CT morphometry of adult thoracic intervertebral discs.

Purpose: Despite being commonly affected by degenerative disorders, there are few data on normal thoracic intervertebral disc dimensions. A morphometric analysis of adult thoracic intervertebral discs was, therefore, undertaken.

Methods: Archival computed tomography scans of 128 recently deceased individuals (70 males, 58 females, 20-79 years) with no known spinal pathology were analysed to determine thoracic disc morphometry and variations with disc level, sex and age.

Anatomical and mechanical relationship between the proximal attachment of adductor longus and the distal rectus sheath.

The objectives of this study were to investigate the anatomical relationship between the proximal adductor longus (AL) and rectus abdominis muscles and to determine whether unilateral loading of AL results in strain transmission across the anterior pubic symphysis to the contralateral distal rectus sheath. Bilateral dissections were conducted on 10 embalmed cadavers. Strain transfer across the pubic symphysis was examined on seven of these cadavers.

Variations in the lymphatic drainage pattern of the head and neck: further anatomic studies and clinical implications.

Background: There is an increasing clinical need for accurate evaluation of the lymphatic anatomy of the head and neck.

Methods: Fourteen halves of the superficial tissues of the head and neck and six specimens of the anterior superficial neck tissue from 13 unembalmed human cadavers were studied. Six percent hydrogen peroxide was used to detect the lymphatic vessels by using a surgical microscope.

Lymphatic drainage of the external ear.

Background: Lymphoscintigraphy reveals inconsistencies in our knowledge of the lymphatic anatomy of the external ear.

Methods: Fifteen external ears from 9 unembalmed human cadavers were studied. Six percent hydrogen peroxide was used to find the lymphatic vessels using a surgical microscope.

The role of forensic anthropology in Disaster Victim Identification (DVI).

This paper briefly describes Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) and reviews the history of the use of forensic anthropology in the identification process. The potential contributions made by forensic anthropology are illustrated through the presentation of a case study. In February 2009 the state of Victoria in south-eastern Australia experienced the most devastating bushfires in its history, resulting in catastrophic loss of life and public and private property.

The morphology of the human lymphatic vessels in the head and neck.

Previously little has been written about the morphology of the human lymphatic vessels since Sappey (Sappey [1874] Anatomie, Physiologie, Pathologie des Vaisseaux Lymphatiques, Paris: Adrien Delahaye) over 100 years ago. There needs to be an accurate re-evaluation of scientific observations to aid clinical management. Forty-nine combinations of tissue from the head and neck of 20 unembalmed human cadavers were studied.

The middle layer of lumbar fascia can transmit tensile forces capable of fracturing the lumbar transverse processes: an experimental study.

Background: Transversus abdominis and its aponeurotic attachment to the lumbar transverse processes via the middle layer of lumbar fascia are of proposed clinical and biomechanical importance. Moderate traction on these structures (simulating submaximal contraction of transversus abdominis) is reported to influence segmental motion, but their tensile capacity is unknown and the effects of sudden, maximal traction on these attachments and the transverse processes are uncertain.

Methods: In 15 embalmed cadaver abdomens, the middle layer of lumbar fascia was isolated, gripped and rapid tension applied in either a lateral or posteroanterior direction (simulating forces that may produce avulsion and traumatic fractures).

The middle layer of lumbar fascia and attachments to lumbar transverse processes: implications for segmental control and fracture.

The anatomy of the middle layer of lumbar fascia (MLF) is of biomechanical interest and potential clinical relevance, yet it has been inconsistently described. Avulsion fractures of the lumbar transverse processes (LxTP's) are traditionally attributed to traction from psoas major or quadratus lumborum (QL), rather than transversus abdominis (TrA) acting via the MLF. This attachment is also absent from many biomechanical models of segmental control.

Missing persons-missing data: the need to collect antemortem dental records of missing persons.

The subject of missing persons is of great concern to the community with numerous associated emotional, financial, and health costs. This paper examines the forensic medical issues raised by the delayed identification of individuals classified as "missing" and highlights the importance of including dental data in the investigation of missing persons. Focusing on Australia, the current approaches employed in missing persons investigations are outlined.

Effects of tensioning the lumbar fasciae on segmental stiffness during flexion and extension: Young Investigator Award winner.

Study Design: Biomechanical study of unembalmed human lumbar segments.

Objective: To investigate the effects of tensioning the lumbar fasciae (transversus abdominis [TrA]) aponeurosis) on segment stiffness during flexion and extension.

Summary Of Background Data: Animal and human studies suggest that TrA may influence intersegmental movement via tension in the middle and posterior layers of lumbar fasciae (MLF, PLF).

Regional morphology of the transversus abdominis and obliquus internus and externus abdominis muscles.

Background: The mechanisms by which the abdominal muscles move and control the lumbosacral spine are not clearly understood. Descriptions of abdominal morphology are also conflicting and the regional anatomy of these muscles has not been comprehensively examined. The aim of this study was to investigate the morphology of regions of transversus abdominis and obliquus internus and externus abdominis.

Tensile transmission across the lumbar fasciae in unembalmed cadavers: effects of tension to various muscular attachments.

Study Design: Traction was applied to muscles attaching to the posterior and middle layers of lumbar fascia (PLF, MLF). Effects on fasciae were determined via tensile force measures and movement of markers.

Objectives: To document tensile transmission to the PLF and MLF when traction was applied to latissimus dorsi (LD), gluteus maximus (GM), external and internal oblique (EO, IO), and transversus abdominis (TrA) in unembalmed cadavers.