An anatomical investigation of alkaptonuria: Novel insights into ochronosis of cartilage and bone.

Ochronotic pigmentation of connective tissue is the central pathological process in the rare metabolic disease alkaptonuria (AKU). Tissue pigmentation in AKU occurs due to unmetabolised homogentisic acid (HGA) in the circulation, caused by an enzyme deficiency in the liver. Ochronotic pigmentation, derived from HGA, has previously been reported and described in large joints obtained from arthroplasty surgeries, which typically have advanced disease.

The arterial risk posed by the posterolateral approach: An anatomical cadaveric study of the fibular artery and its variability.

The posterior malleolus of the tibia is commonly accessed surgically through the posterolateral approach. This approach gives good access to the fibula and lateral aspect of the posterior tibia, however; there is little known on the vascular risks with this approach. The aim of this study was to assess and describe the anatomy of the fibular artery and its branches at the ankle region and relate it to the surgical access of the posterior malleolus.

Spot(ters) the difference: Bringing traditional anatomical examinations online.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a shift in anatomy education forcing institutions to find innovative ways to teach and assess online. This study details the development of an online spotter across multiple modules that allowed students to sit the examination at home whilst still maintaining the integrity of the assessment. The online spotter consisted of individual, Zoom calls between students and examiners whereby slides with images and questions were screen shared.

The future of anatomy teaching post-pandemic: An academic viewpoint.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused major disruption to anatomical teaching worldwide with both lectures and practicals being moved online. Throughout this period anatomists were able to find new and innovative ways to teach and to aid student learning via a variety of delivery modes. This study aimed to interview anatomists who were involved in teaching undergraduate medical students at UK universities to document the changes that occurred and to understand academic perceptions of pandemic delivery to comprehend how anatomy education may change in the long term.

An unusual example of hereditary multiple exostoses: a case report and review of the literature.

Background: Hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) is a rare skeletal disorder characterised by a widespread. distribution of osteochondromas originating from the metaphyses of long bones.

Case Presentation: This case study examines a 55-year-old male cadaver bequeathed to the University of Liverpool who suffered from HME, thus providing an exceptionally rare opportunity to examine the anatomical changes associated with this condition.

Purinergic signalling in osteoblasts.

The skeleton is maintained throughout life via the finely tuned actions of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, with disruption in this balance eventually leading to bone disease. The exact mechanisms balancing these actions are not fully known, although several regulatory systems are known to be involved. The involvement of purinergic signalling in bone has come to light over the past 20 years or so.