Anteroposterior Measurements Research Articles

Can Osteopathic Medical Students Accurately Measure Abdominal Aortic Dimensions Using Handheld Ultrasonography Devices in the Primary Care Setting?

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends a 1-time ultrasonography (US) screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) to reduce AAA-specific mortality in men aged 65 to 75 years who have ever smoked. A 2015 study concluded that less than 50% of at-risk primary care patients are screened for AAA. To increase screening rates, it would be beneficial to train other health care professionals in accurately measuring abdominal aortic dimensions. To determine whether osteopathic medical students can use handheld US machines to measure abdominal aortic diameters as accurately as an experienced US technologist. Three osteopathic medical students underwent 8 hours of US training with a board-certified radiologist to measure abdominal aortic dimensions using a handheld US device. After the training, students independently conducted AAA US screenings at a clinic on participants meeting USPSTF AAA screening criteria. Transverse and anteroposterior measurements were taken at 3 sites: celiac axis, inferior to the renal arteries, and superior to the iliac bifurcation. A US technologist then measured the participants' aortic diameters in the radiology department at another facility. The measurements from both reports were then compared using a 2-sample t test. The aortic diameter was measured in 16 participants with a mean (SD) body mass index of 26.7 (3.6). The mean (SD) difference between novice and expert measurement of the abdominal aorta was -0.15 (0.23) cm. No statistically significant difference was found between the US measurements completed by students and a US technologist (t=-1.38, P=.09). None of the participants met the criteria for AAA (>3.0 cm), with the largest abdominal aorta scanned by experts measuring 2.86 cm. When properly trained, osteopathic medical students can accurately measure abdominal aortic diameters using a handheld US device. Training more medical students in ultrasonography would offer increased screening opportunities and possibly reduce AAA-related mortality. Further studies are needed to assess the ability of osteopathic medical students to accurately measure AAAs, as no participants in this study met the criteria for AAA.

AIUM Practice Parameter for the Performance of Point-of-Care Ultrasound Examinations.

AIUM Practice Parameter for the Performance of Point-of-Care Ultrasound Examinations.

Digitally-processed custom plate versus conventional plate fixation in Genioplasty

Purpose: The fundamental position of the chin contributes to the aesthetic perception of the face and the subsequent esthetic disharmony when deficient or retruded. In this study, we aimed to verify differences in plate design used in fixation of chin after Genioplasty with relation to postoperative tissue relapse.Patients and methods: Sixteen patients suffering from a retruded chin affecting the facial esthetics which needed advancement Genioplasty were included in this study. They were selected from the outpatient clinic of the departments of oral and maxillofacial surgery and Orthodontics, faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University, with a mean age of 28 years. Facial analysis was performed through clinical intra and extra-oral photographs. Preoperative data from CT scans were documented. Digital planning was done to fabricate a cutting template and a positioning chin template. The patients were then divided into two groups; eight patients each. In Group A patients, custom digital plates designed on the computer software and processed from CAD data from titanium were used to fix the chin after Genioplasty. In group B patients, conventional titanium T-shaped plate was adapted and used in fixation of the chin. Postoperative patient satisfaction and any postoperative complications were recorded. Clinical evaluation including fragment mobility and/or parasthesia was documented on one week, one month, 3 months and 6 months postoperatively. CT scan was performed immediately postoperative and on 6 months to assess fixation and/or tissue relapse through measuring the linear Antero-posterior measurements and the transverse measurements.Results: All the patients were clinically satisfied and content about the new chin position and facial contour. All the surgeries went uneventful with no hardware exposure. Numbness of the lower lip was reported in all patients, which faded with time and reported full recovery later on. Radiographic CT scan measurements revealed the accurate postoperative measurements compared to the preoperative plan. The mean linear Pog-orbit-mental measurements showed net overall significant increase, however, with a statistical significant decrease from one period to another in each groups. In both groups, there were no statistical significant changes in mean Pog- Right mental plane and Pog- left mental plane transverse measurements. Statistical correlation between results of both groups showed no significant differences over the study period.Conclusion: This study recommended the use of digital planning of Genioplasty and template fabrication due to the documented exact pre-to-postoperative chin alignment. The specific custom plate design and processing proved to be an insignificant hassle which can be spared by using the conventional plate for fixation after Genioplasty.

Growth, survival and byssal attachment of the blacklip pearl oyster Pinctada margaritifera (Linnaeus 1758) spat exposed to different salinities

The influence of salinity on growth, survival and byssal fibre attachment of the blacklip pearl oyster, Pinctada margaritifera spat was assessed. P. margaritifera enjoys a coastal distribution in the intertidal reef flats of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with maximum density at 5 -10 m depth, where drastic changes in environmental parameters such as salinity, temperature and turbidity occur. Spat showed comparatively good growth in terms of instantaneous growth rates (IGRs) of dorso-ventral measurement (DVM), antero-posterior measurement (APM) and total weight (TWT) in a wide range of test salinities from 19 to 37 psu; IGRs were drastically decreased in spat reared at lower and higher salinities outside of this range. The highlight of the present study was better growth performance and 100% survival of P. margaritifera spat at lower salinity levels (22-28 psu) than in the ambient salinity (31 psu). The study also showed that sudden exposure to a higher salinity (above 40 psu) will be helpful for detachment of P. margaritifera spat from settlement tanks in the hatchery to facilitate stress-free spat transfer to sea farming systems. This will be useful in adopting the Japanese technique on post-operative culture for producing high quality pearls from P. margaritifera.

AIUM-ACR-SPR-SRU Practice Parameter for the Performance and Interpretation of a Diagnostic Ultrasound Examination of the Extracranial Head and Neck.

AIUM-ACR-SPR-SRU Practice Parameter for the Performance and Interpretation of a Diagnostic Ultrasound Examination of the Extracranial Head and Neck.

Comparison of three hatchery culture methods for the giant clam Tridacna noae

This study provides a first evaluation of different hatchery culture methods for the giant clam Tridacna noae. Three culture methods (intensive, semi-intensive, and extensive) using two tank designs (60 L and 277 L) were successful in producing 30-day old T. noae juveniles. There was no statistically significant interaction between tank design and culture method when considering cumulative survival (P = 0.89) or antero-posterior growth (P = 0.20), and the two tank designs did not influence cumulative survival (P = 0.78) or antero-posterior growth (P = 0.81). Differences in cumulative survival among the extensive (0.027 ± 0.015%), semi-intensive (0.005 ± 0.002%), and intensive (0.004 ± 0.001%) culture methods were non-significant (P = 0.11). The mean antero-posterior measurements at 30 days post-fertilisation among intensive (583.57 ± 12.71 μm), semi-intensive (530.92 ± 11.02 μm), and extensive methods (541.67 ± 10.95 μm), were also non-significant (P = 0.05). Further analysis of survival among different developmental stages identified significantly greater survival of T. noae between the pediveliger and juvenile development stages within the extensive culture method. Our results show that extensive culture methods can achieve comparable hatchery production of T. noae to semi-intensive and intensive culture methods, which require additional managerial, infrastructural, and nutritional inputs.

Influence of x-ray direction on measuring shortening of the fractured clavicle

Midshaft clavicle fractures are often associated with a certain degree of shortening. There is great variety in the imaging techniques and methods to quantify this shortening. This study aims to quantify the difference in measurements of shortening and length of fracture elements between 5 views of the fractured clavicle. Furthermore, the interobserver and intraobserver agreement between these views using a standardized method is evaluated. Digitally reconstructed radiographs were created for 40 computed tomography datasets in the anteroposterior (AP), 15° and 30° craniocaudal, and 15° and 30° caudocranial views. A standardized method for measuring the length of fracture elements and the amount of shortening was used. Interobserver and intraobserver agreement for each of the 5 views was calculated. The interobserver and intraobserver agreement was excellent for all 5 views, with all intraclass correlation coefficient values greater than 0.75. The measured differences in relative and absolute shortening between views were statistically significant between the 30° caudocranial view and all other views. The increase in median shortening measured between the commonly used 30° caudocranial view (2.7 mm) and the AP view (8.5 mm) was 5.8 mm (P < .001). The relative median shortening between these views increased by 3.5% (P < .001). The length of fracture elements and the amount of shortening in the fractured clavicle can be reliably measured using a standardized method. The increase in absolute and relative shortening when comparing the caudocranial measurements with the AP and craniocaudal measurements may indicate that the AP and craniocaudal views provide a more accurate representation of the degree of shortening.

Measurement of pharyngeal segments in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Objective: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs by recurrent collapse of the upper airway during sleep. It results in complete (apnea) or partial (hypopnea) reduction of airflow and has intimate relation with the upper airway anatomy. Cephalometric analysis has been used to quantify airway dimensions. The aim of this study is evaluate the correlation between the anteroposterior dimension of the upper airway and the severity of obstructive sleep apnea. Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed reviewing polysomnographic data (AHI) and anteroposterior cephalometric measurements of pharynx subregions: nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx. Results: The sample consisted of 30 patients. The mean body mass index was 29.60 kg/m2 and the average age was 46.8 years. Nine patients presented severe OSA, seven had moderate OSA , seven had mild OSA, and seven were healthy. The Pearson's correlation index between the anteroposterior dimension of the nasopharynx, oropharynx and hypopharynx and AHI was respectively -0.128 (p=0.517), -0.272 (p=0.162) and -0.129 (p=0.513). Conclusion: The correlation between anteroposterior linear dimension of the airway and OSA severity, assessed by AHI, was not positive. As an isolated parameter it did not correlate to the severity of the obstrucive sleep apnea syndrome and should be evaluated in conjunction with other factors. KeywordsUpper Airway; Obstructive sleep apnea; Cone beam CT.

Evaluating the Amount of Tooth Movement and Root Resorption during Canine Retraction with Friction versus Frictionless Mechanics Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

BACKGROUND:The current study was carried out to compare the amount of tooth movement during canine retraction comparing two different retraction mechanics; friction mechanics represented by a NiTi closed coil spring versus frictionless mechanics represented by T - loop, and their effect on root resorption using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).METHOD:Ten patients were selected in a split-mouth study design that had a malocclusion that necessitates the extraction of maxillary first premolars and retraction of maxillary canines. The right maxillary canines were retracted using T - loops fabricated from 0.017 X 0.025 TMA wires. The left maxillary canines received NiTi coil spring with 150 gm of retraction force. Pre retraction and post retraction Cone Beam Computed Tomography were taken to evaluate the amount of tooth movement and root resorption using three-dimensional planes.RESULTS:T - loop side showed statistically significant higher mean anteroposterior measurement than NiTi coil spring side, indicating a lower amount of canine movement pre and post a canine retraction. Concerning the root resorption, there was no statistically significant change in the mean measurements of canine root length post retraction.CONCLUSION:The NiTi coil spring side showed more distal movement more than the T-loop side. Both retraction mechanics with controlled retraction force, do not cause root resorption.

Quantitative Measurements of the Cross-sectional Configuration of the Flexor Pollicis Longus Tendon Using Ultrasonography in Patients With Pediatric Trigger Thumb.

Pediatric trigger thumb is regarded as an acquired condition characterized by flexion deformity of the interphalangeal joint of the thumb. However, the exact etiology and pathoanatomy of this condition remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate cross-sectional configurations of the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon and the area under the A1 pulley quantitatively using ultrasonography. In this study we enrolled 43 patients, 23 boys and 20 girls, with unilateral pediatric trigger thumb. We measured the anteroposterior (AP) diameter, radioulnar diameter, and cross-sectional area of the FPL tendon at the level of the greatest AP diameter of the FPL tendon proximal to the A1 pulley and those of the inner dimensions of the A1 pulley using ultrasonography. The measurements were repeated on the contralateral side. Average age at the time of the measurements was 32 months. Average AP and radioulnar measurements of the FPL tendon were 13% and 55% larger than those of the inner dimensions of the A1 pulley in the trigger thumb. The average AP measurement in the area under the A1 pulley was notably larger in the trigger thumb than on the normal side. Using ultrasonographic measurements, we were able to identify enlargement of the FPL tendon proximal to the A1 pulley in the symptomatic thumb, compared with the area under the A1 pulley in the symptomatic thumb or FPL tendon on the contralateral side. Developmental mismatch between the FPL tendon and the area under the A1 pulley is a possible cause of pediatric trigger thumb. Diagnostic IV.

TMJ dimensions in three-dimensional virtual models acquired through computed tomography of cone beam as sexual dimorphism

Objective: The objective of this study was to relate the dimensions of the mandibular condyle with sex and age by means of three-dimensional models obtained by cone-beam computed tomography images (CBCT). Material and Methods: 120 CBCT examinations were selected belonging to the archives of the ICT-UNESP Clinic of Radiology. They were divided into five age groups, each containing 12 individuals of each sex. Virtual three-dimensional models were then created and two measurements from each mandibular condyle were taken: anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML). The t-test was used for independent samples to compare the measurements. Results: The AP measurements only of the left side showed a statistical difference between the sexes between 31 to 40 years of age; in the ML measurements, there were statistical differences between the sexes in all age groups on both sides, except in the age group above 60 years. Conclusion: The ML measurements of the mandibular condyles, regardless of side, showed significant statistical differences between sexes and age groups, with a tendency to greater values in males, and may be a determinant factor of sexual dimorphism.KeywordsX-Ray computed Tomography; Radiology; Sexual characteristics; Forensic anthropology; Forensic dentistry.

Bilgisayarlı Tomografi ile Frontal Sinüs Morfometrik Analizinin Cinsiyet Belirlenmesinde Kullanımı

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, frontal sinüs boyutlarının bilgisayarlı tomografi ile yapılan ölçüm sonuçlarının, cinsiyetin belirlemesinde yararlılığını değerlendirmektir.&#x0D; Gereç ve yöntem: Çalışmaya Bakırköy Dr.Sadi Konuk Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi'nde maksillofasiyal bilgisayarlı tomografi uygulanan olgular dahil edildi. Transvers çapları (genişlik; RT ve LT) eksensel görüntülerden, ön-arka (derinlik; RAP ve LAP) ve sefalo-kaudal çaplardan (yükseklik; RH ve LH) sagital yeniden biçimlendirilmiş görüntülerden ölçüldü. Hem sol hem de sağ frontal sinüsler için ölçümler yapıldı. Her iki taraftaki frontal sinüslerin boyutu bu parametreler kullanılarak elde edildi. Bu değerler bağımsız t testi ile değerlendirildi. Değişkenler, diskriminant fonksiyon analizi ile değerlendirildi.&#x0D; Bulgular: Çalışma için 400 olgu değerlendirildi (200 erkek 200 kadın, ortalama yaş: 44 ± 18.0) Sol ve sağ ölçümlerin tüm değerleri cinsiyete göre anlamlı fark gösterdi. Erkekler, kadınlara kıyasla belirgin artmış bir ölçüm değeri taşıyordu. (P &lt;0.001) Tekli diskriminasyon analizinde en düşük doğruluk oranı erkeklerde LH için% 55.5, kadınlarda RT için %59.5 idi. Kadınlarda LAP (% 77.5) ve RAP (% 77) ve erkeklerde LAP (% 69. en yüksek doğruluk oranlarına sahipti. Yalnızca RAP ve LAP değerleri eklendiğinde diskriminasyon analizinde doğruluk oranı kadınlarda% 77.5, erkeklerde% 70.5 olarak tespit edildi. Aşamalı diskriminasyon analizinde ölçülen değerlerin hepsi dahil edildiğinde, doğruluk oranı kadınlarda% 80.5, erkeklerde% 71.5 olarak tespit edildi.&#x0D; Sonuç: Özellikle çok kültürlü toplumlarda frontal sinüs morfometrik çalışmaları kimliklendirme araştırmaları için önemli veriler sağlayabilir. Veriler, adli tıp uzmanları ve antropologların yanı sıra ilgili anatomik yapılarda endoskopik ve cerrahi işlemler gerçekleştiren kraniyofasiyal cerrahlar ve diş hekimleri çin de yararlı olacaktır.

Acromion morphology and bone mineral density distribution suggest favorable fixation points for anatomic acromioclavicular reconstruction.

Recent techniques for acromioclavicular (AC) joint reconstruction focus on additional AC cerclage to coracoclavicular (CC)-reconstructions. Due to the specific slim bone morphology at the acromion, there are concerns regarding these additional bone tunnels, as they may predispose to fracture and break out. The purpose of this study was to investigate anatomic properties of the acromion which may help improve surgical techniques directed at injuries to the AC joint. It was hypothesized that via measurements of thickness and density points of increased strength and support could be identified on the acromion. Eighty-five fresh frozen cadaveric shoulders were used for this study. A standardized 3D-net was developed and thicknesses of the acromion were taken from defined points using a certified caliper. To define the acromial arch, the angle and radius of curvature between the antero-lateral, the highest point of the acromial arch and the postero-lateral aspect of the acromion were measured. Additional bone mineral density (BMD) evaluation was performed on 43 specimens in an anterio-posterior and latero-medial direction using 5-mm slices with a maximum of 10 and 6 slices, respectively. Median specimen age was 63.0 (range 36) years (55 female, and 30 male). There was no statistical significance between male (62.0, range: 35 years) and female (64.5, range 32 years) regarding age (n.s.). Thickness of acromion points of interest were ranging from 3.5 to 24.3mm. Median radius of curvature of acromial arch for female was 48.2 (range 92.7) mm and 66.2 (range 85.6) for male (p = 0.019). The median angle for female specimens was 21.4° (range: 44.6°) and 23.3° (range 51.7°) for male (p = 0.047). The latero-medial measurements showed significant difference between the region of interest (ROI): 1 and 4, 5, 6 (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.001), 2 and 4, 5, 6 (p = 0.007, p = 0.001, p = 0.001), 3 and 5, 6 (p = 0.001, p = 0.001), 4 and 5, 6 (p = 0.010, p = 0.001). Antero-posterior measurements showed significant difference between the ROI: 1 and 8 (p = 0.031). The posterior-medial acromion close to the AC joint revealed the highest BMD with an increasing density from lateral to medial. In combination with thickness measurements this region would support additional anatomical fixation of the AC joint using bone tunnels if necessary. To anatomically reproduce the insertions of the AC ligaments at the acromion, either bone tunnels or anchors are needed. Therefore, several techniques have been developed. This study provides the anatomical data for these techniques and confirms the reconstructive approach of techniques using anatomical points of fixation and orientation.

Prevalence of pineal gland calcification as an incidental finding in patients referred for implant dental therapy.

PurposePineal gland calcification has been proposed to play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. This study evaluated the prevalence and extent of pineal gland calcification in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of patients referred for dental implant therapy who could possibly be a vulnerable group for this condition.Materials and MethodsA retrospective evaluation of 500 CBCT scans was conducted. Scans that showed the area where the pineal gland was located were included. The scans were initially screened by a single observer to record the prevalence and extent of calcification. Six weeks following the completion of the study, another investigator randomly reviewed and selected 50 scans to investigate inter-observer variation, which was evaluated using reliability analysis statistics. The prevalence and measurements of the calcifications were reported using descriptive statistics. The chi-square test was used to compare the prevalence between males and females.ResultsThe prevalence of pineal gland calcification was 58.8%. There was no statistically significant correlation between age and the extent of the calcification. The prevalence of calcification was 58.6% in females and 59.0% in males. The average anteroposterior measurement was 3.73±1.63 mm, while the average mediolateral measurement was 3.47±1.31 mm. The average total calcified area was 9.79±7.59 mm2.ConclusionThe prevalence of pineal gland calcification was high in patients undergoing implant therapy. While not all pineal gland calcifications lead to neurodegenerative disorders, they should be strongly considered in the presence of any symptoms as a reason to initiate further investigations.

Embryonic and Larval Development of the Giant ClamTridacna noae(Röding, 1798) (Cardiidae: Tridacninae)

ABSTRACT This paper reports on embryonic and larval development of the giant clam Tridacna noae. Spawning was induced by serotonin injection into the gonad. Unfertilized eggs had a mean (±SE) diameter of 101.14 ± 0.47 µm and spermatozoa heads were 8.92 ± 0.09 µmlong. Embryonic development had progressed to the 8-cell and 16-cell stages by 3 h postfertilization and to the 32-cell stage by 4 h postfertilization. Rotating gastrulae accounted for 82% of developing embryos at 9 h postfertilization. Trochophore larvae accounted for 54% of embryos at 16 h postfertilization, and 98% of larvae at 20 h postfertilization. Straighthinged (D-stage) veligers comprised 74% of developing larvae at 22 h postfertilization with mean (±SE) anteroposterior measurement (APM) of 146.32 ± 0.58 µm, dorsoventral measurement (DVM) of 118.12 ± 0.74 µm, and hinge length of 77.46 ± 0.73 µmat 24 h postfertilization. At 96 h postfertilization, 74% of veligers had settled but had retained the velum without showing development of the foot...

Drill wobble - effect on femoral tunnel aperture during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

BackgroundIn anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction performed using cortical button fixation on the femur, we have observed a “wobble” effect that can occur when a cannulated femoral drill is used over a guide pin that is not securely fixed in bone. Our study assessed the effect of drill “wobble” on femoral tunnel aperture in sawbones.MethodsFemoral tunnels were drilled in sawbones, which had been divided in two groups of 10 each, per drilling technique. The “wobble” technique group had the smaller cortical button drill passed before drilling the graft socket with the bigger diameter femoral drill. In contrast, in the “non-wobble” technique group, the smaller cortical button drill was passed after drilling the graft socket. The aperture dimensions: antero-posterior, proximo-distal and oblique, as well as the length of each tunnel, were measured.ResultsWhile the average dimensions of the tunnels were similar between the two techniques, there was significantly more variation in the antero-posterior measurements for the wobble technique as compared to the non-wobble technique (mean 7.3 mm, SD 0.28 mm, and mean 7.3 mm, SD 0.11 mm, respectively; Brown-Forsythe test, p 0.02).ConclusionWe conclude that using the “socket first” “non-wobble” technique is a single surgical technical step surgeons can employ to decrease variability in tunnel aperture and size.

The association between seminal vesicle size and duration of abstinence from ejaculation.

There are few data describing the relationship between seminal vesicle (SV) size and duration of abstinence between ejaculations. This study evaluates the association between SV size and duration of abstinence from ejaculation using pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Sexually active men 18-68years old who underwent pelvic MRI for various medical indications were included. The date of last ejaculation was recorded, and the cross-sectional areas of the right and left seminal vesicles were calculated separately using mediolateral and anteroposterior measurements on T2-weighted MRI images. The association between SV area and duration of abstinence between ejaculations was determined via linear regression analysis. The study cohort consisted of 104 men with a mean age of 46.45±11.4 (range 18-68) years old. Mean right and left SV cross-sectional areas were 744.1±351.1 (range: 149.9-1794.7) mm2 and 727.6±359.2 (range 171.4-2248.4) mm2 respectively. The mean duration of abstinence between ejaculations in the cohort was 3.6±2.6 (range 1-15) days. Although no correlation between age and SV area was observed (r=.007, p=.947), linear regression analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between SV area and the duration of abstinence from ejaculation (r=.372, p=.0001). SV cross-sectional area increases with duration of abstinence from ejaculation and can be assessed using MRI. The use of SV size estimation may be applicable in diagnosis, risk stratification and treatment of urological diseases.

AIUM Practice Parameter for the Performance of a Thyroid and Parathyroid Ultrasound Examination.

AIUM Practice Parameter for the Performance of a Thyroid and Parathyroid Ultrasound Examination.

Diffusion tensor imaging of the inferior alveolar nerve using 3T MRI: a study for quantitative evaluation and fibre tracking.

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can provide structural information and objective values for nerves. The aims of this study were to perform quantitative evaluation and fibre tracking of the normal inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) using DTI on 3.0-T MRI. DTI was applied to 92 IANs of 46 healthy volunteers. Circular regions of interest (ROIs) were placed on three different positions at the mandibular foramen, second molar and mental foramen of each nerve on apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) maps, and the ADC and FA of each ROI were measured. Differences in the values arising from the nerve positions were evaluated. Furthermore, fibre tracking of the IANs was performed by tractography, and the quality of visualization was evaluated. There were no significant differences in the ADC and FA between the right and left sides regardless of the anteroposterior positions. Regarding differences arising from the anteroposterior measurement positions, the ADC and FA showed no significant differences (p > 0.017), except for the ADCs between the positions at the mandibular foramen and mental foramen in the left side (p = 0.0068). Overall, 70 (76%) of the 92 IANs could be visualized fully or partially by tractography. The ADC and FA of the IAN were successfully obtained from healthy volunteers using DTI and were confirmed to be symmetrical regardless of the measurement positions. DTI is a feasible technique for the quantitative evaluation and visualization of the IAN.

A preliminary exploration of ulnar variance in healthy wrists at a tertiary hospital in Jeddah.

Objectives:To gain preliminary insight by exploring ulnar variance changes in a Saudi-based sample.Methods:This 6-month (December 2013 to June 2014) cross-sectional study was conducted on a randomly selected healthy adult volunteers with a sample size of 104, at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Posteroanterior (PA), anteroposterior (AP), and PA grip views are taken. The variables of interest were the PA, AP, and PA fist measurements of both right and left wrists. An independent t-test was used to compare means between groups.Results:A total of 104 volunteers were recruited. Among 17 participants who had a negative ulnar variance on right PA views, a significantly high proportion (n=9; 56.2%) maintained a negative value on fist views; 7 participants (43.8%) had a neutral ulnar variance while none (0%) had a positive value (p<0.001). Similarly, a significant proportion of participants who had neutral, or positive values on right PA views maintained the same values on right fist views (p<0.001). On radiographs of the right wrist, the ulnar variance decreased with a change in wrist position, with an absolute difference in magnitude of 2.13 (p<0.001) between PA and AP views. Similarly, the ulnar variance on the left side decreased significantly between PA and AP views (absolute difference in magnitude, 1.68; p<0.001).Conclusions:Ulnar variance changes in our sample are similar to what is reported in the literature.