Morphometric Predictors of Penile Length Increase After Division of its Suspensory Ligament.

INTRODUCTION: Division of the suspensory ligament of the penis has emerged as a popular surgical approach for penile lengthening, but accurate preoperative predictions of lengthening outcomes remain elusive. This study aimed to identify readily measurable anatomical parameters associated with post-ligamentolysis penile length gain, facilitating more reliable preoperative estimations. METHODS: An experimental cross-sectional study was performed on 16 adult cadavers. Data collected before dissection included: age at death, ethnicity, height, length of the penis before dissection and width of the suspensory ligament of penis. Following the complete dissection of the suspensory ligament of penis, the depth of the pubic symphysis and the penile length after the procedure were measured. The absolute and relative length differences pre- and post-ligamentolysis were calculated. Correlation coefficients were used to study relations between these variables. RESULTS: Penile length increased uniformly after complete division of the suspensory ligament (average gain: 26.38 mm, SD = 14.83 mm; range 4-60 mm). Pearson correlation revealed a significant negative correlation between pre-ligamentolysis penile length and post-ligamentolysis increase (r = - 0.601; p = 0.014), suggesting greater gains in individuals with shorter pre-ligamentolysis lengths. Age, ligament width, and pubic arch depth showed no significant correlations. Ethnicity did not impact post-ligamentolysis length increase (t = - 0.135; p = 0.894). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the potential to predict penile length gain post-ligamentolysis through measurable anatomical parameters. The ability to anticipate the outcome of this procedure could empower surgeons to provide informed counseling, potentially elevating patient satisfaction. An experimental cross-sectional study was performed to investigate the outcomes of penile lengthening surgery Penile lengthening was achieved in all subjects via complete dissection of the suspensory ligament of the penis Penile length increase may be predicted preoperatively using easily measurable anatomical parameters NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Topographic and Structural Anatomy of the Suspensory Ligament of the Penis: Implications for Phalloplasty.

BACKGROUND: The suspensory ligamentous system of the penis supports the penis when erect and plays a key role during coitus. These ligaments, which are prone to injury during coitus, are clinically important in penile reconstruction procedures. OBJECTIVES: The current study investigated the macro- and microanatomy of the suspensory ligamentous system of the penis to determine the origin, course, insertion, dimensions, and tissue composition of these ligaments, knowledge of which is vital for successful penile reconstruction procedures. METHODS: The study utilized a total of 49 cadavers. Gross anatomy dissection, MRI, and histological staining were performed to elucidate the topography, dimensions, and tissue composition of the suspensory ligaments of the penis. RESULTS: Three ligaments were observed to form the suspensory ligamentous system of the penis. The most superficial is the fundiform ligament, which consists of superficial bundles and deep median bundles, with the former arising from the Scarpa's fascia and the latter arising from the linea alba of the anterior abdominal wall; both inserted into the superficial fascia of the penis. The suspensory ligament of the penis arose from the pubic symphysis and inserted into the deep fascia (Buck's fascia) of the penis. The arcuate ligament arose from the body of the pubis and pubic symphysis and inserted into the Buck's fascia. The ligaments were determined to consist of adipose tissue, collagen fibers, elastic fibers and reticular fibers, in varying proportions. CONCLUSIONS: The suspensory ligaments of the penis exhibit a fan-like structure on the penis that allows the forward movement of the penis as a result of engorgement of the erectile bodies while simultaneously offering support.

A comparative study of the anatomy and MRI images of the lumbar foraminal ligaments at the L1-L5 levels.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of MRI images to reveal foraminal ligaments at levels L1-L5 by comparing the results with those of anatomical studies. METHODS: Eighty lumbar foramina were studied. First, the best MRI scanning parameters were selected, and the transverse and sagittal axes of each lumbar foramina were scanned to identify and record the ligament-like structures in each lumbar foramen. Then, the cadaveric specimens were anatomically studied, and all ligament structures in the lumbar foramina were retained. The number, morphology and distribution of ligaments under anatomical and MRI scanning were observed. Histological staining of the dissected ligament structures was performed to confirm that they were ligamentous tissues. Finally, the accuracy of ligament recognition in MRI images was statistically analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 233 foraminal ligaments were identified in 80 lumbar intervertebral foramina through cadaveric anatomy. The radiating ligaments (176, 75.5%) were found to be attached from the nerve root to the surrounding osseous structures, while the transforaminal ligaments (57, 24.5%) traversed the intervertebral foramina without any connection to the nerve roots. A total of 42 transforaminal ligament signals and 100 radiating ligament signals were detected in the MRI images of the 80 intervertebral foramina. CONCLUSION: The MRI can identify the lumbar foraminal ligament, and the recognition rate of the transforaminal ligament is higher than that of the radiating ligament. This study provides a new method for the clinical diagnosis of the relationship between the lumbar foraminal ligament and radicular pain.

Análisis Morfológico y Biométrico de la Fóvea de la Cabeza del Fémur / Morphological and Biometric Analysis of the Fovea for Ligament of Head of Femur

En la literatura actual se encuentra escasa información referente a la fóvea de la cabeza del fémur (fóvea de la cabeza del hueso fémur). Este estudio tuvo como propósito recolectar datos morfológicos y biométricos respecto a la fóvea de la cabeza del fémur y reconocer variaciones que podrían ser de utilidad en las diversas patologías de la región. Se utilizaron 46 huesos fémures humanos pertenecientes al Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de la Universidad de La Frontera, Chile. Para la medición de datos se utilizó material ad hoc y los datos fueron analizados el programa Excel y los softwares ImageJ e Image Pro Plus. La longitud promedio de los huesos fémures fue de 43,8 ± 2,9 cm; el ángulo de torsión del cuello fue de 23,0 ± 2,0°. En el 100 % de las muestras se observó una fóvea en el cuadrante posteroinferior de la cabeza del fémur. El área promedio de la fóvea de la cabeza del fémur fue de 1,51 ± 0,7 cm2. El perímetro fue de 4,72 ± 1,0 cm; la forma de la fóvea fue: 60,9% ovalada, 23,9% triangular y 15,2 % circular, teniendo como base la fórmula derivada del índice craneal, dejando la fórmula como feret mínimo/feret máximo, con el cual los valores mayores a 0,8 se clasificaban como circulares y los menores como ovalados. Conocer la ubicación de la fóvea de la cabeza del fémur adquiere implicancia médica, ya que una fóvea en posición anormalmente alta, en imágenes radiológicas, es un indicador de displasia pélvica. La importancia de las variaciones de la fóvea de la cabeza del fémur debe ser más investigadas para una correcta comprensión de las patologías que afectan a la cabeza femoral.

SUMMARY: In the current literature there is little information regarding the fovea for ligament of head of femur. The aim of this study was to collect morphological and biometric data regarding the fovea for ligament of head of femur and recognize variations that could be useful in the various pathologies of the region. Forty six human femur bones belonging to the Department of Basic Sciences of the University of La Frontera, Chile were used. For data measurement, ad hoc material was used and the data were analyzed with the Excel program and the ImageJ and Image Pro Plus software. The average length of the femur bones was 43.8 ± 2.9 cm; the neck torsion angle was 23.0 ± 2.0°. In 100% of the samples, a fovea was observed in the posteroinferior quadrant of the head of femur. The average area of the fovea for ligament of head of femur was 1.51 ± 0.7 cm3. The perimeter was 4.72 ± 1.0 cm; The shape of the fovea was: 60.9% oval, 23.9% triangular and 15.2% circular, based on the formula derived from the cranial index, leaving the formula as minimum feret/maximum feret, with which the values greater than 0.8 were classified as circular and those less as oval. Knowing the location of the fovea for ligament of head of femur acquires medical implications, since a fovea in an abnormally high position, in radiological images, is an indicator of pelvic dysplasia. The importance of variations in the fovea for ligament of head of femur must be further investigated for a correct understanding of the pathologies that affect the femoral head.

Surgical Anatomy of the Ligamentous Attachments in the Superoposterior Scalp Region.

BACKGROUND: Hairline-lowering surgery has become increasingly popular in recent years, but little investigation into the surgical anatomy of the scalp has been performed. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe findings based on clinical observation and anatomic study of ligamentous attachments in the superoposterior region of the scalp. METHODS: Six fresh cadaveric heads were dissected to identify connective tissue structures in the superoposterior scalp region. The areas of interest were along the sagittal suture towards the lambda, the obelion, and around the lambdoid suture. The location and dimensions of identified connective tissue attachments were documented with reference to described skeletal landmarks. RESULTS: Three distinct structures could be identified: (1) a cylindrical structure that sits at the posterior end of the sagittal suture with the parietal foramina in its base. This ligamentous structure extends from the pericranium into the galea, causes dimpling in the skin, and contains emissary veins. As this fulfills the criteria for an osseocutaneous retaining ligament, the term "cranial retaining ligament" is proposed. (2) Anterior to this ligament a connective tissue thickening was identified running along the sagittal suture and blending into the ligament, for which the term "sagittal adhesion" is proposed. (3) Another adhesion was identified just superior to the lambdoid suture, posterior to the retaining ligament, for which the term "supralambdoid adhesion" is proposed. CONCLUSIONS: Identification and better understanding of ligamentous structures in the superoposterior scalp allows for a safer and more effective advancement of the scalp in hairline-lowering surgery, which is a benefit to both patients and surgeons.

Novel combination method of wide-range serial sectioning and 3D reconstruction visualizing both macro-level dynamics and micro-level interactions in an attempt to analyze the female pelvic floor.

The present report presents details of the method for combining wide-range serial sectioning and 3D reconstruction using an adult cadaver. For several decades, anatomists have utilized a variety of non-destructive three-dimensional (3D) visualization methods to complement gross anatomical analysis methods. These include vascular casting for the visualization of vascular morphology and micro-CT for the visualization of bone morphology. However, these conventional methods are restricted by the properties and sizes of the target structures. Here, we introduce a method to conduct 3D reconstruction based on wide-range serial histological sections from adult cadavers, which overcomes previous restrictions. An attempt at 3D visualization of the female pelvic floor muscles provides a detailed description of the procedure. Supplemental video and 3D PDF files allow multifaceted observation of 3D images. Wide-range serial sectioning visualizes morphology beyond the scope of conventional methods, while 3D reconstruction enables non-destructive 3D visualization of any structure that can be observed on a histological section, including skeletal muscle, smooth muscle, ligaments, cartilage, connective tissue, blood vessels, nerves, lymph nodes, and glands. The novel combination of both methods is instrumental in meso-anatomy, a discipline intermediate between macro-anatomy and micro-anatomy.

The anatomy of the sacrospinous ligament: how to avoid complications related to the sacrospinous fixation procedure for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Historically, the sacrospinous ligament (SSL) has been used to treat POP in order to restore the apical compartment through a posterior or an anterior vaginal approach. The SSL is located in a complex anatomical region, rich in neurovascular structures that must be avoided to reduce complications such as acute hemorrhage or chronic pelvic pain. The aim of this three-dimensional (3D) video describing the SSL anatomy is to show the anatomical concerns related to the dissection and the suture of this ligament. METHODS: We conducted a research of anatomical articles about vascular and nerve structures located in the SSL region, in order to increase the anatomical knowledge and show the best placement of sutures to reduce complications related to SSL suspension procedures. RESULTS: We showed the medial part of the SSL to be most suitable for the placement of the suture during SSL fixation procedures, in order to avoid nerve and vessel injuries. However, nerves to the coccygeus and levator ani muscle can course on the medial part of the SSL, the portion of the SSL where we recommended to pass the suture. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the SSL anatomy is crucial and during surgical training it is clearly indicated to stay far away (almost 2 cm) from the ischial spine to avoid nerve and vascular injuries.

Anatomy of the distal radioulnar ligament in cats.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe the anatomy of the distal radioulnar ligament in the cat, using gross and histological sections from cadaveric feline carpi. METHODS: Eight feline cadaveric distal radioulnar joints were included in the study, including six that were paraffin- and two that were polymethyl methacrylate-embedded. Each of the sections of the distal radioulnar joint and ligament were viewed macroscopically and microscopically using a dissection microscope and a standard light microscope with polarising capacity. RESULTS: On gross examination, the distal radioulnar ligament could be seen as a triangular-shaped structure extending between the dorsal surface of the distal radius and ulna. The centre of the ligament had a greater density of tightly packed collagen fibres, while fibrocartilage was identified at the site of both the radial and ulnar entheses. Articular cartilage was noted to extend to the most proximal part of the bulbous portion of the distal ulna and corresponding axial aspect of the distal radius. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In the cat, there appears to be a less extensive interosseous component of the distal radioulnar ligament compared with the dog and cheetah. Instead, the ligament follows the articular surfaces of the distal radius and ulna. These anatomical differences may account for increased rotation of the feline antebrachium and have clinical implications, particularly with regard to the management of antebrachiocarpal joint injuries.

Detailed anatomy of the corpora-glans ligament via the P45 plastination method / Anatomía detallada de los ligamentos cuerpo cavernoso-glande mediante el método de plastinación P45

SUMMARY: The corporo-glans ligament is the ligament connecting the corpus cavernosum and the glans of the penis. The anatomical description of the corporo-glans ligaments shape is still uncertain, this knowledge affects penile reconstructive procedures. The anatomy of the corporo-glans ligament was analyzed and recorded via observing sagittal sections of 10 different penile P45 plastination sections. According to the P45 plastination sections, the corporo-glans junction displayed a fibrous tissue band connecting the distal ends of the two corpus cavernous (CC) with the glans penis (GP). The fibrous band was a round-obtuse shape and ran deep into the glans of the penis and occupied about 2/3 of the whole GP. The original end was laid in a socket embedded in the GP. The density of the fibers of the ligament at the original end close to the tunica albuginea was less than that of the other parts. The fibers originating from the tunica albuginea, directly extended to the blind end of the two CC, covering the distal end of the two CC.

El ligamento cuerpo cavernoso-glande es el ligamento que conecta el cuerpo cavernoso y el glande del pene. La descripción anatómica de la forma de los ligamentos cuerpo cavernoso -glande aún es incierta; este conocimiento afecta los procedimientos reconstructivos del pene. La anatomía del ligamento cuerpo cavernoso-glande se analizó y registró mediante la observación de 10 secciones sagitales diferentes del pene a través de plastinación P45. Según las secciones de plastinación, la unión cuerpo-glande mostraba una banda de tejido fibroso que conectaba los extremos distales de los dos cuerpos cavernosos con el glande del pene. La banda fibrosa tenía una forma redonda y obtusa y se adentraba profundamente en el glande del pene ocupando alrededor de 2/3 de él. En su origen se coloca en un espacio profundo en el glande del pene. La densidad de las fibras del ligamento cuerpo cavernoso-glande en su origen cercano a la túnica albugínea era menor que el de las otras partes. Las fibras que se originan en la túnica albugínea, se extienden directamente hasta el extremo ciego de los dos cuerpos cavernosos, cubriendo el extremo distal de estos.

An atypical anatomical variation of the petrosphenoidal ligament in a newborn cadaver.

PURPOSE: To report an atypical anatomical variation of the petrosphenoidal ligament in a newborn cadaver and to discuss its clinical significance. METHODS: During a study of ten newborn cadavers, the skull base was dissected to reveal the anatomy of the petrosphenoidal ligament and its relationship with the abducens nerve. An atypical anatomical variation was observed, and this is described. The length of the right and left ligaments to the point where it splits into two arms, the joint length of the two ligaments at the junction of the clivus, the length of the ligament proceeding to the posterior clinoid process, and the abducens nerve's diameter as it passes below the ligament were measured on ImageJ software. RESULTS: The petrosphenoidal ligaments were y-shaped, and the attachment of the proximal ligaments was bifid. In the midline above the clivus, some ligament bundles joined the contralateral petrosphenoidal ligament, whilst another group of bundles originated at the posterior clinoid process. At the entry to Dorello's canal, the abducens nerve had a diameter of 0.59 mm on the left and 0.65 mm on the right. The part of the ligaments converging on the clivus in the midline after dividing into two arms was 10.68 mm. CONCLUSIONS: We think that this case report will provide useful information for surgical procedures to the petroclival region, transnasal surgical approaches, and surgical interventions involving the carotid artery.

The Surgical Anatomy of the Jowl and the Mandibular Ligament Reassessed.

INTRODUCTION: A visible jowl is a reason patients consider lower facial rejuvenation surgery. The anatomical changes that lead to formation of the jowl remain unclear. The aim of this study was to elucidate the anatomy of the jowl, the mandibular ligament and the labiomandibular crease, and their relationship with the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-nine cadaver heads were studied (16 embalmed, 33 fresh, mean age 75 years). Following preliminary dissections and macro-sectioning, a series of standardized layered dissections were performed, complemented by histology, sheet plastination and micro-CT. RESULTS: The jowl forms in the subcutaneous layer where it overlies the posterior part of the mandibular ligament. The mandibular ligament proper exists only in the deep, sub-platysma plane, formed by the combined muscular attachment to the mandible of the specific lower lip depressor muscles and the platysma. The mandibular ligament does not have a definitive subcutaneous component. The labiomandibular crease inferior to the oral commissure marks the posterior extent of the fixed dermal attachment of depressor anguli oris. CONCLUSION: Jowls develop as a consequence of aging changes on the functional adaptions of the mouth in humans. To accommodate wide jaw opening with a narrowed commissure requires hypermobility of the tissues overlying the mandible immediately lateral to the level of the oral commissure. This hypermobility over the mandibular attachment of the lower lip depressor muscles occurs entirely in the subcutaneous layer to allow the mandible to move largely independent from the skin. The short, elastic subcutaneous connective tissue, which allows this exceptional mobility without laxity in youth, lengthens with aging, resulting in laxity. The development of subcutaneous and dermal redundancy constitutes the jowl in this location. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: "This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 ."

The petroclinoid ligament: a meta-analysis of its morphometry and prevalence of mineralization with a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: The petroclinoid ligament (PCL) is an important structure in the petroclival region. The anatomy of the PCL and its relationship with the surrounding structure is highly variable. The aim of this study was to estimate the morphometry, prevalence of mineralization, and anatomy of the PCL. To achieve this, the authors carried out a meta-analysis, including all studies that report extractable data on the PCL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Major online medical databases such as PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, SciELO, BIOSIS, Current Content Connect, Korean Journal Database, and Russian Citation Index were searched to gather all studies regarding the anatomical characteristics, morphometry, and relationship with the anatomical surroundings of the PCL. RESULTS: A total of 25 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Data were gathered and analysed in eight categories: (1) mineralization of the PCL, (2) relationship of the abducens nerve with the PCL, (3) relationship of the dorsal meningeal artery with the PCL, (4) shape, number, and continuity of the PCL, (5) PCL anterior attachment, (6) PCL anterior attachment point on bone, (7) PCL posterior attachment point on bone, (8) morphometric features of the PCL. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the authors of the present study believe that this is the most accurate and up-to-date meta-analysis regarding the morphology and mineralization of the PCL. The data provided by the present study may be a useful tool for surgeons performing neurosurgical procedures, such as endoscopic transnasal surgeries. Detailed anatomical knowledge of the petroclival region can surely prevent surgical complications when operating in this area.

Suture-like pattern formation in the pterygospinous bridge of the human sphenoid bone.

The paper presents an anatomical study involving rare variations in the pterygospinous bridges found in Mongolian skulls. These structures extend between the lateral pterygoid plate and the sphenoid spine. Particularly interesting is the division of these bridges into two distinct parts of the similar length. The junctions within these structures resemble morphological patterns characteristic for the plain and zigzag sutures, which articulate the cranial bones.

Ossification of Pterygospinous and Pterygoalar Ligaments and Their Clinical Significance: An Anatomic Study.

ABSTRACT: Pterygospinous and pterygoalar ligaments, present in close proximity of foramen ovale at the base of skull, ossify creating pterygospinous and pterygoalar foramina, which causes problems in accessing retro and parapharyngeal spaces, trigeminal ganglion for treating trigeminal neuralgia by thermocoagulation and blocking it. Besides, these anatomical entities may compress nearby neurovascular structures causing discomfort to patients. Considering immense clinical significance associated with ossification of pterygospinous and pterygoalar ligaments, the study has been carried out. Aim of the study is to provide extended new classification related to pterygospinous and pterygoalar foramina and associated clinical significance. Seven hundred thirty skull bases were observed for variant ossification pterygospinous and pterygoalar ligaments and a new classification of occurrence of these anomalies has been proposed. Literature search revealed that incidence of formation of various forms of pterygospinous and pterygoalar foramina in world populations ranges between 1% and 31.2% and 1.3% and 62.4%, respectively. The highest incidence of complete pterygospinous foramen was observed in Brazilian population followed by Anatolian population and that of incomplete pterygospinous foramen also in Brazilian population. Various neurovascular structures are present in relation to pterygospinous and pterygoalar ligaments. Comprehension of foramina formed by ossification of these ligaments at the cranial base is imperative for proper planning and treating trigeminal neuralgia, clinical neuralgias involving oral and maxillofacial region and carrying out interventions like transfacial needle approaches to the foramen ovale and also for evaluating skull base radiographs. Therefore, thorough knowledge of these entities is of utmost use to anesthesiologists, dentists, and oral maxillofacial surgeons and neurosurgeons.

The effect of morphological variability of Dorello's canal on surgical procedures - a review.

Dorello's canal is an arched structure of bone-fibrous character located in the petroclival venous confluence atop the petrosal bone in the petroclival region. It is bordered by the petrosphenoidal ligament, the petrous part of the temporal bone and the lateral border of the upper part of clivus. Its content in the vast majority of variants comprises the abducens nerve, the inferior petrosal sinus, the venous drainage and the dorsal meningeal artery or its medial branch. With the development of microsurgical techniques, this area has gained huge clinical importance, mainly concerning the order in which the above-mentioned elements (especially the position of the abducens nerve) are arranged in relation to each other. These structures appear in different variant forms and necessitate an individual clinical approach. The main purpose of this review is to present condensed information about possible intercorrelations among them and to indicate, on the basis of the available literature and research, possible surgical approaches and the need to consider the variability when treatments in this region are planned.

Experimental characterisation and modelling of breast Cooper's ligaments.

The aim of this study was to characterise the mechanical behaviour of Cooper's ligaments. Such ligaments are collagenous breast tissue that create a three-dimensional structure over the entire breast volume. Ten ligaments were extracted from a human cadaver, from which 28 samples were cut and used to perform uniaxial tensile tests. Histological analysis showed that the main direction of the fibres visible to the naked eye corresponds to the orientation of the fibres on a microscopic scale. The specimens were cut according to this orientation, which allowed the sample to be stretched in the main fibre direction. From these experimental stretch/stress curves, an original anisotropic hyperelastic constitutive law is proposed to model the behaviour of Cooper's ligaments and the material parameter validity is discussed.

In vivo detection of the lumbar intraforaminal ligaments by MRI.

PURPOSE: Intraforaminal ligaments (IFL) are of great interest to anatomists and clinicians to fully understand the detailed anatomy of the neuroforamina and to diagnose unclear radicular symptoms. Studies published until now have described radiological imaging of the IFLs using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on donor bodies. In the present study, we investigated the detectability of lumbar IFLs in vivo in adults using the high spatial resolution of the constructive interference in steady state (CISS) sequence. METHODS: A total of 14 patients were studied using a 1.5 T MRI scanner. The lumbar spine was imaged using the parasagittal CISS sequence, and the detectability of the IFLs was assessed for each lumbar level. All image datasets were analyzed by a radiologist, an orthopedic surgeon, and an anatomist. Interrater reliability was expressed as Fleiss' Kappa. Using a single data set, a three-dimensional (3D) model was created to map the location of the IFLs within the intervertebral foramen (IF) and the immediate surrounding vessels. RESULTS: Overall, the radiologist was able to detect IFLs in 60% of all imaged IFs, the orthopedic surgeon in 62%, and the anatomist in 66%. Fleiss' Kappa for the various segments varies from 0.71 for L4/5 up to 0.90 for L3/4. CONCLUSION: Lumbar IFLs were successfully detected in vivo in every patient. The detection frequency varied from 42-86% per IF. We demonstrated reproducible imaging of the IFLs on MRI, with good interrater reliability. The present study was a launching point for further clinical studies investigating the potential impact of altered IFLs on radicular pain.

Osteohistology of the hyperelongate hemispinous processes of Amargasaurus cazaui (Dinosauria: Sauropoda): Implications for soft tissue reconstruction and functional significance.

Dicraeosaurid sauropods are iconically characterized by the presence of elongate hemispinous processes in presacral vertebrae. These hemispinous processes can show an extreme degree of elongation, such as in the Argentinean forms Amargasaurus cazaui, Pilmatueia faundezi and Bajadasaurus pronuspinax. These hyperelongated hemispinous processes have been variably interpreted as a support structure for a padded crest/sail as a display, a bison-like hump or as the internal osseous cores of cervical horns. With the purpose to test these hypotheses, here we analyze, for the first time, the external morphology, internal microanatomy and bone microstructure of the hemispinous processes from the holotype of Amargasaurus, in addition to a second dicraeosaurid indet. (also from the La Amarga Formatin; Lower Cretaceous, Argentina). Transverse thin-sections sampled from the proximal, mid and distal portions of both cervical and dorsal hemispinous processes reveal that the cortical bone is formed by highly vascularized fibrolamellar bone interrupted with cyclical growth marks. Obliquely oriented Sharpey's fibres are mostly located in the medial and lateral portions of the cortex. Secondary remodelling is evidenced by the presence of abundant secondary osteons irregularly distributed within the cortex. Both anatomical and histological evidence does not support the presence of a keratinized sheath (i.e. horn) covering the hyperelongated hemispinous processes of Amargasaurus, and either, using a parsimonious criterium, in other dicraeosaurids with similar vertebral morphology. The spatial distribution and relative orientation of the Sharpey's fibres suggest the presence of an important system of interspinous ligaments that possibly connect successive hemispinous processes in Amargasaurus. These ligaments were distributed along the entirety of the hemispinous processes. The differential distribution of secondary osteons indicates that the cervical hemispinous processes of Amargasaurus were subjected to mechanical forces that generated higher compression strain on the anterior side of the elements. Current data support the hypothesis for the presence of a 'cervical sail' in Amargasaurus and other dicraeosaurids.

Clarifying the Anatomy of the Zygomatic Cutaneous Ligament: Its Application in Midface Rejuvenation.

BACKGROUND: Anatomical knowledge of the zygomatic cutaneous ligament is crucial for rejuvenation of the anteromedial midface. However, there is a lack of satisfactory descriptions of the anatomy of the zygomatic cutaneous ligament, and the exact range and location are still controversial. The present study attempts to clarify the anatomy of the zygomatic cutaneous ligament to provide vital information for clinical operations. METHODS: Facial dissection was performed on 36 cadaver hemifaces. The location of the zygomatic cutaneous ligament was investigated and recorded relative to the Frankfort horizontal line and several vertical reference lines. The relative relationship of the zygomatic cutaneous ligament with surrounding anatomical structures was also investigated. RESULTS: The zygomatic cutaneous ligament is a septum-like osteocutaneous ligament originating from the periosteum of the maxilla and zygoma. The overall range of the zygomatic cutaneous ligament starts at the origin of the levator labii superioris and then extends laterally, following the curvature of the inferior bone margin. After merging with the ligamentous part at the origin of zygomaticus minor and zygomaticus major muscle (11.65 mm inferior to the horizontal line), it continues as the zygomatic retaining ligament on the zygomatic arch. The vertical distances between the zygomatic cutaneous ligament and horizontal line along the L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5 reference lines are 9.1, 19.5, 22.1, 21.7, and 18.7 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: The anatomical data obtained in the present study regarding the location of the zygomatic cutaneous ligament might be valuable for understanding the appearance of the midcheek fold and be helpful for surgical procedures to rejuvenate the anteromedial midface.