Bony Specimens Research Articles

Ossification of Superior Transverse Scapular Ligament - Incidence, Embryology and Association with Suprascapular Neuropathy.

Suprascapular notch is present at superior border of scapula just medial to coracoid process. This is covered by superior transverse scapular ligament (STSL). Suprascapular nerve passes below this ligament while suprascapular vessels pass above it. STSL ossification is a rare finding with variable incidences in different population groups. We observed 60 dry bony scapulae, 30 prosected formalin fixed upper limbs with scapula and 10 embalmed cadavers for the presence of ossified STSL. There were complete ossification of STSL in two dried bony specimens of sacpula. Ossified STSL may be the causative factor for suprascapular neuropathy. The mainstay of management in cases of neuropathy or compression of suprascapular nerve is release of suprascapular ligament by either open or arthroscopic surgical approach. So, it is extremely important to know this type of variation to minimize any damage to related structure and plan the management accordingly.

Radiological and Morphometric Study of the Emissary Foramens and Canal in the Posterior Cranial Fossa of the Human Skull with Its Neurosurgical Significance.

Objective The posterior condylar canals (PCCs), posterior condylar veins (PCVs), occipital foramen (OF), and occipital emissary vein (OEV) are potential anatomical landmarks for surgical approaches through the lateral foramen magnum. We performed the study to make morphometric and radiological analyses of the various emissary foramens and vein in the posterior cranial fossa. Methods Morphometric study were performed on 95 dry occipital bones and radiological analyses on computed tomography (CT) angiography images of 150 patients. The number of OFs on both sides was recorded and PCC length and mean diameters of the internal and external orifices of PCC were measured for bony specimens. Prevalence of PCV and PCV size was investigated using CT angiography. Results Mean PCC length was higher in the left side (9.85 ± 2.5). Mean diameter of the internal orifice and the external orifice diameter were almost the same. The majority of PCCs (75-79.33%) had 2 to 5 mm diameter; only 4 to 9.2% were small in size (< 2 mm). In CT angiography, PCV was not identified in 23 (15.33%) patients. PCVs were located bilaterally in 105 (70%) and unilaterally in 22 (20.5%) patients. Only 11.3% of PCVs were large in size (> 5 mm), 80% of PCVs were medium sized (2-5 mm), and 8.6% were small sized (< 2 mm). Conclusion Normal values of OF, PCC, PCV, and OEV could serve as a future reference for the understanding of the physiology of craniocervical venous drainage, which is necessary to avoid surgical complications and can also serve as a guide to surgical interventions for pathologies of the posterior cranial fossa, such as tumors and injuries.

Comparison of Three 3D Segmentation Software Tools for Hip Surgical Planning.

In hip arthroplasty, preoperative planning is fundamental to reaching a successful surgery. Nowadays, several software tools for computed tomography (CT) image processing are available. However, research studies comparing segmentation tools for hip surgery planning for patients affected by osteoarthritic diseases or osteoporotic fractures are still lacking. The present work compares three different software from the geometric, dimensional, and usability perspectives to identify the best three-dimensional (3D) modelling tool for the reconstruction of pathological femoral heads. Syngo.via Frontier (by Siemens Healthcare) is a medical image reading and post-processing software that allows low-skilled operators to produce prototypes. Materialise (by Mimics) is a commercial medical modelling software. 3D Slicer (by slicer.org) is an open-source development platform used in medical and biomedical fields. The 3D models reconstructed starting from the in vivo CT images of the pathological femoral head are compared with the geometries obtained from the laser scan of the in vitro bony specimens. The results show that Mimics and 3D Slicer are better for dimensional and geometric accuracy in the 3D reconstruction, while syngo.via Frontier is the easiest to use in the hospital setting.

Discovery of a trans-sellar vascular supply for the pituitary gland.

The vasculature of the pituitary gland is discussed briefly and the details of an anatomical discovery of the vessels supplying the pituitary gland provided. Twenty latex injected cadaveric heads were dissected. Any vessels that were found to penetrate the sella turcica and travel to the pituitary gland were documented and measured. Additionally, 25 adult skulls were evaluated for the presence, size, and sites of bony foramina in the floor of sella turcica. Trans-sellar vessels were identified in 65% of specimens. There was a mean of 1.5 vessels per specimen consisting usually of a mixture of veins and arteries. The mean diameter of these vessels was 0.3 mm and the mean length from the sella turcica to the pituitary gland was 2.3 mm. These vessels were concentrated in the most concave part of the sella turcica. In bony specimens, the mean number of trans-sellar foramina was four. The diameter of these foramina ranged from 0.3 to 0.6 mm in size. The trans-sellar foramina were concentrated near the center part of the sella turcica and had no regular pattern. The pituitary gland receives at least some blood supply and drainage via vessels traveling along the septum of the sphenoidal sinuses and through the sella turcica. Knowledge of such vessels might lead to a better understanding of the vascular supply and drainage of the pituitary gland and would be useful during skull base approaches such as trans-nasal approaches to the pituitary gland.

A Quality Analysis of Bony Specimens for Optimal Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA) Decalcification.

Introduction: Weak acids, such as etheylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), chelate calcium ions from the surface of tissues, decalcifying slowly but preserving molecular structures for ancillary testing. There is a need for optimization of EDTA protocols for specimen decalcification. We studied the effects of EDTA on different types of bony specimens for quality assurance. Methods: Specimens included: proximal femur curettage (0.7 g), fibula shave (1 mm thick, 0.5 g), tibia shave (2 mm thick, 0.9 g), and femur 11-gauge core biopsies. Curettage and shave specimens were placed in formalin then EDTA (Newcomersupply, Middleton, WI, USA) with continuous stirring. Specimens were removed at 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours. Core biopsies were processed in EDTA with heat at 4, 8, 12, and 16 hours. X-ray imaging (Kubtec Xpert 40, Stratford, CT, USA) was obtained. Histological processing was attempted and H&E slides compared to radiologic imaging. Results: Fibula and tibia sections showed appropriate radiolucency at 120 hours and 7 days, respectively. Curettage specimens showed radiolucency of medullary bone at 48 hours. Curettage and fibula sections showed quality histology at 96 hours and 120 hours, respectively. Quality tibia sections were obtained at 7 days, requiring one hour of additional block surface decalcification with 1% HCL solution. Medullary and cortical core biopsies showed quality histology at 12 and 16 hours with heat, respectively. Conclusion: Imaging can determine appropriate decalcification of bony specimens. Medullary bone undergoes more rapid decalcification in EDTA than cortical bone. EDTA decalcification is best used for curettage and core biopsy specimens.

When does the spheno-occipital synchondrosis close?

In forensic work, the spheno-occipital synchondrosis helps identify the deceased as a child or young adult. In the past, it was generally held that the synchondrosis closed between the late teens and 25 years, but recent studies have suggested closure in adolescence. There are also suggestions that the age at closure recorded might be influenced by ancestry and the technique used to study the joint. This comprehensive review of the literature of the past 60 years concludes that the age of closure of the spheno-occipital synchondrosis is very variable, from childhood to the mid-twenties, with no obvious association with the geographical location of the study population. We note that some studies on bony specimens indicated later closure than others using clinical images and draw attention to a possible misinterpretation of the so-called "fusion scar" which might explain this incongruity. Despite an increasing acceptance that the synchondrosis usually closes in adolescence, we are concerned that insufficient heed is being paid to reports of closure in childhood and in the early to mid-twenties. We conclude that, for forensic purposes, it is unwise to declare that the synchondrosis closes in adolescence. It would be safer to state that a closed synchondrosis indicates a person 6 years or over and that an open synchondrosis may be seen up to the mid-twenties. Clearly, for younger individuals, the dentition and, for all individuals in this age range, documentation of unfused postcranial epiphyses would be important in attempting to narrow this very broad estimation of age.

Comparison of Conventional and Microwave Bone Decalcification Methods by Using 10% Nitric Acid: A Research Protocol

Background: In bony specimens, elimination of calcium is obtained by a method known as “Decalcification”. It is completed through the means of chemical agents such as acids, chelators etc that combine with ions of calcium. Decalcifying agent is used in regular conventional method where the hard tissue is placed at a room temperature (20-25°C) with modifications of the solution at orderly intervals until the final cutoff point is obtained. Usage of microwave oven for the process of decalcification is a new and fast method in contrast to the routine conventional method of decalcification. In this study, an attempt has been made to regulate and compare the conventional procedure of decalcification with decalcification done by microwave oven of hard tissue specimens by using nitric acid of 10% concentration with regards to decalcification speed, conservation of tissue architecture as well as productiveness of staining.&#x0D; Objectives: The study will made a comparison of Conventional and Microwave Bone Decalcification Methods by using 10% Nitric Acid.&#x0D; Methodology: This prospective analytical study, will include decalcification of 30 hard tissue specimens by microwave method and conventional method. The results will be compared in terms of decalcification speed, conservation of tissue architecture and staining productiveness. Necessary tests will be applied to analyze the data.&#x0D; Expected Results: Significant advantages of microwave method are expected over conventional method of decalcification.&#x0D; Conclusion: The conclusion will be drawn based on careful analysis of the results.

Orthodontic force regulates metalloproteinase-3 promoter in osteoblasts and transgenic mouse models

Background/purposePreviously we demonstrated up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) in human osteoblasts under compression and in bony specimens of experimental orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). Here, we studied the temporal characteristics of compression stimulation in human and mouse osteoblast cell lines, and generated a transgenic mouse model for assessing the MMP-3 expression during OTM. Materials and methodsWe investigated MMP-3 expressions in human and murine osteoblasts through RT-PCR and luciferase assay, after compressive force loading. Inhibitors were added to identify the possible mechanisms for signal transduction. A human MMP-3 promoter was isolated, cloned and transfected to generate a transgenic mouse with a green fluorescent protein reporter. OTM was then initiated to observe the location and time course of transcriptional regulation of MMP-3 signals. ResultsWe found changes in the transcription of MMP-3 in response to mechanical force applied to both human and mouse osteoblast cell lines, suggesting that the response is positive across species. Cloned human MMP-3 promoter may cause the response of luciferase to 1% compression. Moreover, p38 inhibitor exerted a down-regulatory effect on MMP-3 promoter expression, although the inhibitory effect didn't reach a significant level. In the transgenic mouse OTM model, we again found increased expression of MMP-3 in response to mechanical force loading around the periodontal ligament. ConclusionMechanical force can stimulate MMP-3 expression, possibly through the p38 MAPK pathway, with its strongest signal occurring at 24 h. The mechanical responsiveness in MMP-3 promoter regions can be observed in both humans and rodents in vitro and in vivo.

A Study of Sciatic Notch Index in Adult Human Pelves to Establish their Sexual Dimorphism

Objective: To find out the relation between sciatic notch index of adult human male and female from specimens present in the museum and inventory. Methodology: All bony specimens for study were taken from the museum of Forensic Medicine Department and Anatomy Department of Medical College, Kolkata and also from the inventory of Kolkata Police Morgue, based on the exclusion and inclusion criteria. They are arranged systematically by putting a unique number code against each specimen and measurements are taken of dimensions of sciatic notch using the standard measuring tools and following standard anthropometric methods. Results: Z test is done. n= 104, F=56 and M=48. For males and for females the mean Depth of sciatic notch is found to be 3.81 and 2.98 respectively.(Table 2) The mean Width of the same in males and females are found to be 3.48 and 4.23 respectively. SN Index of males and females are found to be 103.93 and 146.02 respectively.(Table 3) Conclusion: The differences are found to be statistically significant from the specimens taken for study. As such sciatic notch index in adults may be considered to be a dependable anthropometric entity for sexing of human pelvis, particularly in mutilated and fragmented skeletal parts.

Impact of mucosal biofilm and bony osteitis on chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

BackgroundChronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common inflammatory disorder whose underlying etiopathogenesis has not yet been completely understood and appears to be multifactorial. Microbial biofilms and bony osteitis are gaining an increased concern as they are considered to be among the possible factors that contribute to the overall local inflammatory load in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). This study investigated the impact of mucosal biofilm and bony osteitis on the pathophysiology and severity of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).ResultsForty-five CRSwNP patients performing functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and 10 control patients were involved in this cross-sectional study. Mucosal and bony specimens from ethmoid sinus were obtained for both light and scanning electron (SEM) microscopic examination. The histopathologic bony grade was positive in 40/45 of CRSwNP patients versus 6/10 of the control patients (P = 0.300); histopathologic mucosal grade was 44/45 versus 4/10 (P < 0.001), and tissue eosinophilia was 45/45 versus 6/10 (P < 0.001); biofilm was positive in 37/45 versus 4/10 (P = 0.012). The mean of the sinonasal outcome treatment score (SNOT)-22 is 39.8 versus 50.5 (P = 0.067); Lund-Mackay score (LMS) is 19.6 versus 3.1 (P < 0.0001).Conclusion(1) Mucosal biofilms and osteitis were detected in patients undergoing FESS for CRSwNP and also in controls without CRS. This suggests that mucosal biofilms and osteitis may not alone be the etiology of CRS without other cofactors. The pathogenesis of biofilms could be related to host factors. (2) The high odds ratio and wide confidence interval in our study suggest that there is a statistically significant association between biofilm formation and CRSwNP. (3) The high grade of mucosal inflammation and tissue eosinophilia suggests the inflammatory load added by osteitis and bacterial biofilm (BBF).

Minimal Invasive Piezoelectric Osteotomy in Neurosurgery: Technic, Applications, and Clinical Outcomes of a Retrospective Case Series.

Objective: To report the physical and technical principles, clinical applications, and outcomes of the minimal invasive piezoelectric osteotomy in a consecutive veterinary neurosurgical series. Methods: A series of 292 dogs and 32 cats underwent an osteotomy because a neurosurgical pathology performed with a Mectron Piezosurgery® bone scalpel (Mectron Medical Technology, Genoa, Italy) was retrospectively reviewed. Efficacy, precision, safety, and blood loss were evaluated intraoperatively by two different surgeons, on a case-by-case basis. Postoperative Rx and CT scans were used to assess the selectivity and precision of the osteotomy. A histological study on bony specimens at the osteotomized surface was carried out to evaluate the effects of piezoelectric cutting on the osteocytes and osteoblasts. All the patients underwent a six-months follow-up. A series of illustrative cases was reported. Results: All the osteotomies were clear-cut and precise. A complete sparing of soft and nervous tissues and vasculature was observed. The operative field was blood- and heat-free in all cases. A range of inserts, largely different in shape and length, were allowed to treat deep and difficult-to-reach sites. Two mechanical complications occurred. Average blood loss in dogs’ group was 52, 47, and 56 mL for traumatic, degenerative, and neoplastic lesions, respectively, whereas it was 25 mL for traumatized cats. A fast recovery of functions was observed in most of the treated cases, early on, at the first sixth-month evaluation. Histology on bone flaps showed the presence of live osteocytes and osteoblasts at the osteotomized surface in 92% of cases. Conclusions: Piezosurgery is based on the physical principle of the indirect piezo effect. Piezoelectric osteotomy is selective, effective, and safe in bone cutting during neurosurgical veterinary procedures. It can be considered a minimal invasive technique, as it is able to spare the neighboring soft tissues and neurovascular structures.

Novel unilateral C1 double screw and ipsilateral C2 pedicle screw placement combined with contralateral laminar screw-rod fixation for atlantoaxial instability.

To investigate the anatomical and biomechanical feasibility of the unilateral C1 double screw [pedicle screw (PS) + lateral mass screw (LMS)] and ipsilateral C2 PS combined with contralateral C2 laminar screw (LS)-rod fixation for atlantoaxial instability by comparison with traditional posterior fixation methods. Fifteen sets of complete dry bony specimens of atlas were used for morphometric analysis. The working length, width and thickness of the C1 PSs and LMSs were manually measured. Ten fresh-frozen cervical spines (C0-C7) were used to complete the range of motion (ROM) testing in their intact condition, under destabilization and after stabilization by the following procedures: unilateral C1-C2 PS rod fixation (Group A), bilateral C1-C2 PS rod fixation (Group B), and unilateral C1 double screw and ipsilateral C2 PS combined with contralateral C2 LS rod fixation (Group C). The working thickness of the C1 PS was ≤ 3.5mm in only one (1/15 = 6.7%) specimen. The other parameters were > 3.5mm in all specimens. In the ROM test, all fixation groups showed significantly reduced flexibility in all directions compared with both the intact and destabilization groups. Further, Groups B and C showed better stability in all directions than Group A. However, no significant differences were observed between Groups B and C. The C1 unilateral lateral mass could mostly contain two screws(PS + LMS) with diameters ≤ 3.5mm. The novel technique of unilateral C1 double screw and ipsilateral C2 PS combined with contralateral C2 LS rod fixation provided better stability than unilateral PS rod fixation and similar as bilateral PS rod fixation. Therefore, it is a feasible salvage method that provides a new insight into atlantoaxial instability. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

БИОЛОГИЧЕСКОЕ РАЗНООБРАЗИЕ НА БЕНИНСКОМ КОНТИНЕНТАЛЬНОМ ШЕЛЬФЕ ВО ВРЕМЯ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ ОЦЕНКИ ЗАПАСОВ ДЕМЕРСАЛЬНЫХ РЫБ

The global objectives of this study are to assess biodiversity composition in the tested trawling areas during the survey period. This study cannot take in account all species that can occur in the fishing areas because of the shortness of the work. To have a most complete list of species it will be better to carry out the survey covering four hydrologic periods (2 hot and 2 cold hydrologic periods) to have a chance to meet most of the species. However, the work was done during the most important period for the study. This study was conducted in terms of the demersal fish stock assessment survey initiated by the West African Economic and Monetary Union in the continental shelves of states members and neighboring countries (Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo and Benin) for the south part of Africa in order to determine fish population and abundance. In the waters of Benin, there have been listed 100 fish species including 76 demersal species (69 bony and 7 cartilaginous fish) and 13 pelagic species consisting entirely of bony specimens. Species richness, according to the reports of trawling stations, varies between 28 and 7 species. Fish abundance is the largest at the depth of 25-50 m. According to the data of station 10, species number makes 7.76% of the total, followed by station 19 with 26 taxa at the depth of 50-100 m. The lowest taxon number is registered in station 4 at a depth of 10-25 m with 4 taxa representing 1.94% of all targeted. The Simpson's index is close to 0, varying between 0 and 0.049, it shows a great diversity especially in the first stratum of 10 to 25 m. This study allows to evaluate species diversity in different fishing areas and consequences of the significant increase of fishing pressure on the stand and not only to focus on a few populations of species of commercial interest.

The Immunodetection of Non-Falciparum Malaria in Ancient Egyptian Bones (Giza Necropolis).

The detection of falciparum malaria in ancient Egyptian remains had been performed by many authors using several methodologies including the use of rapid diagnostic tests. Through the immunochromatographic analysis of bony specimens from Giza skeletal collection dated to Old Kingdom, we provide first evidence of non-falciparum malaria in Ancient Egypt. The histidine-rich protein-2 (HRP2) specific to Plasmodium falciparum was absent in 100% of examined samples, while aldolase, common to the four types of plasmodial pathogens causing human malaria, was detected in 56% of individuals with no significant difference between the two tested social groups: high officials (HO) and workers (W). It is suggested that the main risk factor was the presence of residences near natural and artificial waterways, which allowed prolonged contact between the vector and human host.

MTE 02.02 Appropriate and Optimized Handling of Biopsy or Cytology Specimens

MTE 02.02 Appropriate and Optimized Handling of Biopsy or Cytology Specimens

Comparative Histomorphometric Evaluation of Healthy and Ankylosed Mandibular Condylar Process.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is one of the most disruptive maladies afflicting the masticatory system. The characteristic feature is the formation of bony mass bridging condyle with glenoid fossa. The exact pathogenesis is, however, not completely understood. To investigate and compare histomorphometric features of ankylosed condylar specimen with normal condylar process. Group I included 17 post-traumatic unilateral TMJ ankylosis patients managed by excision of ankylosed mass and interpositional arthroplasty. Group II included 13 condylar head fracture patients managed by surgical debridement. The bony specimens of both the groups were subjected to histomorphometric examination for assessment of percentage of bone in trabeculae area (%BONE), osteocyte cell density (OSTCD), the presence of inflammation and fibrosis. The mean %BONE, OSTCD, %inflammation, %fibrosis was 60.4%, 340.9mm2, 52.9 and 58.8% in group I and 29.6%, 202.6mm2, 31 and 0% in group II. %BONE, OSTCD and fibrosis in cases of TMJ ankylosis were significantly higher than the controls while no significant difference was observed in the presence of inflammation. The persistence of joint inflammation following condylar head fracture causes aggressive reparative process leading to ankylosis.

Correlation between the femoral trochlear line -- epicondylar line angle and intercondylar notch width index in an Iranian population

Objectives: Distal femur anthropometric indices are the main parameters for the design of knee implants. However, there are several variations concerning the anatomy and congruence of the distal femur in different populations. The purpose of this study was to identify anthropometric data on the distal femur and investigate the correlation between the trochlear line – epicondylar line angle and intercondylar notch width index in an Iranian population. Methods: Distal femur measurements were performed in 158 knees on bony specimens and 187 MRIs from an Iranian population. Intercondylar width, intercondylar notch width, and trochlear line – epicondylar line angle were measured and intercondylar notch width index was calculated. Results: In bony specimens, the trochlear line – epicondylar line angle was measured as 7.38° and intercondylar notch width as 19.36 mm. In MRI images, the trochlear line – epicondylar line angle was measured as 6.07° and notch width index as 0.276 mm. Linear regression analysis showed a significant relationship between the trochlear line – epicondylar line angle and notch width index (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study provide fundamental data for the design of knee prostheses suitable for the Iranian population.

Safe zones of pin insertion in thoracic spine: a ‘cadaveric study’

Purpose This experimental study was conducted to identify the safe zones and angles of half pin insertion in thoracic vertebrae.Materials and methods Simple tools were used, power drill, 4, 5, and 6 mm half pins, goniometer, and portable radiographic apparatus. There were two bony specimens comprising complete lumbar thoracic and cervical spine with ribs and sternum attached, and three cadaveric specimens preserved in formalin, comprising the thorax and abdomen with the back muscle dissected to show the thoracic pedicle. The methodology comprised insertion of the Schanz screw in the thoracic pedicle from T1 to T12 using the free-hand technique in bony skeleton, and then this was repeated on the cadaveric specimens to evaluate the correct angle of insertion, checking the site of half pin insertion using radiography for the cadaveric specimen.Results The suggested safe angulation of half pins was 20°–30° at T1, 15°–25° at T2, 10°–15° at T3, 10°–15° at T4, and from T5 to T9 the safe angle was from 5° to 15°. In T11 and T12, the safe angle was between 0° and 5°. The safe angle of half pin insertion in the pedicle of the thoracic spine in the sagittal plane in all vertebrae from T1 to T12 was between 10° and 15°.Conclusion It was concluded that the application of the external fixator in the thoracic spine is safe, provided there is a better understanding of the anatomical properties of the thoracic spine.

New Landmark for Localizing the Site of the Subdental Synchondrosis Remnant: Application to Discerning Pathology from Normal on Imaging

We hypothesized that the entry site of the basivertebral vein into the basivertebral foramen of C2 might localize the subdental synchondrosis between the odontoid process and body of C2, which may be helpful for odontoid fracture classification. Twenty-five dry adult C2 specimens underwent thin-cut computed tomography and were sectioned sagittally. The basivertebral foramen was then correlated to internal bony anatomy. Fifty magnetic resonance images were reviewed, and the location of the subdental synchondrosis was determined. A basivertebral foramen was identified on the posterior surface of all dry C2 specimens. The openings were found at a distance of 30%-44% on an inferosuperior point along the vertical height of C2. For bony specimens with a subdental synchondrosis remnant (75%), entry of acupuncture needles into the basivertebral foramen was always directly at the level of the synchondrosis remnant. For magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a subdental synchondrosis or its remnants were seen on all studies. The distance from the base of C2 to the subdental synchondrosis ranged from 9-13 mm. This equated to an inferosuperior point 32%-43% along the vertical height of C2. A strong correlation existed when comparing the location of the basivertebral foramen of bony specimens and the subdental synchondrosis location on MRI. The basivertebral foramen is a consistently present anatomic reference point for the subdental synchondrosis even if the latter cannot be seen on conventional radiographic imaging. Our MRI data might also be useful in helping differentiate lesions affecting C2 from normal subdental cartilaginous remnants that can be encountered on imaging.

Rapid decalcification technique using tissue floatation bath (TFB) in a tertiary care oncology centre

Background: Decalcification of bone is a very important procedure in pathology especially in an oncology set up for proper staging, chemotherapy response or even in diagnosis of tumors. Objectives- To evaluate the use of tissue floatation bath (TFB) for rapid decalcification of mandibulectomy specimens in an oncology setup. Materials and Methods: Bony specimens received at pathology department were sliced using bone saw and then placed in 10% formalin at 45 0 C for 4 hours. These sections were then kept overnight in 10% nitric acid at 45 0 C in TFB for decalcification. Decalcification was checked manually next day morning and if decalcification is complete, and then the tissue transferred to tissue processor for routine tissue processing. Results: Decalcification in tissue floatation bath takes approximately 18-20 hours with better cytomorphological details as compared to routine decalcification process which takes around 7-8 days for complete decalcification. Conclusion: Tissue floatation bath is a common instrument available in all laboratories performing histopathological examination. Staining quality is comparable and time required for decalcification is improved as compared to routine decalcification technique. It can be used as an alternative to the more expensive microwave technique which requires additional instrument and space. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study using tissue floatation bath for rapid decalcification process. Keywords: Routine decalcification, Rapid Decalcification, Tissue floatation bath, Bone, Mandibulectomy