Bony Features Research Articles

Ecomorphology and Morphological Diversity of Trigeminal Nerve‐mediated Somatosensation in Sauropsids

Understanding the morphology of tissues mediating sensory perception is essential to understanding organismal behavior. Cranial somatosensation in living reptiles requires dense innervation of the mandibles by the trigeminal nerve to receive and discriminate between the range of stimuli experienced during sensory behaviors including prey acquisition, feeding, and navigation. Morphological diversity of both the soft tissue and osteological trigeminal system is unexplored across reptiles, and thus relationships between form and function are unknown. Additionally, inferences of facial sensation in extinct vertebrates are often loosely based on qualitative descriptions of bony features of the trigeminal system. Using CT and hand-measured data, we explore morphometric relationships between and among soft tissue (i.e., trigeminal ganglion, inferior alveolar nerve, terminal sensors) and osteological (i.e., trigeminal fossa, inferior alveolar canal, rostral foramina) trigeminal structures of extant representatives from each major clade of sauropsids with diverse sensory strategies. Exploring the trigeminal mandibular division, we find relatively larger trigeminal structures in crocodylians than most birds and lepidosaurs, implying differing levels of sensory ability among taxa. We show canal branching patterns reflect sensory ecologies as well, with only tactile-foraging taxa exhibiting dendritic canals. Finally, we identify phylogenetic and ecologic factors influencing osteological correlate utility and predict sensory ecologies of extinct reptiles, supporting a trend of increasing trigeminal sensation along the crocodylian line. Overall, these findings describe some of the diversity of the reptilian trigeminal system and establish evolutionary patterns of reptile trigeminal ecomorphology.

Weight-bearing CT for Knee Osteoarthritis Assessment: A Story Unfolds

Weight-bearing CT for Knee Osteoarthritis Assessment: A Story Unfolds

A quantitative in vivo assay for craniofacial developmental toxicity of histone deacetylases

Many bony features of the face develop from endochondral ossification of preexisting collagen-rich cartilage structures. The proper development of these cartilage structures is essential to the morphological formation of the face. The developmental programs governing the formation of the pre-bone facial cartilages are sensitive to chemical compounds that disturb histone acetylation patterns and chromatin structure. We have taken advantage of this fact to develop a quantitative morphological assay of craniofacial developmental toxicity based on the distortion and deterioration of facial cartilage structures in zebrafish larvae upon exposure to increasing concentrations of several well-described histone deacetylase inhibitors. In this assay, we measure the angle formed by the developing ceratohyal bone as a precise, sensitive and quantitative proxy for the overall developmental status of facial cartilages. Using the well-established developmental toxicant and histone deacetylase-inhibiting compound valproic acid along with 12 structurally related compounds, we demonstrate the applicability of the ceratohyal angle assay to investigate structure-activity relationships.

Tibiofemoral bony morphology features associated with ACL injury and sex utilizing three-dimensional statistical shape modeling.

Statistical shape modeling was employed to assess three-dimensional (3D) bony morphology between distal femurs and proximal tibiae of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injured knees, the contralateral uninjured knees of ACL injured subjects, and knees with no history of injury. Surface models were created by segmenting bone from bilateral computed-tomography scans of 20 subjects of their ACL injured knees and non-injured contralateral knees, and 20 knees of control subjects with no history of a knee injury. Correspondence particles were placed on each surface, and a principal component analysis determined modes of variation in the positions of the correspondence particles describing anatomical variation. ANOVAs assessed the statistical differences of 3D bony morphological features with main effects of injury state and sex. ACL injured knees were determined to have a more lateral femoral mechanical axis and a greater angle between the long axis and condylar axis of the femur. A smaller anterior-posterior dimension of the lateral tibial plateau was also associated with ACL injured knees. Results of this study demonstrate that there are more bony morphological features predisposing individuals for ACL injury than previously established. These bony morphological parameters may cause greater internal and valgus torques increasing stresses in the ACL. No differences were determined between the ACL injured knees and their uninjured contralateral knees demonstrating that knees of ACL injured individuals are at similar risk for injury. Further understanding of the effect of bony morphology on the risk for ACL injury could improve individualized ACL injury treatment and prevention.

Patellofemoral alignment, morphology and structural features are not related to sitting pain in individuals with patellofemoral pain

BackgroundSitting-related pain is a common feature of patellofemoral pain (PFP). However, little is known regarding features associated with sitting-related PFP. The aim of this study was to determine whether sitting-related PFP is associated with patellofemoral alignment, morphology and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of the patellofemoral joint (cartilage lesions, bone marrow lesions, fat pad synovitis). Methods133 individuals with PFP were included from two unique but similar cohorts. Participants were classified into one of three groups based on their response to item 8 of the Anterior Knee Pain Scale: (i) problems with sitting; (ii) sitting pain after exercise; and (iii) no difficulty with sitting. All participants underwent 3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to enable: (i) scoring of structural features of the patellofemoral joint with MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score (MOAKS); and (ii) patellofemoral alignment and morphology measurements using standardised methods. The association of sitting pain to bony alignment, morphology and MOAKS features were evaluated using multinomial logistic regression (adjusted for age, sex, BMI; reference group = no difficulty with sitting). Results82 (61.7%) participants reported problems with sitting, and 24 (18%) participants reported sitting pain after exercise. There were no significant associations between the presence of sitting pain and any morphology, alignment or structural characteristics. ConclusionsFindings indicate that PFP related to sitting is not associated with patellofemoral alignment, morphology, or structural MRI features of the patellofemoral joint. Further research to determine mechanisms of sitting-related PFP, and inform targeted treatments, are required.

Craniofacial morphology of Adalatherium hui (Mammalia, Gondwanatheria) from the Late Cretaceous of Madagascar

ABSTRACT The cranium of Adalatherium hui, as represented in the holotype and only specimen (UA 9030), is only the second known for any gondwanatherian mammal, the other being that of the sudamericid Vintana sertichi. Both Adalatherium and Vintana were recovered from the Upper Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Maevarano Formation of northwestern Madagascar. UA 9030 is the most complete specimen of a gondwanatherian yet known and includes, in addition to the cranium, both lower jaws and a complete postcranial skeleton. Aside from Adalatherium and Vintana, gondwanatherians are otherwise represented only by isolated teeth and lower jaw fragments, belonging to eight monotypic genera from Late Cretaceous and Paleogene horizons of Madagascar, the Indian subcontinent, Africa, South America, and the Antarctic Peninsula. Although the anterior part of the cranium is very well preserved in UA 9030, the posterior part is not. Nonetheless, comparable parts of the crania of Adalatherium and Vintana indicate some level of common ancestry through possession of several synapomorphies, primarily related to the bony composition, articular relationships, and features of the snout region. Overprinted on this shared morphology are a host of autapomorphic features in each genus, some unique among mammaliaforms and some convergent upon therian mammals. The cranium of Adalatherium is compared with the crania of other mammaliamorphs, particularly those of allotherians or purported allotherians (i.e., haramiyidans, euharamiyidans, multituberculates, Cifelliodon, and Megaconus). Particular emphasis is placed on several recently described forms: the enigmatic Cifelliodon from the Early Cretaceous of Utah and several new taxa of euharamiyidans from the Late Jurassic of China.

The Hip Suction Seal, Part I: The Role of Acetabular Labral Height on Hip Distractive Stability

Background: The acetabular labrum has been found to provide a significant contribution to the distractive stability of the hip. However, the influence of labral height on hip suction seal biomechanics is not known. Hypothesis: The smaller height of acetabular labrum is associated with decreased distractive stability. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: A total of 23 fresh-frozen cadaveric hemipelvises were used in this study. Hips with acetabular dysplasia or femoroacetabular impingement–related bony morphologic features, intra-articular pathology, or no measurable suction seal were excluded. Before testing, each specimen’s hip capsule was removed, a pressure sensor was placed intra-articularly, and the hip was fixed in a heated saline bath. Labral size was measured by use of a digital caliper. Maximum distraction force, distance to suction seal rupture, and peak negative pressure were recorded while the hip underwent distraction at a rate of 0.5 mm/s. Correlations between factors were analyzed using the Spearman rho, and differences between groups were detected using Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Of 23 hips, 12 satisfied inclusion criteria. The maximum distraction force and peak negative pressure were significantly correlated (R = −0.83; P = .001). Labral height was largely correlated with all suction seal parameters (maximum distraction force, R = 0.69, P = .013; distance to suction seal rupture, R = 0.55, P = .063; peak negative pressure, R = −0.62, P = .031). Labral height less than 6 mm was observed in 5 hips, with a mean height of 6.48 mm (SD, 2.65 mm; range, 2.62-11.90 mm; 95% CI, 4.80-8.17 mm). Compared with the 7 hips with larger labra (>6 mm), the hips with smaller labra had significantly shorter distance to suction seal rupture (median, 2.3 vs 7.2 mm; P = .010) and significantly decreased peak negative pressure (median, −59.3 vs −66.9 kPa; P = .048). Conclusion: Smaller height (<6 mm) of the acetabular labrum was significantly associated with decreased distance to suction seal rupture and decreased peak negative pressure. A new strategy to increase the size of the labrum, such as labral augmentation, could be justified for patients with smaller labra in order to optimize the hip suction seal. Clinical Relevance: The height of the acetabular labrum is correlated with hip suction seal biomechanics. Further studies are required to identify the clinical effects of labral height on hip stability.

Pathophysiology of Hip Disorders in Patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis IVA.

Patients with mucopolysaccharidoses IVA (MPS IVA) have a progressive accumulation of the specific glycosaminoglycans (GAGs): chondroitin-6-sulfate (C6S) and keratan sulfate (KS), leading to the degeneration of the cartilage matrix and its connective tissue perturbing the regular microarchitecture of cartilage and successively distorting bone ossification and growth. Impaired cartilage quality and poor bone mineralization lead to serious hip disorders in MPS IVA patients. Although hip dysplasia is seen widely in musculoskeletal abnormality of this disorder, the pathophysiology of the hip bone and cartilage morphology in these patients remains unclear. Until now, no systemic study of the hip joints in MPS IVA has been reported by using the combined images of plain film radiographs (PFR) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This study aimed to assess the bony and cartilaginous features of hip joints and to explore the potentially related factors of femoral head osteonecrosis (FHN) and hip subluxation/dislocation in patients with MPS IVA. Hip joints in MPS IVA patients were retrospectively reviewed, based on the findings of PFR and MRI data from 2014 to 2019. Demographic information was also collected and analyzed with imaging measurements. A total of 19 patients (eight boys and 11 girls) were recruited, and 38 hip joints in these patients were examined. Eleven patients (57.9%) had FHN. FHN patients were statistically compared with those without FHN. Correlations between cartilaginous femoral head coverage (CFHC) and acetabular index (AI), cartilaginous AI (CAI), or neck-shaft angle (NSA) were investigated in patients with hip subluxation or dislocation. The greater cartilaginous coverage of the hips than their osseous inherency was observed. Significant correlation was observed between CFHC and AI (r =−0.351, p = 0.049) or CAI (r =−0.381, p = 0.032). Severe subluxations or dislocations were more likely to be present in those with more dysplastic bony and cartilaginous hips. In conclusion, our study provides the first systemic description of bony and cartilaginous characteristics in the hip morphology of MPS IVA patients. We have demonstrated that plain radiography alone leads to a misunderstanding of hip morphology and that MRI measurements with PFR are an essential tool to evaluate the ‘true’ characterization of hips for MPS IVA patients.

Neck Muscle Morphology and Function in Primates

The cervical spine lies at intersection between the cranium and postcranium and plays a crucial role in orienting the head relative to the substrate during locomotion. Previous work demonstrates that bony features of the cranial base and cervical spine are related to positional behavior in primates. How soft tissues of the neck vary across primate taxa is relatively unknown yet is critical for understanding function, head carriage, and locomotion in this clade. The objective of this study was to describe the relationship between the extrinsic and intrinsic muscles of the neck and postural and locomotor behaviors in primates. We collected and dissected 26 primate cadavers from 17 different genera representing each major primate clade. We hypothesized that trunk and neck posture, as well as forelimb dominated below‐branch suspensory behaviors and neck rotational capabilities all influence the attachment sites and size of the dorsal neck musculature.Using gross anatomical dissection, we qualitatively described and compared the attachment sites of the dorsal neck, back, and shoulder muscles of taxa that display contrasting behaviors and quantified muscle mass. Using the dissection data combined with contrast enhanced microCT data, we constructed 3D models of the head and neck to visualize the in situ neck muscle attachment sites for Propithecus, Aotus, and Carlito.Gross anatomical dissections demonstrate that among nonhuman apes, hylobatids lack cranial attachments of the trapezius and rhomboideus. Additionally, strepsirrhines display anatomy that is more nonprimate mammal‐like in the distribution of the trapezius, rhomboideus, and semispinalis muscles. Results of phylogenetic regressions indicate that neck muscle masses are best predicted by body size, but also demonstrated significant results for both postural and locomotor behaviors as predictors of overall muscle mass (p &lt; 0.05). This study represents the first comprehensive description of the functional anatomy of the neck muscles across primates. Future work will focus on quantifying biomechanically‐relevant variables such as physiological cross‐sectional area using novel fascicle‐tracking methods and estimating muscle moments to compare across taxa.Support or Funding InformationThis work was funded by the Leakey Foundation, National Science Foundation, American Association of Anatomists, Western University of Health Sciences, and University of Missouri.

An Approach to Robotic Testing of the Wrist Using Three-Dimensional Imaging and a Hybrid Testing Methodology.

Robotic technology is increasingly used for sophisticated in vitro testing designed to understand the subtleties of joint biomechanics. Typically, the joint coordinate systems in these studies are established via palpation and digitization of anatomic landmarks. We are interested in wrist mechanics in which overlying soft tissues and indistinct bony features can introduce considerable variation in landmark localization, leading to descriptions of kinematics and kinetics that may not appropriately align with the bony anatomy. In the wrist, testing is often performed using either load or displacement control with standard material testers. However, these control modes either do not consider all six degrees-of-freedom (DOF) or reflect the nonlinear mechanical properties of the wrist joint. The development of an appropriate protocol to investigate complexities of wrist mechanics would potentially advance our understanding of normal, pathological, and artificial wrist function. In this study, we report a novel methodology for using CT imaging to generate anatomically aligned coordinate systems and a new methodology for robotic testing of wrist. The methodology is demonstrated with the testing of 9 intact cadaver specimens in 24 unique directions of wrist motion to a resultant torque of 2.0 N·m. The mean orientation of the major principal axis of range of motion (ROM) envelope was oriented 12.1 ± 2.7 deg toward ulnar flexion, which was significantly different (p < 0.001) from the anatomical flexion/extension axis. The largest wrist ROM was 98 ± 9.3 deg in the direction of ulnar flexion, 15 deg ulnar from pure flexion, consistent with previous studies [1,2]. Interestingly, the radial and ulnar components of the resultant torque were the most dominant across all directions of wrist motion. The results of this study showed that we can efficiently register anatomical coordinate systems from CT imaging space to robotic test space adaptable to any cadaveric joint experiments and demonstrated a combined load-position strategy for robotic testing of wrist.

The strain distribution in the lumbar anterior longitudinal ligament is affected by the loading condition and bony features: An in vitro full-field analysis.

The role of the ligaments is fundamental in determining the spine biomechanics in physiological and pathological conditions. The anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) is fundamental in constraining motions especially in the sagittal plane. The ALL also confines the intervertebral discs, preventing herniation. The specific contribution of the ALL has indirectly been investigated in the past as a part of whole spine segments where the structural flexibility was measured. The mechanical properties of isolated ALL have been measured as well. The strain distribution in the ALL has never been measured under pseudo-physiological conditions, as part of multi-vertebra spine segments. This would help elucidate the biomechanical function of the ALL. The aim of this study was to investigate in depth the biomechanical function of the ALL in front of the lumbar vertebrae and of the intervertebral disc. Five lumbar cadaveric spine specimens were subjected to different loading scenarios (flexion-extension, lateral bending, axial torsion) using a state-of-the-art spine tester. The full-field strain distribution on the anterior surface was measured using digital image correlation (DIC) adapted and validated for application to spine segments. The measured strain maps were highly inhomogeneous: the ALL was generally more strained in front of the discs than in front of the vertebrae, with some locally higher strains both imputable to ligament fibers and related to local bony defects. The strain distributions were significantly different among the loading configurations, but also between opposite directions of loading (flexion vs. extension, right vs. left lateral bending, clockwise vs. counterclockwise torsion). This study allowed for the first time to assess the biomechanical behaviour of the anterior longitudinal ligament for the different loading of the spine. We were able to identify both the average trends, and the local effects related to osteophytes, a key feature indicative of spine degeneration.

An automatic measurement method of spinal curvature on ultrasound coronal images in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

This study proposed a new automatic measurement method of spinal curvature on ultrasound coronal images in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). After preprocessing of Gaussian enhancement, the symmetric information of the image was extracted using the phase congruency. Then bony features were segmented from the soft tissues and background using the greyscale polarity. The morphological methods of image erosion and top-bottom-hat transformation, and geometric moment were utilized to identify the spinous column profile from the transverse processes. Finally, the spine deformity curve was obtained using robust regression. In-vivo experiments based on AIS patients were performed to evaluate the performance of the developed method. The comparison results revealed there was a significant correlation (y=0.81x, r=0.86) and good agreement between the new automatic method and the manual measurement method. It can be expected that this novel method may help to provide effective and objective deformity assessment method during the ultrasound scanning for AIS patients.

Non-pathological bony features causing snapping scapula syndrome : a study with correlation to gender and side

A patient of snapping scapula usually presents with perceivable, appreciable and agonizing crepitus during the movements of scapula. This study aimed at focusing on bony features which are responsible for snapping scapula and study their incidence, morphology and correlation to gender and side of the scapula. The study was performed on 50 pairs of the human scapula of known sex in the Department of Anatomy at PGIMS Rohtak. The parameters recorded were medial scapular border morphology, presence of Tubercle of Luschka and the presence of Teres major tubercle or process. The most common type of medial scapular border was found to be Convex (73%) followed by Straight and Concave types. Luschka’s tubercle was observed in only 6% of the scapula. Teres Major tubercle was present in 29% of the scapula, whereas Teres Major process was present in only 11% of the scapula and the process was curved in only 2% of the scapula. These findings are very important for orthopaedic point of view in the diagnosis and treatment of snapping scapula syndrome.

Bony and Dental Radiographic Features of Type I and Type III Gaucher Diseased Children

Background: Gaucher disease (GD) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by an autosomal recessive inherited deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase. The aim of this study was to describe jaw bones involvement and dental radiographic features in pediatric Gaucher disease patients (type I and type III). Subjects and Methods: The study population of this case-control study included 42 Gaucher patients (study group) and 84 medically free children (control group). Panoramic radiographic images of both groups were taken and analyzed for the following findings: generalized bone rarefaction, localized rarefaction, enlarged bone marrow spaces, thinning of cortex, pseudo-cystic radiolucent lesions, anodontia, and dental anomalies. Results: Generalized rarefaction showed almost similar percentages in both types of Gaucher disease cases. Localized rarefaction was noted in 30.77% and 18.75%, of Gaucher disease type III and type I respectively. Pseudo-cystic radiolucent lesions, thinning of cortex, anodontia and dental anomalies were more prevalent in type III Gaucher patients. Conclusion: Thinning of cortex, localized rarefaction and generalized rarefaction are the most common jaw bone findings in Gaucher patients.

Enhanced depth imaging and swept-source optical coherence tomography findings in choroidal osteoma: a case report

The aim of this study was to report the findings from enhanced depth imaging (EDI) and swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT) in a choroidal osteoma. A case study of a patient with choroidal osteoma is presented and discussed. A 25-year-old woman presented with an asymptomatic peripapillary mass. Fundus examination revealed a yellow–orange, well-defined geographical lesion. B‑scan ultrasonography, corroborated by fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and OCT findings, pointed to the diagnosis of choroidal osteoma. Calcified areas of the tumor were iso-autofluorescent on FAF and hyporeflective on OCT, revealing the morphological patterns of cancellous bone, including a sponge-like pattern and lines indicating lamellae, Haversian canals, and cement lines. Decalcified patches of the tumor were hypofluorescent on FAF and hyperreflective on OCT and showed overlying retinal damage—most prominently depigmentation and retinal pigment epithelium disruptions. A central area of the tumor revealed unusual characteristics; hyperreflectivity on OCT indicating decalcification but isofluorescence on FAF and sharing the same color as the rest of the retina on fundus photography. The area also differed from the other decalcified areas with its cumulus cloud-like appearance. Compared with EDI-OCT, SS-OCT images showed some increased definition of the bony features of the tumor, especially in its deeper layers, as well as a mild reduction of the shadowing caused by overlying retinal vessels. The morphological features of a choroidal osteoma are demonstrated using EDI- and SS-OCT. Calcified and decalcified areas of the tumor were differentiated, as well as another area showing unexpected characteristics. In our case, SS-OCT imaging revealed very similar features to EDI-OCT.

Modularity and Integration of the Sphenoid Body in Human Cranial Variation: The Confluence of Functional Matrices

In the Functional Matrix Hypothesis (FMH), Moss suggests that the formation and development of soft tissues of the head influences variation in the bony features in the skull. How multiple soft tissues with different developmental origins interact to influence skull variation remains unresolved. In this study, we investigate the covariation of the anterior intracranial space with the anatomical shape and location of the orbits and palate, two regions under local influence by soft‐tissue‐hard‐tissue interfaces. We obtained 12 virtual landmarks from a sample of 30 microCT scans of human crania. Using geometric morphometrics to capture the shape and location, we examined the sphenoid, which interfaces with both the dura mater and the mucosa lining of the sphenoidal paranasal sinus, along with dimensions reflecting the orbits and the palate. Regions were compared through Partial Least Squares analyses and Klingenberg's measures of morphological integration. Given their developmental separation, we predicted the shape and location of the orbits to be independent of variation in the position of the sphenoid, while the sphenoid body and sinus may shift as part of the anterior cranial fossa due to its developmental relationship with brain growth. We also expected the position and shape of the palate to be independent of the spatial position of the sphenoid, though not independent of the orbits given developmental processes mediated through the midface. Results show that most of cranial variance occurs in the anteroposterior length and superoinferior depth for the cranium as a whole. This is reflected by the entire sphenoid body shortening and rotating superoposteriorly along with increases in the cranial base angle (CBA). This morphological variance provides covarying changes in the orbits and palate, which lengthen with increased anteroposterior space for the face. When CBA does not vary, most of the variation is in anterosuperior expansion of the lesser sphenoid wing, and an inferior expansion of the sphenoid body which we hypothesize to be driven by sinus variation. Shifts in the position of the sphenoid results in changes in the anteroposterior length of the anterior cranial fossa, but no anteroposterior changes in the rest of the face. These results indicate that the sphenoid body is significantly modular (p=0.045, RV=0.37) from the facial skeleton, but also has significant covariation (p=0.0034) with the same features that we hypothesize to be driven by interaction between the dura mater and the endocranial fossae making up the basicranium and posterior face. These results preliminarily indicate that variation of the dimensions of the sphenoid body are largely driven through interactions with brain development.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Cortical Bone Thickness and Morphological Variation in the Greater Sciatic Notch of the Human Pelvis

This study analyzes the relationship between cortical bone thickness and shape in the greater sciatic notch (GSN). This bony feature is sexually dimorphic in humans, with males typically exhibiting narrow GSNs and shorter posterior aspects, or cords. In contrast, females typically exhibit wide notches with expanded posterior aspects and more even anterior and posterior cords. The expanded posterior aspect in females appears to contribute to spacious birth canals and is often attributed to obstetric selection. Nevertheless, the proximate mechanisms that produce pelvic sexual dimorphism are unclear.Here I assess GSN variation in 48 females and 50 males aged 0–20 years using decedent computed tomography (CT) data from the Center for Forensic Imaging at the University of New Mexico. I measured cortical bone thickness at the GSN edge and at the pelvic and gluteal aspects adjacent to the notch in Amira software on CT slice planes axial to the posterior and anterior cords. Paired t‐tests assessed cortical thickness differences between the anterior and posterior cords in the three regions. Relative cortical thicknesses were calculated in each of the three regions as the ratio of cortical thickness of the posterior GSN cord to that of the anterior cord. Two‐block partial least‐squares (2B‐PLS) analysis assessed the relationship between relative cortical thicknesses and GSN shape as measured by Procrustes‐aligned 3D landmark coordinates.I also tested for the effects of age on GSN shape and relative cortical bone thickness. For example, results from the 12–14 year and 15–20 year age cohorts indicate that the difference in cortical bone thickness between the posterior and anterior GSN cords at the gluteal aspect is significant (p&lt;0.01), with the posterior cord typically showing greater cortical thickness in this region. Results from the 2B‐PLS analyses suggest moderate but not significant covariation between GSN shape and relative cortical thickness. Among 12–14 year‐olds, deeper GSNs trend with a greater amount of cortical bone in the posterior cord relative to the anterior cord. Among 15–20 year‐olds, greater relative cortical bone in the posterior cord at the GSN edge and gluteal aspect tends to be associated with a lack of a piriform tubercle and a posteriorly displaced notch apex, such that the posterior GSN cord appears shorter. Less relative cortical thickness in the posterior cord tends to be associated with a prominent piriform tubercle and anterior expansion of the superior portion of the anterior cord, such that the notch appears relatively wider. Variables do not clearly associate by sex.Greater cortical thickness in the posterior GSN cord's gluteal aspect relative to that in the anterior cord suggests that the former can better withstand compressive strains related to bipedal posture. Despite insignificant covariation, moderate relationships between relative cortical bone thickness and GSN shape, particularly in terms of notch expansion patterns, suggests that biomechanical mechanisms contribute to GSN morphological variation.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

What is the prevalence and relationship of bony morphology and features associated with early HIP osteoarthritis in sub-elite footballers with and without hip and groin pain?

What is the prevalence and relationship of bony morphology and features associated with early HIP osteoarthritis in sub-elite footballers with and without hip and groin pain?

Hallux valgus assessment on X-ray and Magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI): Correlation with qualitative soft tissue and internal derangement findings on MRI

AimRadiographs (X-rays) are used for the preoperative assessment of hallux valgus (HV). Our purpose was to determine how well quantitative measurements of HV on radiographs and MRI correlate with the qualitative soft tissue and internal derangement findings on MRI. Materials and methodsAfter IRB approval, 56 consecutive patients with MRI and radiographs of the foot were retrospectively reviewed. Two trained readers independently evaluated radiographs, measuring hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA). Two separate readers assessed qualitative MRI data by evaluating 21 different soft tissue and bony features. Statistical analysis included inter-reader reliability (IRR) and correlation of quantitative and qualitative findings. ResultsExcellent IRR (ICC = 0.89–0.96) was observed for radiograph and MRI measurements of the hallux valgus severity. For qualitative assessments on MRI, IRR was good to excellent for all features (ICC = 0.63–0.9). No significant difference was found for HVA or IMA between normal and abnormal qualitative MRI features. No statistically significant correlation between the severity of hallux valgus and injury to hallux joints and supporting structures was found. ConclusionHallux valgus measurements are reliable on x-rays and MRI and qualitative findings of 1st MTP joint show good to excellent inter-reader agreement on MRI. No statistically significant correlations exist between the severity of hallux valgus and qualitative MRI findings.

Osteology of Batrachuperus yenyuanensis (Urodela, Hynobiidae), a high-altitude mountain stream salamander from western China.

Batrachuperus yenyuanensis, commonly known as Yenyuan Stream Salamander, is a hynobiid species inhabiting high-altitude (2440–4025 m above sea level) mountain stream and pond environments along the eastern fringe of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in western Sichuan Province, China. Although the species has been known for almost 70 years since its initial discovery in 1950, a thorough osteological description has never been provided. Our study provides a detailed account of the bony anatomy of this species, based on micro computed tomography scanning of multiple specimens collected from the type locality Shuangertang at Bailinshan, Yanyuan County, and several other localities in Sichuan Province. Our revised species diagnosis utilizes both bony and soft anatomical features. Comparative study of the specimens from the type locality in Yanyuan area with those from the nearby Xichang and Mianning areas confirms that they all pertain to Batrachuperus yenyuanensis, thereby removing doubt on the occurrence of the species in the latter areas. With this confirmation, the distribution of the species is extended from the type locality northwards some 180 km to the Mianning area, on both the west and east sides of the Yalong River, which is a major tributary of the upper Yangtze River. This distribution pattern indicates that the biogeographic origin and historical evolution of the species are closely associated with the orogeny of the Hengduan Mountains and formation of the Yalong River. Given the basalmost position of Batrachuperus yenyuanensis in relation to other congeneric species based on molecular studies, however, early expansion of the species distribution by dispersal is expected following the origin of the genus in early–middle Miocene in western Sichuan Province. Thus, the species may well have achieved its current distribution in western Sichuan before the drastic uplift of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in Pliocene.