Dry Bone Research Articles

XRF identification of sharp-force trauma in fresh and dry human bone under varied experimental heat conditions

Heat-induced fractures can be hard to distinguish from sharp force traumas. This challenge can negatively impact medico-legal analysis. The present study aimed to experimentally assess if X-ray fluorescence (XRF) can be used to detect chemical traces transferred from the blade of a sharp instrument onto both fresh and dry human bones. This was performed by inducing sharp force traumas with five different instruments on 20 fresh and 20 dry human clavicles. All bone samples were probed before and after experimental burning (at 500 °C, 700 °C, 900 °C and 1100 °C). Our results show that XRF is potentially useful for detecting iron traces in fresh human bone, both unburned and burned. However, we were not able to clearly detect iron traces from the blades in bones that have been previously inhumed, since exogenous iron acquired during diagenesis masks the iron traces originating from the blade.

Parameters That Can Be Used to Quantify Reduction Accuracy in Talar Neck Fractures and Malunions: A PRISMA-Compliant Scoping Review and Meta-Analysis.

Understanding the three-dimensional anatomy of the talar neck is essential in assessing the accuracy of reduction in talar neck fractures as well as for planning surgical correction for talar malunions. However, the geometrical parameters that describe this anatomy are sparsely reported in the orthopedics literature. We aimed to identify from the existing literature, geometrical parameters that describe the anatomy of the talar neck, determine how these are measured, and their normative values. A scoping literature review was conducted in accordance with thePreferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. The primary searches were conducted on the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases. Any original research study looking at the human talus neck geometry was included. Parameters that described the anatomy of the talar neck were identified, andpooled estimates were determined by the random-effects meta-analysis model. Heterogeneity was assessed by the I2 test and leave-one-out meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis was done to compare the values of parameters between the Asian and Non-Asian populations. The risk of bias was assessed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Case Series Tool. The combined searches yielded 6326 results, of which 21 studies were included in the review and 15 in six different sets of metanalysis. The majority of the studies (n=19, 90.5%) evaluated adult tali, and only two (9.5%) evaluated pediatric tali.In most of the studies (n=13, 61.9%), talus neck geometry was evaluated on dry bones or anatomical specimens; evaluation by imaging techniques (radiographs, CT, MRI, and radiostereometric analysis) was used in eight studies, (39.1%). A total of eight different geometrical parameters (neck length, height, width, declination angle, inclination angle, torsion angle, circumference, and cross-sectional area) were identified. Except for talar torsion, variability was noted in methods of measurement of all other parameters. Subgroup analysis revealed that Asians had a higher neck height as compared to non-Asians; other parameters were not significantly different. Although the literature reports geometrical parameters to assess the talar geometry, the methods of measurement of these parameters are variable. Most of the available literature describes measurement techniques on cadaveric tali, and there is no literature on how these parameters should be measured on conventional CT or MRI slices. Further research needs to focus on the standardization of measurement techniques for these parameters on conventional CT and/or MRI scans.

In vitro Preparation of Dry Bones from Remnants of Dissected Cadavers: An Effective Low-cost Method of Recycling Remnants of Human Cadavers

Background: Human bones are an essential part of medical education. Objectives: This study outlines a new method developed by the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, for processing human bones from cadaver waste. Subjects and Methods: The bones were disarticulated, cleaned of soft tissues, and boiled with potassium hydroxide. Afterward, they were deposited in an aerating system with a water pump, covered with a soil mixture, and were aerated to provide fresh air, and the humidity of the soil was monitored. After 4 months of soil treatment, the bones were exhumed, boiled, air-dried, and varnished. Results: This method produced good-quality bones within a shorter time using less resources. It helped generate more bones and halve the cadaver waste cost. Conclusion: The technique can easily be adopted to produce human bones, even within a small space, in less time and with less labor force.

Age Estimation Based on Computed Tomography Analysis of the Scapula.

Background and Objectives: Age estimation from skeletal remains and in living individuals is an important issue for human identification, and also plays a critical role in judicial proceedings for migrants. Forensic analysis of ossification centers is the main evaluation method for age estimation, and ossification degree can be determined using computed tomography analysis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the applicability of CT (computed tomography) in the analysis of left scapula ossification centers, for forensic age estimation in Turkish society. Materials and Methods: We analyzed six ossification centers of the left scapula and these ossification centers are the coracoid, subcoracoid, coracoid apex, acromial, glenoid, and inferior angle ossification centers. A pediatric radiologist analyzed these six ossification centers of the scapula by using a staging method defined by Schmeling et al. in 2004. Two months after the first assessment, 20 randomly selected cases was reanalyzed by the first observer and by another pediatric radiologist. Correlation between the age and ossification stage was assessed using Spearman's nonparametric correlation test. Linear regression analysis was performed using a backwards model. Cohen's kappa coefficient was used for evaluating interobserver and intraobserver variability. Results: In this retrospective study, 397 (248 male and 149 female) cases were evaluated. Ages ranged between 7.1 and 30.9. The mean age was 19.83 ± 6.49. We determined a positive significant correlation between the age and the ossification stages of ossification centers analyzed in both sexes. In each ossification center, except inferior angle, all of the stage 1 and 2 cases in both sexes were under 18 years old. Intraobserver and interobserver evaluations showed that reproducibility and consistency of the method was relatively good. Conclusions: The present study indicated that CT analysis of scapula ossification centers might be helpful in forensic age assessment of living individuals and dry bones.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SHAPE AND SIZE OF THE MAXILLA AND UPPER DENTITION DEPENDING ON GENDER AND CRANIOTYPE

The analysis of relevant information sources provides a conclusion about the need to conduct new studies of the intravital range of craniometric characteristics of the structures of the facial skeleton, taking into account gender and existing types of skull structure. The aim of our study was to establish the current intravital craniometric characteristics of the shape and dimensions of the maxilla and upper dentition of an adult person, depending on gender and craniotype. The material of the study was dry bone preparations of whole or fragmented human skulls of both sexes in the amount of 39 units, from the collection of the Department of Human Anatomy of KNMU, and the results of CT studies of the heads of adult person without existing bone tissue pathologies, totaling 85 observations. The basis of establishing a craniotype is the principle of calculating the general facial or facial index, which allows classifying anatomical objects according to the shape of the head structure. As a result of the research, it was established that the predominance of longitudinal and height parameters of the maxilla and the upper dentition is inherent in the leptoprosopic type of skull structure. Intermediate, averaged values of all parameters are observed in the group with mesoprosopic craniotype. People with the euryprosopic type are characterized by a signifi cant predominance of transverse, latitudinal dimensions. In addition, when analyzing the obtained data set, a slight predominance of craniometric indicators in male representatives was observed, for almost all sizes, however, a signifi cant majority of the diff erences were within the limits of statistical error, which does not make it possible to draw conclusions about the existing diversity based on gender.

Effects of water and other filters on fracture resolution in industrial micro-CT scanning

Filtering is known to improve image quality of CT scans. Water immersion is one type of filtering that has been used for CT scanning dry (skeletonized) bones, and it has been suggested that this approach can increase measurement accuracy and improve fracture resolution. These tests have previously involved clinical CT scanners. Here we use an industrial micro-CT scanner and test whether water immersion and other x-ray filtering options increases fracture resolution in reconstructed scans of dry bones.Eleven dry non-human bones were CT scanned using the same acquisition parameters, while varying filter options. Bones were scanned (1) in an unfiltered “dry” air environment, (2) using metal filters at the x-ray source, and (3) with the bones immersed in water. A small subset of bones (N = 3) was also scanned using the same parameters except increasing the number of projections acquired from 500 to 1500. Reconstructed scans were evaluated by the authors, in part using a Likert scale comparing filtered with unfiltered scans, to assess fracture resolution (overall appearance and extent).Results showed that increasing the projections resulted in the greatest improvement in fracture resolution, followed by filtering at the x-ray source. Water immersion performed poorly overall, possibly due to movement artifacts that result from this type of scanning, in which the specimen rotates on a stage during the scan. When using this type of CT scanner, if increased fracture resolution is desired, water immersion is not recommended; increasing the number of projections or filtering at the x-ray source is suggested instead.

Profound Morphometric Analysis of Acetabulum in South Indian Population (Acetabular dimensions)

Aim- Acetabular dimensions plays a challenging role in various arthroplasties and reconstructions. Morphometric study of acetabulum of dry hip bones is a necessity to make proper prosthesis and to ensure good quality of life. Materials & methods - In this 71 dry human hip bones of 35 right and 36 left collected in department of anatomy of Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, to analyze & measure the diameter, acetabular notch, acetabular circumference, depth and volume of acetabulum. Results – The transverse diameter on right- 49.33 ± 7.36 mm, left 48.57±6.79 mm, depth-right23.28±3.27 mm, left 22.50 ±3.18 mm, vertical diameter- right 48.05±4.40 mm, left 47.66±4.95 mm, acetabular notch- right 22.00±3.28 mm, left 20.56±2.61 mm, outer rim circumference -right 11.90±0.99 cm, left 12.43±0.87 cm, inner rim circumference- right 7.66±0.84 cm, left 8.06±0.72 cm, acetabular circumference- right 15.26±1.38 cm, left 14.60±1.35 cm, capacity- right 27.22±5.43 ml, left-27.22±5.77 ml. Conclusion - All the parameters were statistically analysed and the results suggest that the acetabular dimensions are mostly smaller in South Indian population and hip prosthesis should be made patient specific to increase the success rate of arthroplasties.

Convenient model of hard tissue simulation for dental radiographic research and instruction.

The authors describe a technique for building an alternative jawbone phantom using dental gypsum and rice for research and dental radiology instruction. To investigate the potential of an alternative phantom to simulate the trabecular bone aspect of the human maxilla in periapical radiographs. Half-maxillary phantoms built from gypsum-ground rice were exposed to X-rays, and the resulting images (experimental group) were compared to standardized radiographic images produced from dry human maxillary bone (control group) (n = 7). The images were blindly assessed according to strict criteria by three examiners for the usual trabecular aspects of the surrounding bone, and significant differences between groups and in assessment reliability were compared using Fisher's exact and kappa tests (α = 0.05). The differences in the trabecular aspects between groups were not statistically significant. In addition, interobserver agreement among observers was 0.43 and 0.51 for the control and experimental groups, respectively, whereas intraobserver agreement was 0.71 and 0.73, respectively. The tested phantom seemed to demonstrate potential for trabecular bone image simulation on maxillary periapical radiographs.

Localized osteophytic changes in the thoracic vertebra: an osteological and cadaveric study

Vertebral spinal osteophytes remain an urgent problem for clinicians of various specialties due to the fact that they can cause problems with food consumption, breathing, and sometimes cause compression of blood vessels and spinal cord. Clinical presentations encompass pain, often radiating, reduced function, stiffness, tenderness in the joints, limited movement, nerve compression, and bone pressing against tissues. Vertebral osteophytes are frequently observed in cadaveric anatomy and skeletal remains. Many instances go untreated or undetected. Several cross-sectional and prospective studies have been conducted and published concerning the cervical and lumbar spine. The current study was carried out to observe the incidence of osteophytes in the thoracic vertebrae and to document their frequency of distribution and prevalence. To study the frequency of distribution of thoracic osteophytes was reviewed in 25 cadavers (over a period of 5 years) & 188 dry thoracic vertebras (T1-T12) of south Indian population of unknown age & sex at the Department of Anatomy, MVJ MC& RH, Bangalore. The study meticulously enumerates the positions of osteophytes across different thoracic levels, aiming to investigate and understand their recurrence patterns. Incidence was expressed in terms of frequency and percentage. Incidence of osteophytes was documented in 6 cadavers and 33 dry bones which accounts for 24 % and 17.6 % respectively. Out of these, majority of them were recognized on to right side than on left side of the vertebras. The frequency of osteophytes was most commonly seen at mid thoracic level (T4-T8) followed by T9, T10 and T2. The data we received allow us to form an idea not only about the prevalence of vertebral spinal osteophytes in general, but also about the specific features of their location. Knowledge regarding the thoracic osteophytes is further required for detailed study along with dry bones. A comparative analysis of the prevalence of vertebral spinal osteophytes among people of different specialties, different ethnicities and age groups is important in further research, which will complement the obtained results.

Comparison of five different fluoroscopic methods for identifying the MPFL femoral footprint

PurposeThe success of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is closely linked to the precise positioning of the femoral tunnel. Intraoperative fluoroscopy is commonly utilized to identify the MPFL footprint. This study aimed to ascertain the most accurate fluoroscopic method among the five previously described methods used to determine the MPFL femoral footprint.Materials and methodsUsing 44 well-preserved dry femur bones, the MPFL femoral insertion site was demarcated using anatomical bony landmarks, namely the center of the saddle sulcus between the medial epicondyle, adductor tubercle and gastrocnemius tubercle. Fluoroscopic true lateral knee images were acquired and measurements taken, referencing established methods by Schottle et al., Redfern et al., Wijdicks et al., Barnett et al., and Kaipel et al. The distance between anatomic and fluoroscopic MPFL footprints was then measured on digital fluoroscopic images. The accuracy of the locations was compared using a margin of error of 5 and 7 mm.ResultsThe Schottle method consistently emerged superior, showcasing the smallest mean distance (3.2 ± 1.2 mm) between the anatomic and radiographic MPFL footprints and a high in-point detection rate of 90.9% under 5 mm criteria. While the Redfern method displayed perfect accuracy (100%) within the 7 mm criteria, the Schottle method also performed 97.7% accuracy.ConclusionsFor intraoperative identification of the MPFL footprint using fluoroscopy, the Schottle method is the most consistent and accurate among the assessed methods. Thus, its accuracy in detecting the MPFL footprint makes it recommended for MPFLR to ensure optimal outcomes.Level of evidenceLevel IV, cadaveric study.

Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of three MSCT for high resolution bone imaging

IntroductionStrategies for achieving high resolution varies between manufacturers. In CT, the helical mode with narrow collimation has long been considered as the gold standard for high-resolution imaging. More recently, incremental modes with small dexels and focal spot, have been developed but have not been compared with helical acquisitions under optimal conditions. The aim of this work is to compare the high-resolution acquisition strategies currently proposed by recent MSCT. MethodsThree CT systems were compared. A phantom was used to evaluate geometric accuracy, uniformity, scan slice geometry, and spatial resolution. Human dry bones were used to test different protocols on real bone architecture. A blind visual analysis was conducted by trained CT users for classifying the different acquisitions (p-values). ResultsAll systems give satisfactory results in terms of geometric accuracy and uniformity. The in-plane MTF at 5% were respectively 13.4, 15.9 and 18.1 lp/cm. Dry-bones evaluation confirms that acquisition#3 is considered as the best. ConclusionsThe incremental acquisition coupled with à small focal spot, and a high-sampling detector, overpasses the reference of low-pitch helical acquisitions for high-resolution imaging. Cortical bone, bony vessels, and tumoral matrix analysis are the very next challenges that will have to be managed to improve normal and pathologic bone imaging thanks to the availability UHR-CT systems.

Morphometric and morphological evaluation of the nasolacrimal groove in 150 dry bones in the Anatolian population.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the anatomical features of the nasolacrimal groove in detail by providing a morphological classification based on morphometric evaluations of the nasolacrimal groove. A total of 150 sagittal dry bones in the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University were evaluated. The length and the width at different points of the nasolacrimal canal were calculated. According to the widths of the nasolacrimal canal ten different morphological types were revealed. The length of the canal was found as mean 13.62 ± 2.42mm on the right and 12.44 ± 2.68mm on the left side. The entrance, the base, the upper and the lower thirds of nasolacrimal canal were 6.22 ± 1.19mm, 7.95 ± 1.85mm, 5.85 ± 1.06mm, 6.60 ± 1.54mm, on the right and 6.08 ± 1.16mm, 7.24 ± 1.64mm, 5.45 ± 1.29mm, 6.23 ± 1.48mm, on the left side, respectively. The width of the entrance of the nasolacrimal canal was the narrowest width compared to the base, upper and lower thirds in 7/10 types of 71/150 cranial bones. This comprehensive morphological classification of the nasolacrimal groove sheds new light on its complex variations. We support that the finding of this study has the potential to improve the precision of diagnostic assessments and guide specific therapeutic interventions for patients with lacrimal drainage disorders.

Compressive mechanical properties of dry antler cortical bone cylinders from different cervidae species

Antlers are bony structures composed predominantly of primary osteons with unique mechanical properties due to their specific use by deer as weapon and shield. Antler bone fracture resistance has attracted prior scrutiny through experimental tests and theoretical models. To characterize antler mechanical properties, compression of cubes, or bending or tensioning of rectangular bars have been performed in the literature with variations in the protocols precluding comparisons of the data. Compression testing is a widely used experimental technique for determining the mechanical properties of specimens excised from cortical or cancellous regions of bone. However, the recommended geometry for compression tests is the cylinder, being more representative of the real performances of the material. The purpose of research was to report data for compressive strength and stiffness of antler cortical bone following current guidelines. Cylinders (n = 296) of dry antler cortical bone from either the main beam or the tines of Cervus elaphus, Rangifer tarandus, Cervus nippon and Damadama were tested. This study highlights the fact that compression of antler cortical bone cylinders following current guidelines is feasible but not applicable in all species. Standardization of the testing protocols could help to compare data from the literature. This study also confirms that sample localization has no effect on the mechanical properties, that sample density has a significant impact and allows enriching the knowledge of the mechanical properties of dry antler cortical bone.

Osteonal Damage Patterns from Ballistic and Blunt Force Trauma in Human Long Bones.

Forensic anthropologists play a key role in skeletal trauma analysis and commonly use macroscopic features to distinguish between trauma types. However, this approach can be challenging, particularly in cases of highly comminuted or incompletely recovered fractures. Histological analysis of microscopic fracture characteristics in fractured bones may thus help provide additional information on trauma type and bone fracture biomechanics in general. This study analysed the extent of microcrack damage to osteons in long bones with blunt force trauma (BFT) and gunshot trauma (GST), from both traumatic death cases and post-mortem experimental fractures. We identified four types of osteonal damage (OD). In traumatic death cases, OD affecting the inside of the osteon and compromising the Haversian canal (type 1) was found to be indicative of BFT. Moreover, OD affecting the cement line (type 3) and interstitial lamellae (type 4) was more common in the GST samples. OD affecting the inside of the osteon without compromising the Haversian canal (type 2) was not found to be indicative of either trauma type. In cases of experimental fractures, our study revealed that post-mortem fractures in dry bone samples featured the highest amount of OD, particularly of type 4. This study also found that the experimentally produced GST featured similar OD patterns to GST death cases. These findings support our hypothesis that there are distinct osteonal damage patterns in human long bones with BFT and GST, which are of relevant value for trauma analysis in forensic anthropology.

Effect of Feeding Duration with Different Levels of Culled E. Cottonii on Consumption, Nutrient Digestibility, Growth and Body Composition of Early Weaned Balinese Calves

The study aimed to evaluate the duration of complete feed containing culled red seaweed (E. cottonii) with different levels on nutrient utilisation, growth and body composition of early weaned Bali cattle calves. A total of 24 Bali cattle calves (initial BW ± 30-40 kg; 2-3 months old) were used in this study. Bali cattle calves were randomly grouped by initial body weight and placed in 4 different treatments following a group randomised design pattern. The 4 treatments were: CT0 = complete feed containing no cull ECOT; CT5 = complete feed containing 5% cull ECOT; CT10 = complete feed containing 10% cull ECOT and CT15 = complete feed containing 15% cull ECOT. The data obtained were analysed by analysis of variance followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test using SPSS 24 software. Feeding ECOT culls with different lengths of time and levels had a significant effect (P<0.05) on increasing consumption and nutrient digestibility of early weaned Balinese calves, but there was no interaction effect (P>0.05) between the length of time and level of ECOT culled on body weight gain and linear body size of early weaned Balinese calves. The same was true for body composition (meat and fat). The treatment also significantly (P<0.05) influenced the increase in bone weight in cattle treated with 5% cull ECOT and 10% cull ECOT. It was concluded that the use of culled ECOT up to 15% in complete feed could not increase the consumption and digestibility of nutrients but the duration of feeding affected the dry matter consumption and bone development of early weaned Bali cattle calves.

Are 3D-printed anatomical models of the ear effective for teaching anatomy? A comparative pilot study versus cadaveric models.

Despite the combination of chalkboard lectures and cadaveric models, the ear remains a complex anatomical structure that is difficult for medical students to grasp. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of a 3D-printed ear model for educating undergraduate medical students by comparing it with a conventional cadaveric model. Models of the ear comprising the outer ear, tympanic membrane, ossicles and inner ear were modeled and then 3D-printed at 6:1 and 10:1 scales based on cadaveric dissection and CT, cone-beam CT and micro/nano CT scans. Cadaveric models included two partially dissected dry temporal bones and ossicles. Twenty-four 3rd year medical students were given separate access to cadaveric models (n = 12) or 3D-printed models (n = 12). A pre-test and two post-tests were carried out to assess knowledge (n = 24). A satisfaction questionnaire focusing solely on the 3D-printed model, comprising 17 items assessed on a 5-point Likert scale, was completed by all study participants. A 5-point Likert scale questionnaire comprising four items (realism, color, quality and satisfaction with the 3D-printed ear model) was given to three expert anatomy Professors. The test scores on the first post-test were higher for the students who had used the 3D-printed models (p < 0.05). Overall satisfaction among the students and the experts was very high, averaging 4.7 on a 5-point Likert-type satisfaction scale. This study highlights the overall pedagogical value of a 3D-printed model for learning ear anatomy.

Assessing the utility of 3D modeling with photogrammetry in assigned sex estimation from the greater sciatic notch

Assigned sex estimation via the greater sciatic notch (GSN) is traditionally performed via physical/visual examination and ordinal scoring; however, this relies on the subjective assessment of morphology for typological classification which may not be reflective of human variation. Three-dimensional (3D) photogrammetry may offer a technologically advanced, low cost, and more objective alternative to assess the complex curvature of anatomical landmarks. This research explores the accuracy of photogrammetry derived 3D models by comparing digital measurements to those obtained from the skeletal elements and to streamline the application of curvature analysis for the estimation of assigned sex from the GSN. This study utilizes the left and right os coxae from 15 skeletal individuals (5 females, 10 males) from the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. A Fujifilm X-Pro2 and Fujifilm 35 mm prime lens captured 123 images per element, which were processed in Meshroom by AliceVision® to create a 3D textured mesh. The mesh was exported into Blender for cleanup, scaling, measurement, and curvature analysis. The measurements were between 96.54 % and 99.94 % consistent across methods and observations. The consistency between digital metric observations increased by an average of 0.07 % when compared to the consistency of the dry bone measurements. Additionally, curvature analysis of the GSN correctly estimated the assigned sex of all os coxae in the sample. This study demonstrates that photogrammetry is an accurate and reliable method for the digitization of remains that enables analytical techniques to better capture skeletal variation compared to traditional methods.

Elemental analysis using portable X-ray fluorescence: Guidelines for the study of dry human bone

ObjectiveX-ray fluorescence (XRF) is a non-destructive technique that measures the elemental concentration of different materials, including human bone. Recently, it began to be applied to paleopathological studies due to the development of portable devices and their relative ease of use. However, the lack of uniform procedures hampers comparability and reproducibility. This paper aims to provide guidelines for an efficient and standardized evaluation of bone elemental composition with a portable XRF (pXRF) device. MaterialsThis technical note is based on the application of the Thermo Scientific Niton XL3t 900 GOLDD+. MethodsThis work includes suggestions for the choice and preparation of human bone samples, both from archaeological context and documented collections, and methodological procedures in pXRF setup, such as choice of calibration, assessment of accuracy, and analysis run time. Additionally, recommendations for data validation and statistical analysis are also included. ConclusionsThis technique has great potential in paleopathology since bone chemical variations may be associated with different pathological conditions, environmental contamination (e.g., lead), and/or administered treatments, such as mercury. Following an expected increase in the number of studies, it is essential to establish good practices that allow results from different researchers to be comparable. SignificanceX-ray fluorescence is a non-destructive technique that measures small concentrations (ppm) of elements from magnesium (12Mg) through bismuth (83Bi). LimitationspXRF does not detect elements lighter than Mg, and its lower energy excitation penetrates less than other techniques. Suggestions for further researchOther research groups should test these guidelines and comment on their usefulness and replicability.

Fibular notch morphometry and its clinical importance on dry bones.

The aim of the present study was to determine the morphometric characteristics of the fibular notch (FN). This study was carried out with 76 dry adult tibial bone specimens (right 38, left 38) with unknown age and sex collected from the Department of Anatomy, Cukurova University, Adana. The mean width of the FN was 23.04 ± 2.02 mm; the mean depth of the FN 3.63 ± 0.83 mm; the mean height of the FN was 41.76 ± 4.01 mm. The mean anterior facet length and posterior facet length was found to be 10.44 ± 1.94 mm and 13.93 ±1.63 mm, respectively. The mean value of the angle between the anterior and posterior facets was found to be 140.56° ± 11.72. The mean value of the angle between the anterior surface of the tibia and the intertubercular line was 75.5° ± 5.47. No statistically significant differences were detected between the right and left sides for all measurements. It is considered that knowing the morphometric and anatomical characteristics of the fibular notch in detail will help radiologists evaluate the talocrural region. It is also considered that these data will guide surgeons and help determine the appropriate size for ankle reconstruction operations.

Atlas Morphometry: A Radiologic- Anatomical Study

Abstract Introduction: Atlas is an atypical cervical vertebra with unique anatomy and related to many vital structures. Any surgical intervention at this level, especially transpedicular and transarticular screw placement, requires in detail assessment of the structure of the atlas. Certain measurements considered surgically important were measured on computerized tomography (CT) scans and compared with corresponding measurements on dry bones. Methodology: The study was carried out in KVG Medical College and Hospital, Sullia, including 100 CT scans of 43 females and 57 males with a mean age of 31.4 years and 40 dried atlas vertebrae available in the Department of Anatomy. Lengths and widths of superior and inferior articular facets were measured on both CT scans and dry bones and compared. Length, width, and heights of lateral masses, along with height below the posterior arch (HBPA), maximum medialization and cranialization angles were assessed on CT scans. The mean, standard deviation, and significance of differences were calculated using an independent t-test. Results: Mean value and standard deviation were calculated for the measured parameters. Superior and inferior facet measurements were compared between CT scan images and dry bones and no significant difference was found. Conclusion: Morphometric measurements of atlas on CT images are useful for planning of screw fixation surgeries, particularly to avoid injury to vital structures. Values of measurements, especially maximum medialization angle, maximum cranialization angle, and HBPA, are in agreement with other studies and are proposed to be included as part of preoperative workup.