Anatomical variations of the great saphenous vein at the saphenofemoral junction. A cadaveric study and narrative review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: The great saphenous vein is the lower limb's longest and thickest-walled superficial vein. Its anatomy is complex, while its anatomical variations are widespread. This study aimed to illustrate the anatomy and variations of the great saphenous vein at the saphenofemoral junction. METHODS: The study was conducted on 75 fresh-frozen cadaveric lower limbs. Cadavers with evidence of prior leg surgery or trauma and any congenital abnormality or gross deformity were excluded. The saphenofemoral junction was studied in detail with emphasis on the number, incidence, draining pattern of tributaries, and duplication of the great saphenous vein. RESULTS: Out of the 75 cadaveric lower limbs, 57.3% were obtained from males, and 42.7% were obtained from females. The mean age of the cadaveric lower extremities was 66.6 years (range 42-91). The number of tributaries at the saphenofemoral junction varied from 0 to 7, with a mean of 3.8. The most frequent number of branches was 4-5 in 61.3% of cases. The most consistent tributary was the superficial external pudendal vein, while the posterior accessory great saphenous vein was the least frequent tributary. 80% of the branches drained into the saphenofemoral junction directly (53.3%) or by a common trunk (26.7%%). The most frequent common trunk was the superficial epigastric and superficial circumflex iliac vein (10.7%). The rest 20% of the tributaries drained directly into the common femoral vein. The commonest branch reaching the common femoral vein was the superficial external pudendal vein (10.7%). Duplication of the great saphenous vein was observed in 2.7% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant variation of tributaries at the saphenofemoral junction regarding the number, incidence, draining pattern of branches, and duplication of the great saphenous vein.

Prevalence and risk factors of phlebosclerosis in the great saphenous vein.

OBJECTIVES: Phlebosclerosis is a fibrous degeneration of the vein wall, predominantly the intima, with or without calcification. The prevalence and etiology of phlebosclerosis of the great saphenous vein are not well documented. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and define the risk factors of phlebosclerosis of the great saphenous vein. METHODS: The study was conducted on 300 volunteers who underwent duplex ultrasound. Volunteers with symptoms and signs of acute or chronic venous disease or known varicose veins, thrombosis, chronic vein insufficiency, and any operation in the lower extremities were excluded. The imaging hallmarks of phlebosclerosis include wall brightness, calcification, and increased wall thickness. Demographics of the volunteers (sex, age, weight, and height), Body Mass Index (BMI) and the presence of smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia were recorded. Data obtained were consolidated and statistically evaluated using SPSS Version 16. RESULTS: Of the 300 volunteers who underwent duplex ultrasound, 60.3% were females, and 39.7% were males. The mean age was 60 ± 13, while the mean BMI was 26.01 ± 4.76. Moreover, 66.3% were non-smokers, and 62.3%, 81.3%, and 58.7% did not suffer from hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia, respectively. The prevalence of phlebosclerosis was found to be 2.3%. Hypertension was a risk factor for the development of phlebosclerosis (p = 0.045). Moreover, there was a link between phlebosclerosis and age, as volunteers with phlebosclerosis were older than volunteers without phlebosclerosis (74.2 vs 59.11 years, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of phlebosclerosis of the great saphenous vein is low, specifically 2.3%. Hypertension and increased age are risk factors for the development of phlebosclerosis. Both sexes are equally affected, while BMI, smoking, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia do not contribute to the development of phlebosclerosis.

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy and Evaluation of the Visual Evoked Potentials: A Review of the Literature.

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare autoimmune disorder characterised by the progressive demyelination of peripheral nerves, resulting in motor and sensory deficits. While much research has focused on clinical and electrophysiological aspects of CIDP, there is an emerging interest in exploring its impact on the visual system through visual evoked potentials (VEPs). This comprehensive review synthesises existing literature on VEP findings in CIDP patients, shedding light on their potential diagnostic and prognostic value. The review thoroughly examines studies spanning the last two decades, exploring VEP abnormalities in CIDP patients. Notably, VEP studies have consistently revealed prolonged latencies and reduced amplitudes in CIDP patients compared to healthy controls. These alterations in VEP parameters suggest that the demyelinating process extends beyond the peripheral nervous system to affect the central nervous system, particularly the optic nerve and its connections. The correlation between VEP abnormalities and clinical manifestations of CIDP, such as visual impairment and sensory deficits, underscores the clinical relevance of VEP assessment in CIDP management. Furthermore, this review addresses the potential utility of VEPs in aiding CIDP diagnosis and monitoring disease progression. VEP abnormalities may serve as valuable biomarkers for disease activity, helping clinicians make timely therapeutic decisions. Moreover, this review discusses the limitations and challenges associated with VEP assessment in CIDP, including variability in recording techniques and the need for standardised protocols. In conclusion, this review highlights the evolving role of VEPs as a non-invasive tool in CIDP evaluation. The consistent VEP abnormalities observed in CIDP patients suggest the involvement of the central nervous system in this demyelinating disorder. As our understanding of CIDP and its pathophysiology continues to evolve, further research in this area may lead to improved diagnostic accuracy and monitoring strategies, ultimately enhancing the clinical management of CIDP patients.

Can maternal hormones play a significant role in delivery mode?

The aim of this study was primarily to evaluate the levels of progesterone, oestradiol and relaxin during different delivery modes and secondarily to assess specific traits and changes in maternal pelvic dimensions during pregnancy and childbirth, in correlation with foetal size and maternal hormonal profile. Nulliparous women (n = 448) were evaluated at three different stages, during first trimester, at the time of admission for childbirth and finally just before childbirth. Each examination included clinical internal pelvimetry, blood sample collection for defining the hormones levels in peripheral maternal circulation and ultrasonographic measurements of specific variables of the pubic symphysis and the foetus. We included 304 nulliparous women divided in three groups. According to our results, there was statistically significant difference at the mean progesterone, oestradiol and relaxin range during different modes of childbirth (p-value < .01). We also found significant correlation between the newborn's weight and the changes in pubic symphysis dimensions. However, no significant association was noted between maternal hormones studied and the changes in pelvic dimensions.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Mode of childbirth can be affected by various aspects, like maternal pelvic anatomy, foetal size and hormonal status at the time of labour. Hormonal fluctuations along with mechanical forces caused by the foetus are believed to lead to morphological alterations to promote natural vaginal childbirth.What do the results of this study add? Our results clearly showed that successful vaginal delivery is characterised by the prevalence of a hyperoestrogenic environment with higher values of intrapartum oestradiol range and significant increase in maternal serum relaxin levels. We also proved that progesterone levels do not decrease during vaginal childbirth, and we concluded that foetal size seems to be the most crucial factor causing alterations in maternal pelvis during parturition.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and further research? Our findings could form part of a set of key factors included in future algorithms or computerised biomechanical models for predicting potential childbirth mode. Larger multicenter studies should confirm our results and evaluate their clinical significance in the decision making to ensure safe childbirth and optimal maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Phlebosclerosis in lower extremities veins - a systematic review.

Phlebosclerosis is a venous wall degenerative disease which has gained little popularity in the literature due to its uncertain clinical significance. The objective of this review is to evaluate the epidemiology, etiology and clinical significance of phlebosclerosis in lower extremities veins, particularly the effect of preexisting phlebosclerosis of the great saphenous vein on vein graft patency. Medline was searched from inception until November 1, 2019. Reference lists of included studies were scanned. Only articles published after 1949 were included. Two reviewers independently screened titles/abstracts and full-text papers for any study design in relation to phlebosclerosis in lower extremities veins and abstracted data. A total of 16 Cohort studies and one case-control study (3708 participants, mean age 61.8 years, 59.3 % men, and 40.7 % women) were included after screening 317 titles and abstracts, and 80 full-text articles. The incidence of phlebosclerosis ranged from 1.5-9.7 % depending on the radiological features. On the contrary, the incidence of the phlebosclerotic great saphenous vein prior to its use as a vein graft was 26.9-91 % on histological examination. The small saphenous vein was the most common location of phlebosclerosis followed by the great saphenous vein. There is a link between phlebosclerosis and age, venous insufficiency and haemodialysis. As for the vein graft patency seven studies demonstrated a correlation between preexisting phlebosclerosis and vein graft stenosis, whereas three studies failed to prove any association. In conclusion, the radiological incidence of phlebosclerosis depended on the ultrasound findings. Its presence in the great saphenous vein prior to its use as a vein graft is established on histological examination. The small saphenous vein is mainly affected. Risk factors included age, haemodialysis, and venous insufficiency. Preexisting wall thickness of the great saphenous vein graft seemed to affect negatively its patency in bypass surgery.

The contribution of the medial retinaculum as a restraining factor to the patella dislocation.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the contribution of the medial retinaculum to the stability of the patella, for several angles of knee flexion. For six cadaveric knees, the patella and patella retinaculum were exposed, and the force required to dislocate the patella laterally by 5 mm was measured, in 0, 45 and 90 degrees of knee flexion, preserving and dissecting the medial retinaculum. Wilcoxon singed rank test (SPSS, version 23, Chicago, USA) was used for data analysis. A p value of < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The force required to displace the patella laterally is smaller with the medial retinaculum dissected than intact, in 0, 45 and 90 degrees (p = 0.028, p = 0.046, p = 0.027 respectively). The lateral displacement force is greater as the flexion angle increases, with medial retinaculum intact or dissected (p = 0.028). Thus, an intact medial retinaculum provides more stability against lateral displacement forces to the patella, especially in lower flexion angles. Consequently, surgical methods reinforcing the medial retinaculum combined or not with lateral retinaculum release, are of great importance in the plan of the orthopedic surgeons. The engagement of the bones during flexion of the knee contributes significantly to the stability of the patella.

Primary Bone Lymphoma: A Review of the Literature with Emphasis on Histopathology and Histogenesis.

Primary bone lymphoma (PBL) is a rare neoplasm of malignant lymphoid cells presenting with one or more bone lesions without nodal or other extranodal involvement. It accounts for approximately 1% of all lymphomas and 7% of malignant primary bone tumors. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), not otherwise specified (NOS) represents the predominant histological type and constitutes over 80% of all cases. PBL may occur at all ages with a typical diagnosis age of 45-60 years and a slight male predominance. Local bone pain, soft tissue edema, palpable mass and pathological fracture are the most common clinical features. Diagnosis of the disease, which is frequently delayed due to its non-specific clinical presentation, is based on the combination of clinical examination and imaging studies and confirmed by combined histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. PBL can develop in any part of the skeleton, although it occurs most commonly in the femur, humerus, tibia, spine and pelvis. The imaging appearance of PBL is highly variable and unspecific. In terms of the cell-of-origin, most cases of primary bone DLBCL (PB-DLBCL), NOS belong to the germinal center B-cell-like subtype and specifically originate from germinal center centrocytes. PB-DLBCL, NOS has been considered a distinct clinical entity based on its particular prognosis, histogenesis, gene expression and mutational profile and miRNA signature. PBL carries a favorable prognosis, especially when treated with combined chemoradiotherapy.

Thyroid surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic: difficulties - how to improve.

In December 2019, the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization after rapidly spreading over the world in just a few months. All elective operations and nonemergency treatments have been postponed worldwide. However, some patients require surgical therapy as well, and the time spent waiting should not have a negative impact on the surgical outcome or disease course. Following the initial onset of the COVID-19 epidemic, instructions for proper and safe surgery for healthcare staff and patients should develop. Thyroid surgeries have decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of them can be postponed for a long time. Assessment of thyroid nodules recommends clinical examination, imaging studies, fine needle aspiration (FNA) and vocal cord examination. All these procedures are necessary, and sometimes they cannot be postponed. To determine the best timing, a thorough preoperative assessment should be undertaken, taking into account both oncological and anatomical features. Furthermore, COVID-19 status must be negative prior to any intervention, and hospital infrastructure must be ready to deal with the demanding situation.

Surgical tips and techniques to avoid complications of thyroid surgery.

Objectives: Surgery of the thyroid takes place in a body part with complicated anatomy and several vital physiologic functions. Thyroidectomy is rarely associated with mortality but can be followed by significant complications, (i.e. hypoparathyroidism, hemorrhage, upper airway obstruction, laryngeal nerve injuries and thyrotoxic storm). This review aims to indicate surgical tips and techniques to sustain a low level of complications. Content: MEDLINE database (PubMed) platform was used as a search engine and the articles related to the topic were selected using the keywords combination "thyroid surgery and complications". Summary and Outlook: The most common complication of total thyroidectomy with an occurrence ranging between 0.5 and 65% is hypoparathyroidism. Damage to recurrent laryngeal nerves can be temporary or permanent, unilateral or bilateral; bilateral lesion is associated with severe episodes of breathlessness. Thus, intraoperative monitoring of nerve function is essential to prevent damage. Ιn addition, hematoma formation can lead to breathing difficulties due to airway obstruction; preventive hemostasis during surgery is essential. The surgeon must have a complete anatomical understanding of not only the normal anatomy of the central visceral compartment of the neck, but also the common variations of the laryngeal nerves and parathyroid glands in order to keep the complication rate at a very low level.

Adamantinoma: An Updated Review.

Adamantinoma is a biphasic tumor, with a low potential for malignancy, characterized by clusters of epithelial cells surrounded by a relatively bland spindle-cell osteofibrous component. The aim of the present study was to review the updated data regarding epidemiology; pathogenesis; clinical presentation; radiological, histopathological and ultrastructural findings; and treatment options of adamantinoma. In X-ray, it is usually seen as an eccentric and sometimes central, lobular, lytic lesion with sclerotic margins of overlapping radiolucency, and a characteristic 'soap-bubble' appearance. Magnetic resonance imaging seems to be the most appropriate examination for differential diagnosis between adamantinoma and other skeletal tumors. Histologically, adamantinoma is identified as classic adamantinoma or osteofibrous-like adamantinoma. Classic adamantinoma is classified into four patterns of growth: Basaloid, tubular, spindle cell, and squamous. The preferable treatment of this tumor type is en bloc resection within wide operative margins, which may include suspicious regional lymph nodes, with limb reconstruction and limb salvage.

Osteochondromas: An Updated Review of Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Clinical Presentation, Radiological Features and Treatment Options.

Osteochondroma, the most common benign bone tumor, is a projection on the external surface of the bone, which can be sessile or pedunculated. 85% of osteochondromas present as solitary lesions, while 15% occur in the context of hereditary multiple exostoses (HME), a genetic disorder that is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Although often asymptomatic, symptoms may eventuate from compression of adjacent vessels or nerves, fractures, osseous deformities, bursa formation, or malignant transformation. Cartilage cap thickness >2 cm in adults or >3 cm in children as well as new onset of pain or growth, or rapid growth of the lesion, especially after the closure of the growth plate, might reflect cancerous transformation. Surgical resection is indicated for symptomatic lesions, complications, cosmetic reasons or malignant transformation. Excision of the tumor with free margin is the treatment of choice. Local recurrence is less than 2% if complete resection is achieved.

Osteoid Osteoma: An Updated Review of Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Clinical Presentation, Radiological Features, and Treatment Option.

Osteoid osteoma, the third most common benign bone tumor, usually occurs in the cortex of long bones. It consists of a radiolucent nidus surrounded by reactive osteosclerosis. Generally, osteoid osteoma affects young males. Nocturnal pain that eases with salicylates or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) is the typical clinical presentation. Sometimes, it remains undiagnosed for a long time. Plain radiography and computed tomography are usually sufficient for the diagnosis of osteoid osteoma. Initial treatment includes salicylates and NSAID because the tumor often regresses spontaneously over 2-6 years. Surgical treatment is indicated in case of unresponsive pain to medical therapy, no tolerance of prolonged NSAID therapy due to side effects, and no willingness to activity limitations. Nowadays, minimally invasive techniques have replaced open surgery and are considered the gold standard of surgical treatment. Although cryoablation seems superior in terms of the nerve damage and immunotherapy effect, radiofrequency ablation is the preferred technique.

Primary Epiploic Appendagitis Mimicking Acute Appendicitis: A Case Report and Narrative Review of the Literature.

Primary epiploic appendagitis is uncommon and is estimated to induce 1.1-1.3% of all abdominal pain. We report a 42-year-old male who appeared in the morning in the emergency department with abdominal pain localized in the right lower abdomen and associated with anorexia and nausea. Clinical examination, laboratory tests, and abdominal ultrasound revealed deep tenderness at Mc Burney point and a mild elevation of CRP (0.7 mg/dL). In the evening, the symptoms were exacerbated, and a diagnostic laparoscopy was performed. Intra-operatively, the appendix was normal and a twisted, necrotic epiploic appendage originating from the antimesenteric border of the mid ascending colon was found. Laparoscopic resection of the necrotic epiploic appendage and prophylactic appendectomy was carried out. Histology indicated the diagnosis of the necrotic epiploic appendage. Postoperatively, the patient recovered without complications. Although the preoperative diagnosis of primary epiploic appendagitis has improved due to abdominal ultrasound and mainly CT, there are still cases which are diagnosed during laparoscopy. The treatment of choice is conservative management, while the use of antibiotics remains controversial. The relapse and complication rates are rare. Surgical excision, particularly laparoscopic, should be considered in cases of uncertain diagnosis, persistent symptoms, or recurrence.

Correlation of the Hallux Sesamoids' Orientation with Various Anatomical Parameters in Patients with Hallux Valgus Deformity.

Introduction An awareness of the anatomical parameters of the foot such as the position and orientation of the sesamoid bones can be of great value for the etiology and diagnostic approach to patients with hallux valgus (HV). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the basic anatomical features and measurements related to the characteristics of HV in cadaveric material. Materials and methods The study sample included 12 cadaveric limbs with HV and 10 cadaveric limbs without HV as a control group. We measured the HV angle (HVA), the first to second intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and the first to fifth IMAs of all samples. We also recorded the shape of the first metatarsal head and the position/orientation of the sesamoid bones. Results The mean values of the HVA (p = 0.000), the first to second IMA (p = 0.000), and the first to fifth IMA (p = 0.000) differed between the HV and non-HV group. The position of the sesamoid ossicles between the HV and the non-HV group was statistically significant (p = 0.001). While we noted the round shape of the first metatarsal head was predominant in HV samples, we found no statistically significant difference in the first metatarsal head shape between the test and control groups. Conclusion The HVA, the first to second IMA, the first to fifth IMA, and the orientation of the sesamoid ossicles differed significantly between cadaveric samples with HV and those without HV.

Surgical Treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis A Review.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is a heterogeneous group of conditions encompassing all forms of unknown origin arthritis before the age of 16 years that persist for more than 6 weeks. It is the most common rheumatic disease in young patients and causes severe disabilities, thus an early initiation of the appropriate treatment modalities is necessary. First therapeutic options are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and conventional non-biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, such as methotrexate. Insufficiency of these drugs led to the introduction of new biological medications that selectively target specific cytokines with an objective to suppress the disease. Despite the success in treatment and physical therapy, some of the patients develop advanced arthritis that can result in severe pain and disability. In such cases, surgical intervention is required to improve quality of life. The surgical methods include soft tissue release, osteotomies, synovectomies, and arthrodesis. Total joint replacement is the last option for endstage degenerative conditions (patients with deformity, poor motion, and severe pain). Deep infections, bone perforation, acetabular protrusion, postoperative dislocations, and the need for re-operation are some of the complications of total joint arthroplasty. This review summarizes published studies of the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis focusing mainly on surgical treatment. Our purpose is to evaluate the general trends in treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, focusing on methods, therapeutic advances, and outcomes of the intervention applied.