Magnetic resonance diffusion weighted imaging using constrained spherical deconvolution-based tractography of the extracranial course of the facial nerve.

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of magnetic resonance diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) featuring constrained spherical deconvolution-based tractography in tracking the extracranial course of the facial nerve to provide a reliable facial nerve map to facilitate well-tolerated and effective tumor resection.

Study Design: Magnetic resonance DWI was conducted on 2 parotid-healthy cadaveric patients with various protocols to identify the best representation of the extracranial facial nerve tract. This was subsequently correlated to dissection of the facial nerves to ascertain anatomic validation.

A cadaveric study of aortic arch variation in an Irish population.

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the incidence of variation in the branching pattern of aortic arch (AA) vessels in an Irish population.

Method: A cadaveric study of 24 subjects was conducted. The vessels of the AA were identified, their branching patterns were noted and photographed and the following measurements were recorded: the angle of the AA to the coronal plane, the distance from the midline to the brachiocephalic trunk (BCT); the left common carotid artery (LCC) ; the left subclavian artery (LSC), the distance between the BCT and the right subclavian artery (RSC); the RSC and the right vertebral artery (RVA), and between the LSC and left vertebral artery (LVA).

Unusual Morel-Lavallee lesion of the knee region in an elderly patient.

The Morel-Lavallee lesion (MLL) of the knee region has been described in the Orthopaedic literature, and all of those were fit and healthy young participants sustaining sports-related trauma to the knee. We describe a case of an elderly woman, on aspirin and prophylactic clexane, who sustained a low-energy injury to the right knee and developed an MLL of the knee region. A delayed recognition, led to the persistence of the MLL as a diffuse haematoma, which subsequently became colonised with methicillin-resistant We discuss the management of a case and highlight the importance of early identification and management of MLL of the knee region.