Literature Review of Anatomical Variations: Clinical Significance, Identification Approach, and Teaching Strategies.

Abdulrahman Alraddadi

doi:10.7759/cureus.14451

Abstract

This article is a comprehensive literature review on anatomical variations, shedding some light on their clinical significance, identification approaches, and teaching strategies. Anatomical variation is a normal presentation of body structure with morphological features different from those that have been classically described in several anatomy textbooks. Under normal circumstances, it has no impact on the function of the structure. However, it may influence different aspects of clinical practice. As a result, accurate knowledge of common anatomical variations in the treated area may improve clinical practice outcomes. On the other hand, anatomical variations are usually identified during routine dissection and clinical practice, including preoperative imaging and surgical procedures. Additionally, scientific research, such as observational studies using cadaveric dissection, medical images, and evidence-based anatomy, are effective approaches to identify anatomical variations. With regard to the teaching of anatomical variations, cadaveric dissection is the most commonly used and recommended learning tool for teaching anatomy and relevant variations in medical schools. However, the literature emphasizes introducing anatomical variations in the clinical phase of medical curricula and postgraduate training of surgical and radiological programs. The current study suggests creating a registry of anatomical variations encountered during practice that may enhance best care and prevent any confusion about those variations. In addition, there is a need to conduct more educational studies to research the best learning strategies for teaching and assessing anatomical variations in the medical curricula.

Highlights

BackgroundChoosing which running shoes to buy is evidence that our feet are not all the same
Anatomical variation is a normal presentation of body structure with morphological features different from those described in the literature
Anatomical variation is common within clinical practice and dissection sessions

Summary

Introduction

Choosing which running shoes to buy is evidence that our feet are not all the same. normal does not always mean the same, especially regarding our bodies. The current review article will discuss the anatomical variations, focusing on their significance in clinical practice, approaches to identifying them, and how to teach them in medical schools’ curricula. The literature showed that scientific research, including observational studies and evidence-based anatomy, boosted identifying any anatomical variations. The literature review showed several studies that reported rare cases of anatomical variations identified during routine laboratory dissections or surgical procedures. More significant results of anatomical variations are commonly reported through observational studies that inspect larger numbers of cadavers and medical images and outline their implications in health practice. The results revealed various pneumatization types, variable lateral extensions, multiple inter-sphenoid septa, and protrusion of the internal carotid artery into the sphenoid sinus Identifying such variations is essential prior to any skull base surgery using the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach. The educational leaders recommended more teaching on the anatomical variations in the early years of the resident surgical and radiological programs

Conclusions

Findings

Disclosures