Arteriovenous Shunts: Their Location and Role in Physiology, Pathology, and Tissue Transfer. A Preliminary Report in the Upper Limb.

Background: Tiny arteriovenous (AV) shunts of 10-150 µm (0.01-0.15 mm) are documented in the hands and feet.

Efficacy and Safety of Different Trapezium Implants for Trapeziometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The trapeziometacarpal joint (TMCJ) is the most common hand joint affected by osteoarthritis (OA), and trapezium implant arthroplasty is a potential treatment for recalcitrant OA. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of various trapezium implants as an interventional option for TMCJ OA. Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane library databases were searched for relevant studies up to May 28, 2022.

Thermoregulation, Not Just Camouflage: The Unique Vasculature of Giraffe Patches. A Cadaver Study with Clinical Implications.

Background: Serendipitously, a dead giraffe provided opportunity to study its vascular anatomy. Comparative animal studies have revealed important information for designing new flaps and new microsurgical techniques. So, do giraffe's patches support a thermal window concept, do animals with similar markings and habitat have a similar thermoregulatory role, and could results offer new insight into human thermoregulation and free tissue transfer?

Methods: Previously described lead-oxide arterial-only injection studies, of a single giraffe, zebra, Africa wild dog, and spotted jaguar, all with wire-encircled pigmented patches; and archival human, pig, dog, cat, and rabbit studies, were compared.

A novel model for hands-on laparoscopic pelvic surgery training on Genelyn-embalmed body: an initial feasibility study.

The human donor body provides a well-accepted ex vivo model for laparoscopic surgical training. Unembalmed, or fresh-frozen, bodies comprise high-fidelity models. However, their short life span and high cost relatively limit the hands-on training benefits.

Forced Disruption of Anatomy Education in Australia and New Zealand: An Acute Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Australian and New Zealand universities commenced a new academic year in February/March 2020 largely with "business as usual." The subsequent Covid-19 pandemic imposed unexpected disruptions to anatomical educational practice. Rapid change occurred due to government-imposed physical distancing regulations from March 2020 that increasingly restricted anatomy laboratory teaching practices.

Challenges in creating dissectible anatomical 3D prints for surgical teaching.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing, or additive manufacturing, is now a widely used tool in pre-operative planning, surgical teaching and simulator training. However, 3D printing technology that produces models with accurate haptic feedback, biomechanics and visuals for the training surgeon is not currently available. Challenges and opportunities in creating such surgical models will be discussed in this review paper.

Neurovasculature of high and low tie ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery.

Purpose: Controversy exists as to whether a high or low tie ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) is the preferred technique in surgeries of the left colon and rectum. This study aims to contribute to the discussion as to which is the more beneficial technique by investigating the neurovasculature at each site.

Methods: Ten embalmed cadaveric donors underwent division of the inferior mesenteric artery at the level of the low tie.

Get SET: aligning anatomy demonstrator programmes with Surgical Education and Training selection criteria.

Background: Prevocational doctors aspiring to surgical careers are commonly recruited as anatomy demonstrators for undergraduate and graduate medical programmes. Entry into Surgical Education and Training (SET) is highly competitive and a unique opportunity exists to align anatomy demonstrator programmes with the selection criteria and core competencies of SET programmes. This study used a qualitative approach to (i) determine what criteria applicants for SET are assessed on and (ii) identify criteria that could be aligned with and enhanced by an anatomy demonstrator programme.

Lateral Intercondylar Ridge: Is it a reliable landmark for femoral ACL insertion?: An anatomical study.

Background: Incorrect femoral tunnel placement is the most common cause of graft failure during Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction. A reliable landmark can minimize errors.

Aim: To identify whether the Lateral Intercondylar Ridge (LIR) is a consistent anatomical structure and define its relationship with the femoral ACL insertion.

Dissecting the role of sessional anatomy teachers: A systematic literature review.

Worldwide there is a growing reliance on sessional teachers in universities. This has impacted all disciplines in higher education including medical anatomy programs. The objective of this review was to define the role and support needs of sessional anatomy teachers by reporting on the (1) qualifications, (2) teaching role, (3) training, and (4) performance management of this group of educators.

Extending the use of the gracilis muscle flap in perineal reconstruction surgery.

Reconstruction of the perineum is required following oncological resections. Plastic surgical techniques can be used to restore the aesthetics and function of the perineum. The gracilis myocutaneous flap provides a substantial skin paddle, with minimal donor site morbidity.

Tensile properties of the transverse carpal ligament and carpal tunnel complex.

Background: A new sophisticated method that uses video analysis techniques together with a Maillon Rapide Delta to determine the tensile properties of the transverse carpal ligament-carpal tunnel complex has been developed.

Methods: Six embalmed cadaveric specimens amputated at the mid-forearm and aged (mean (SD)): 82 (6.29) years were tested.

The metatarsosesamoid joint: an in vitro 3D quantitative assessment.

Background: The anatomy of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, particularly the metatarsosesamoid articulation, remains poorly understood. Our goal was to quantitatively define the excursion of the sesamoids.

Methods: Seven cadavers were dissected to assess the articulating surfaces throughout a normal range of motion.

An anatomical study comparing two surgical approaches for isolated talonavicular arthrodesis.

Background: Two operative approaches are commonly used for isolated talonavicular arthrodesis: the medial and the dorsal approach. It is recognized that access to the lateral aspect of the talonavicular joint can be limited when using the medial approach, and it is our experience that using the dorsal approach addresses this issue. We performed an anatomical study using cadaver specimens, to compare the amount of articular surface that can be accessed by each operative approach.

Non-invasive quantification of lower limb mechanical alignment in flexion.

Objective: Non-invasive navigation techniques have recently been developed to determine mechanical femorotibial alignment (MFTA) in extension. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the precision and accuracy of an image-free navigation system with new software designed to provide multiple kinematic measurements of the knee. The secondary aim was to test two types of strap material used to attach optical trackers to the lower limb.

Segmental masseteric flap for dynamic reanimation of facial palsy.

The masseter muscle is one of the major chewing muscles and contributes to define facial contour. It is an important landmark for aesthetic and functional surgery and has been used for facial palsy reanimation or as source of donor motor nerve. We present an anatomic study to evaluate the possibility of using a muscle subunit for dynamic eye reanimation.

Quantitative assessment of the subchondral vascularity of the talar dome: a cadaveric study.

Background: The arterial supply to the talus has been extensively studied previously but never to specifically examine the subchondral region of the talar dome, a frequent site of localised pathology. This study aims to analyse and quantify the subchondral vascularity of the talar dome.

Methods: We performed cadaveric arterial injection studies.

Repeatability and accuracy of a non-invasive method of measuring internal and external rotation of the tibia.

Purpose: The ability to quantify rotational laxity of the knee would increase understanding of functional rotatory instability, identify the best treatment methods for soft tissue injury, and have a role in diagnosis of soft tissue injury. This study aimed to report the reliability, repeatability and precision of a non-invasive adaptation of image-free navigation technology by comparing with a validated invasive system used for computer-assisted surgery.

Methods: Twelve cadaveric lower limbs were tested with a commercial image-free navigation system using passive trackers secured by bone screws.

The anatomy of ulnar nerve branches in anterior transposition.

Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common nerve entrapment neuropathy. When non-operative treatments fail, surgical intervention is indicated. Although there remains no consensus between simple decompression and anterior transposition, there is a growing recognition of improved clinical outcomes in the latter.

Functional anconeus free flap for thenar reconstruction: a cadaveric study.

Background: Restoration of thumb opposition when significant thenar soft tissue defects occur remains a considerable surgical challenge. While several clinical applications of the anconeus muscle have been developed, free functioning muscle transfer (FFMT) of the anconeus for thenar reconstruction has not been reported previously. This study therefore sought to describe anatomical features of the anconeus that would determine its suitability for use as a FFMT.

The anterior approach for the fixation of displaced talar neck fractures--a cadaveric study.

Background: Talar neck fractures are rare and are associated with high complication rates. Adequate surgical exposure is essential in the operative management of these challenging injuries. The anterior approach is an alternative to the more commonly described and utilized anterolateral and anteromedial approaches.

Asymptomatic non-union of capitate 14 years postfracture.

We report the unusual complication of non-union 14 years following a capitate fracture in a right-hand dominant man. Our patient fell and sustained an injury to his left wrist 14 years ago. At that time he had a swollen painful left wrist.