Clinical anatomy : official journal of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists & the British Association of Clinical Anatomists
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Dissection of conventionally embalmed cadavers exposes students, staff, and faculty to formaldehyde, a probable carcinogen. Therefore, prudent practices should seek to minimize formaldehyde exposure. In this study, we evaluated two commercially available chemicals, InfuTrace and Perfect Solution, for their effectiveness in reducing ambient formaldehyde levels. ⋯ Results indicated that both Perfect Solution, substituted for standard formaldehyde embalming, and InfuTrace infused through the vasculature after formaldehyde embalming, resulted in lower concentrations of formaldehyde than embalming with formaldehyde solution alone or in combination with body cavity injection of InfuTrace. These differences in formaldehyde concentrations are consistent across measuring methods, for example, of room air, of breathing zone air during cadaver handling and dissection, and of liquid samples obtained from the cadavers. Perfect Solution yielded suboptimum fixation and a different texture, color, and smell than the formaldehyde treatments.
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The superficial branch of the radial nerve (SBRN) is highly vulnerable to trauma and iatrogenic injury. This study aimed to map the course of the SBRN in the context of surgical approaches and identify a safe area of incision for de Quervain's tenosynovitis. Twenty-five forearms were dissected. ⋯ Cannulation of the cephalic vein in the distal third of the forearm is best avoided. The close association between the radial artery and first branch of the SBRN or the LCNF may explain the pain often experienced during arterial puncture. Particular care should be taken during radial artery harvest to avoid nerve injury.
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Lateral and medial pectoral nerves are distributed to the pectoralis major and minor muscles. The purpose of this study was to identify the spinal origins of lateral and medial pectoral nerves and to evaluate the participating amounts of each spinal nerve composing both pectoral nerves. Two types of spinal origins appeared in lateral pectoral nerves. ⋯ These results show that the spinal origins of the both pectoral nerves were various. Participating amounts of the lateral pectoral nerve appeared sequentially in the order of C7, C6, and C5. In the medial pectoral nerve, C8 participated more amounts than T1.
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This study verifies the three-dimensional anatomical features of the transverse and alar ligaments with reference to the axis using a direct in vitro approach. In 20 fresh spine specimens, metal markers were inserted on the cranium, atlas, and axis. After registration of the intact specimen, the bony segments were separated, and markers and anatomical landmarks were digitized. ⋯ The transverse ligament arches around the dens and demonstrating its function as a stabilizer for the dens as well as guidance for axial rotation movements. A posterior inclination of the alar ligaments may induce a coupled extension in combination with a lateral bending during axial rotation. These detailed aspects of motion steering may be important to consider when attempting to reduce or restore movement.
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The birth of conjoined twins occurs in approximately 1 in 50,000 to 1 in 100,000 deliveries, and the majority are either stillborn or die early in life. Approximately 184 successful separations have been described. The authors describe the preoperative radiologic evaluation of a set of thoracopagus-omphalopagus twins and their successful surgical separation. ⋯ Successful separation of twins conjoined by several organ systems requires a multispecialty approach. Preoperative knowledge of shared anatomy is necessary for adequate preparation and planning. Despite meticulous preoperative investigations, certain anatomy can only be discovered at the time of surgery, and the ability to adjust to these findings is imperative.