSIONS: Frequency map of the course and distribution of the articular branches and their relationship to anatomical landmarks form an anatomical basis for peripheral nerve block approaches that provide analgesia to the posterior knee joint capsule.

Josias Weitbrecht, the founder of syndesmology, and the history of the retinacula of Weitbrecht.

"Syndesmologia siue historia ligamentorum corporis humani", published in 1742 by a German anatomist Josias Weitbrecht (1702-1747), who for a long time lived and worked in St. Petersburg, is the first comprehensive textbook of syndesmology. The accuracy and quality of the accompanying illustrations are fascinating, even after almost 300 years. Weitbrecht was also the first to describe the synovial folds of the hip joint, later named after him as the retinacula of Weitbrecht. This eponym appeared in the first half of the nineteenth century in the studies of femoral neck fractures published in the UK. In the study of syndesmology, Weitbrecht was followed by a number of outstanding authors of that time, such as Meckel, Barkow, Arnold, Henle, Humphry and Fick.

Medial elbow anatomy: A paradigm shift for UCL injury prevention and management.

To improve the management outcomes and diagnostic accuracy of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury, the anatomy of the medial side of the elbow joint is necessary to be understood in terms of the periarticular surroundings rather than the specific ligaments. The aim of this study was to anatomically clarify the medial side of the elbow joint in terms of the tendinous structures and joint capsule. We conducted a descriptive anatomical study of 23 embalmed cadaveric elbows. We macroscopically analyzed the relationship between the flexor pronator muscles (FPMs) and the joint capsule in 10 elbows, histologically analyzed in 6 elbows, and observed the bone morphology through micro computed tomography in 7 elbows. The two tendinous septa (TS) were found: between the pronator teres (PT) and flexor digitorum superficial (FDS) muscles, and between the FDS and flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) muscles. These two TS are connected to the medial part of the brachialis tendon, deep aponeurosis of the FDS, and FCU to form the tendinous complex, which linked the humeroulnar joint and could not be histologically separated from each other. Moreover, the capsule of the humeroulnar joint under the tendinous complex had attachment on the ST of 7 mm width. The two TS, the brachialis tendon, the deep FDS and FCU aponeuroses, and the joint capsule linked the humeroulnar joint. These anatomical findings could lead to a paradigm shift in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of UCL injuries in baseball players. Clin. Anat. 32:379-389, 2019. © 2018 The Authors. Clinical Anatomy published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Clinical Anatomists.

Anatomy of the ankle capsule: A cadaveric study.

Although bony and ligamentous injuries of the ankle are well understood, little is known about the degree to which injury of the ankle capsule can be a component of such injuries. The purpose of this study was to determine the dimensions of the ankle capsule and its relationship to adjacent structures. Thirteen fresh-frozen ankle specimens were systematically dissected. Methylene blue solution was injected to identify the dimensions of the ankle capsule. External dimensions were measured as the distance from the capsular reflection to the bony margin of the ankle. Internal dimensions were measured as the distance from the capsular attachment of the distal tibia, fibula, and talus to the cartilage margin. The anterior aspect of the capsule demonstrated the most proximal capsular reflection in all specimens. The most proximal reflections of the anteromedial, anterior middle and anterolateral capsule were 10.3, 13.5, and 9.8 mm, respectively. The most proximal reflections of the posteromedial, posterior middle and posterolateral region were 8.7, 6.2, and 3.5 mm, respectively. There was no capsular reflection over the medial malleolus and less than 1 mm over the posterior lateral malleolus. There was a confluence of the capsule and ligamentous complex on the medial side, and also with the transverse tibiofibular ligament about the posterolateral ankle. The most proximal attachment of the ankle capsule was located at the anterior aspect of the distal tibia. The medial and posterolateral capsules were confluent with the ligamentous complexes of the ankle in those regions. Clin. Anat. 31:1018-1023, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Morphological, radiographic and computed tomographic evaluation of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the one-humped camel.

The camel digits have a complex structure with tendons, joints and ligaments. The objective of the study was to determine the anatomical features of the metatarsophalangeal joint and its puncture site in dromedary camel using anatomical dissection, radiography, computed tomography (CT) bone and soft tissue window scans and 3D reconstruction render volume of CT. The study used six adult camels of both sexes (three males and three females), aged 9-15 years (Mean ± SD equal 11.80 ± 2.59 years). The camel fetlock possesses two metatarsophalangeal joints, left and right ones. The study described in detail the bony structures, ligaments and joint capsule of the metatarsophalangeal joint. The straight sesamoidean ligament was recorded in the studied one-humped camel joints. The joint capsule exhibited two recesses: dorsal and plantar recess. This is the first study to report the dorsal recess as triangular in outline with one proximal recess and two distal recesses, and the plantar recess as having two proximal recesses and one distal recess. The soft tissues examined around the fetlock were the proper extensor tendon, superficial, deep digital flexor tendon, digital scutum, collateral ligaments and sesamoidean ligaments. The plantar and dorsal pouches were the sites of joint injection. The present findings regarding joint injection indicate the plantar approach through plantar recess to fetlock to be preferable than the dorsal one as we used the proximal sesamoid bones and suspensory ligament as landmarks to inject easily.