Orhan Beger

Morphometric properties of the levator scapulae, rhomboid major, and rhomboid minor in human fetuses

PurposeThe main objective of this study is to showcase the growth dynamics of levator scapulae, rhomboid major, and rhomboid minor algebraically, to help plan surgeries on newborns and young infants.MethodsTwenty-five formalin-fixed fetuses (11 male–14 female) with a mean gestational age of 21.80 ± 2.61 (range 18–27) weeks present in the inventory of Mersin University Faculty of Medicine Anatomy Department were dissected. Surface area of levator scapulae, rhomboid major, and rhomboid minor was calculated using digital image analysis software; width and length parameters were measured using digital calipers.ResultsNeither sex nor side significant differences were observed in relation with the numerical data of levator scapulae, rhomboid major, and rhomboid minor (p > 0.05). Algebraic parameters such as surface area, width and length were detected to exhibit a linear growth from 18th to 27th week. Linear functions for levator scapulae, rhomboid major and rhomboid minor surface areas were obtained as y = − 136.871 + 10.598 × age (weeks), y = − 480.567 + 33.147 × age (weeks) and y = − 128.090 + 8.843 × age (weeks), respectively.ConclusionThe results and data of this study can potentially be beneficial in planning of surgeries for many infancy diseases such as trapezius paralysis, obstetrical brachial plexus palsy, Sprengel’s disease, or winged scapula. Linear functions calculated in this study are expected to provide a better understanding of the growth dynamics of levator scapulae, rhomboid major, and rhomboid minor in fetal term and more precise estimation of muscle sizes.

Morphometric properties of the tensor fascia lata muscle in human fetuses

BACKGROUND In neonatal and early childhood surgeries such as meningomyelocele repairs, closing deep wounds and oncological treatment, tensor fasciae lata (TFL) flaps are used. However, there are not enough data about structural properties of TFL in foetuses, which can be considered as the closest to neonates in terms of sampling. This studys main objective is to gather data about morphological structures of TFL in human foetuses to be used in newborn surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty formalin-fixed foetuses (24 male, 26 female) with gestational age ranging from 18 to 30 weeks (mean 22.94 ± 3.23 weeks) were included in the study. TFL samples were obtained by bilateral dissection and then surface area, width and length parameters were recorded. Digital callipers were used for length and width measurements whereas surface area was calculated using digital image analysis software. RESULTS No statistically significant differences were found in terms of numerical value of parameters between sides and sexes (p > 0.05). Linear functions for TFL surface area, width, anterior and posterior margin lengths were calculated as y = -225.652 + 14.417 × age (weeks), y = -5.571 + 0.595 × age (weeks), y = -4.276 + 0.909 × age (weeks), and y = -4.468 + 0.779 × age (weeks), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Linear functions for TFL surface area, width and lengths can be used in designing TFL flap dimensions in newborn surgery. In addition, using those described linear functions can also be beneficial in prediction of TFL flap dimensions in autopsy studies.

Quantitative assessment of the growth dynamics of the teres major in human fetuses

PurposeThe main objective of the study was to examine the use of teres major (TM) as a flap in the pediatric surgeries from an anatomical perspective by: (1) revealing the growth dynamics of the developing TM; (2) assessing the possible interconnecting structures between TM and latissimus dorsi (LD); (3) exposing the innervation patterns of TM in human fetuses.MethodsStudy was conducted on 50 fetuses (26 females and 24 males), on a mean gestational age of 22.86 ± 3.21 (range 18–30) weeks. All the measurements were collected with a digital caliper and a digital image analysis software. Additionally, structural relations between TM and LD were examined in detail and further classified.ResultsNo significant difference of side and sex was detected on TM measurements (p > 0.05). Linear functions for the surface area, width, length of the superior and inferior margins of TM were detected as follows: y = − 257.142 + 18.334 × age (weeks), y = − 5.497 + 0.545 × age (weeks), y = − 1.621 + 1.068 × age (weeks), and y = − 2.147 + 1.284 × age (weeks), respectively. As classified in five types, a number of 33 muscular or tendinous connections between TM and LD were detected. Musculo-tendinous slips from TM to triceps brachii (TB) were evident in four sides. Innervation of TM was observed to be providing by the lower subscapular nerve in all the cases.ConclusionFirst, linear functions, representing the developing fetal morphometry obtained by our study can be adapted for estimating the morphometric of this muscle in early childhood. Besides, acknowledging the diverse appointments of TM with the surrounding muscles such as LD and TB may facilitate the prevention of neurovascular structures and the application of surgical procedures during tendon transfers. In brief, our findings are highly potent to bring the attention of pediatric surgeons.

Anatomy of Master Knot of Henry: A morphometric study on cadavers

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the features of flexor hallucis longus (FHL), flexor digitorum longus (FDL) and flexor digitorum accessorius (FDA) muscles with relevance to the tendon grafts and to reveal the location of Master Knot of Henry (MKH). Methods Twenty feet from ten formalin fixed cadavers were dissected, which were in the inventory of Anatomy Department of Medicine Faculty, Mersin University. The location of MKH was identified. Interconnections of FHL and FDL were categorized. According to incision techniques, lengths of FHL and FDL tendon grafts were measured. Attachment sites of FDA were assessed. Results MKH was 12.61 ± 1.11 cm proximal to first interphalangeal joint, 1.75 ± 0.39 cm below to navicular tuberosity and 5.93 ± 0.74 cm distal to medial malleolus. The connections of FHL and FDL were classified in 7 types. Tendon graft lengths of FDL according to medial and plantar approaches were 6.14 ± 0.60 cm and 9.37 ± 0.77 cm, respectively. Tendon graft lengths of FHL according to single, double and minimal invasive incision techniques were 5.75 ± 0.63 cm, 7.03 ± 0.86 cm and 20.22 ± 1.32 cm, respectively. FDA was found to be inserting to FHL slips in all cases and it inserted to various surfaces of FDL. Conclusion The exact location of MKH and slips was determined. Two new connections not recorded in literature were found. It was observed that the main attachment site of FDA was the FHL slips. The surgical awareness of connections between the FHL, FDL and FDA, which participated in the formation of long flexor tendons of toes, could be important for reducing possible loss of function after tendon transfers postoperatively.

Biomechanical and Morphometric Properties of Long Flexor Tendons of the Toes: A Cadaver Study

BACKGROUND METHODS: RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS.

Relations of Facial Nerve With Retromandibular Vein in Human Fetuses

Abstract The relationship of facial nerve (FN) and its branches with the retromandibular vein (RMV) has been described in adults, whereas there is no data in the literature regarding this relationship in fetuses. The study was conducted to evaluate the anatomic relationships of these structures on 61 hemi-faces of fetuses with a mean age of 26.5 ± 4.9 weeks with no visible facial abnormalities. The FN trunk was identified at its emergence at the stylomastoid foramen. It was traced till its ramification within the parotid gland. In 46 sides, FN trunk ramified before crossing RMV and ran lateral to it, while in 8 sides FN trunk ramified on the lateral aspect of the RMV. In 3 sides, FN trunk ramified after crossing the RMV at its medial aspect. In only 1 side, FN trunk trifurcated as superior, middle, and inferior divisions and RMV lied anterior to FN trunk, lateral to superior division, medial to middle and inferior divisions. In 2 sides, FN trunk bifurcated as superior and inferior divisions. Retromandibular vein was located anterior to FN trunk, medial to superior division, lateral to inferior division in both of them. In 1 side, RMV ran medial to almost all branches, except the cervical branch of FN. Variability in the relationship of FN and RMV in fetuses as presented in this study is thought to be crucial in surgical procedures particularly in early childhood.