Size Of Fossa Research Articles

The size and shape of the pterygomaxillary fossa of the human skull during the period of formed primary dentition (based on the analysis of CT scans)

Abstract Relevance. This work is relevant due to the fact that the pterygomaxillary fossa (PMF) and the underlying pterygopalatine ganglion (PPG) attract the attention of clinicians developing surgical accesses to this ganglion. Currently, there is no detailed description of the size and shape of the PMF in children during the period of formed primary occlusion. The aim is to study the size and shape of the PMF on the basis of computed tomography during the period of formed primary occlusion. Materials and methods. To study the size and shape of the PMF, the analysis of frontal and axial CT scans of 12 children (24 CT scans) aged 3.5–4.5 years was carried out. On the basis of these data, a three-dimensional reconstruction of the PMF was created. Results. Four parts were distinguished in the PMF: the main one adjacent to the sphenopalatine foramen (SPF), and funnel-shaped constrictions: the vestibule of the pterygoid canal, the vestibule of the greater palatine canal and the vestibule of the pterygomaxillary fissure. It is suggested that the PPG lies in the vestibule of the pterygoid canal. Data on the main dimensions of the PMF were also obtained. Conclusion. PMF in children aged 3.5–4.5 years is characterized by a complex structure of the cavity, suggesting a different position of the PPG in it than is commonly believed. This circumstance, as well as for the first time the sizes of the PMF determined by us, should be taken into account when developing surgical access to the PMF and the PPG.

Duraplasty using a combination of a pedicled dural flap and collagen matrix in posterior fossa decompression for pediatric Chiari malformation type 1 with syrinx.

In posterior fossa decompression for pediatric Chiari malformation type 1 (CM-1), duraplasty methods using various dural substitutes have been reported to improve surgical outcomes and minimize postoperative complications. To obtain sufficient posterior fossa decompression without cerebrospinal fluid-related complications, we developed a novel duraplasty technique using a combination of a pedicled dural flap and collagen matrix. The objective of this study was to describe the operative nuances of duraplasty using a combination of a pedicled dural flap and collagen matrix in posterior fossa decompression for pediatric CM-1. We reviewed the clinical and radiographic records of 11 consecutive pediatric patients who underwent posterior fossa decompression with duraplasty using a combination of a pedicled dural flap and collagen matrix followed by expansile cranioplasty for CM-1. The largest area of the syrinx and the size of the posterior fossa were calculated. The maximum syrinx area was reduced by a mean of 68.5% ± 27.3% from preoperatively to postoperatively. Four patients (36.4%) had near-complete syrinx resolution (> 90%, grade III reduction), five (45.5%) had 50% to 90% reduction (grade II), and two (18.2%) had < 50% reduction (grade I). The posterior fossa area in the midsagittal section increased by 8.9% from preoperatively to postoperatively. There were no postoperative complications, including cerebrospinal fluid leakage, pseudomeningocele formation, or infection. Duraplasty using a combination of a pedicled dural flap and collagen matrix in posterior fossa decompression is a promising safe and effective surgical technique for pediatric CM-1 with syrinx.

Quantitative study of the popliteal fossa in the human fetus.

The popliteal fossa presents an extensive diamond-shaped topographical element on the posterior aspect of the knee. With the use of classical anatomical dissection, digital image analysis of NIS Elements AR 3.0 and statistics we morphometrically analyzed the size of the popliteal fossa in human fetuses aged 17-29 weeks of gestation. Morphometric parameters of the popliteal fossa increased logarithmically with fetal age: y = -44.421 + 24.301 × ln (Age) for length of superomedial boundary, y = -41.379 + 22.777 × ln (Age) for length of superolateral boundary, y = -39.019 + 20.981 × ln (Age) for inferomedial boundary, y = -37.547 + 20.319 × ln (Age), for length of inferolateral boundary, y = -28.915 + 15.822 × ln (Age) for transverse diameter, y = -69.790 + 38.73 × ln (Age) for vertical diameter and y = -485.631 + 240.844 × ln (Age) for projection surface area. Out of the four angles of the popliteal fossa the medial one was greatest, the inferior one the smallest, while the lateral one was somewhat smaller than the medial one and approximately three times greater than the superior one, with no difference with fetal age. In terms of morphometric parameters the popliteal fossa in the human fetus displays neither male-female nor right-left differences. In the popliteal fossa, growth patterns of its four boundaries, vertical and transverse diameters, and projection surface area all follow natural logarithmic functions. All the morphometric data is considered age-specific reference intervals, which may be conducive in the diagnostics of congenital abnormalities in the human fetus.

Radiotherapy for Brain Metastases Near the End of Life: Characterizing Patients and Tumor Features.

Patients with brain metastases are often referred for brain radiotherapy (BrRT) when exclusive palliative management would be more appropriate. To assess the indication of BrRT during end-of-life (EOL) care and evaluate the characteristics of the patients who underwent the treatment. This retrospective study comprised patients from four independent oncology centers who had undergone BrRT for metastases. The variables included were Karnofsky performance status (KPS), primary tumor site, metastatic status, neurologic symptomatic status, the number and size of metastases, posterior fossa or meningeal involvement, type of BrRT, having undergone brain metastasectomy, and the availability of systemic therapies after BrRT. Patients were allocated into three subgroups with ≤30, 31-60, and 61-90 days of survival, and a control group of patients who survived >90 days. A total of 546 patients were included in the study. A KPS of <70 (P = .021), the number of brain metastases (P = .001), the lack of brain metastasectomy (P = .006), and the lack of systemic therapies after BrRT (P = .047) were significantly associated with the EOL subgroups. Multivariate analysis showed that a KPS of <70 (P < .001), the lack of brain metastasectomy (P = .015), and the lack of systemic therapies after BrRT (P = .027) were significantly associated with worse survival. In all, 241 (44.1%) patients died within 90 days-120 (22.0%) within 30 days, 75 (13.7%) within 31-60 days, and 46 (8.4%) within 61-90 days of BrRT. Patients with colorectal cancer were significantly more likely to die within 90 days of BrRT than >90 days. Considering patients' performance status and whether they are candidates for brain metastasectomy or systemic therapies after BrRT is critical to improving BrRT benefits in scenarios of EOL.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL EVALUATION AND COMPARISON OF CONDYLE-FOSSA RELATIONSHIP, THEIR POSITION AND SYMMETRY USING CBCT IN VARIOUS SAGITTAL SKELETAL MALOCCLUSIONS

Introduction: Three-dimensional evaluation and comparison of condyle-fossa relationship, their position and symmetry using CBCT in various sagittal skeletal malocclusions. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate and compare the size and morphology of right and left fossa and condyle, condyle-fossa relationship, position and symmetry in various malocclusions. Materials and Methods: Sixty eight subjects with a mean age of 18.2±3.5 years, were divided into three sagittal Skeletal malocclusion (Class I,Class II. Class III) groups. 15 Linear and 2 Angular variables were evaluated from the CBCT images obtained from Carestream CS 9300C 3D system. The digitization and measurements were carried out using Trophy Dicom CS 3D software. Statistical Analysis: Independent t test and Karl Pearsons coefficient of correlation. Results: On comparison between the Right and Left sides, Angle Md.Co.Pro-MS Plane in Group I (p=0.007**)and C.Co-MS Planein Group II (p=0.047*)was significant. On Comparison of Concentric positioning of condyles, the mean differences in Group II on the Right side (p =0.039 *) and on the Left side (p =0.004**) were significant. Conclusion: In Skeletal Class I malocclusion, width and height of condyle was increased on the left side. Anterior joint space was decreased significantly in Skeletal Class II malocclusion. Superior joint space was significantly decreased and width of mandibular fossa was increased on both the sides in Skeletal Class III malocclusion. The condyles were anteriorly placed in all skeletal malocclusions but greatest difference was present in Class II.

Impact of age on glenoid size: three-dimensional computed tomographic analysis of glenoid anatomy

ObjectivePredictors of glenoid size are not fully understood. Reported factors include ethnicity, sex, and height. However, many studies have been conducted with relatively younger age groups on the assumption that no significant change in the size of the glenoid fossa occurs after the termination of bone growth. The purpose of this study was to examine glenoid size in a population representing the age groups eligible for rotator cuff surgery and to identify the influence of age on the size of the glenoid. MethodsThis retrospective review included 380 shoulders in 380 patients (151 females and 229 males; mean age: 67.2 ± 10.1 years; range: 27–89 years) who underwent preoperative three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) evaluation and elective shoulder surgery (open or arthroscopic). The exclusion criteria were: history of prior shoulder surgery or glenoid fractures; history of shoulder instability; patients aged younger than 25 years; and those with advanced glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Anatomic parameters of the glenoid (height and width) were measured using 3D-CT images. A generalized linear model with the gamma distribution (multivariate gamma regression) was used in the analysis with the glenoid size (height or width) as the dependent variable. Initial exploratory models included all independent variables, followed by the stepwise selection of variables based on the P value, variance inflation factor, and Akaike’s information criterion for developing the final models. ResultsThe final analytical model showed that age was a significant predictor in both glenoid height and width. The mean glenoid width was 31.2 mm in men and 26.1 mm in women, and the mean glenoid height was 41.1 mm in men and 38.8 mm in women. Other factors that were significant were sex, body height, and hand dominancy. The analysis models accounted for 65% of the glenoid height (pseudo r-squared = 0.65; likelihood ratio test, P = .011) and 73% of the glenoid width (pseudo r-squared = 0.73; likelihood ratio test, P < .0001). ConclusionThis study showed that predictors of glenoid size (height and width) included age. Other positive predictors were shown to be taller body height, male gender, and dominant hand. The influence of rotator cuff tear was not observed.

Effects of joint loading on the development of capital femoral epiphysis morphology.

The deleterious influence of increased mechanical forces on capital femoral epiphysis development is well established; however, the growth of the physis in the absence of such forces remains unclear. The hips of non-ambulatory cerebral palsy (CP) patients provide a weight-restricted (partial weightbearing) model which can elucidate the influence of decreased mechanical forces on the development of physis morphology, including features related to development of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). Here we used 3D image analysis to compare the physis morphology of children with non-ambulatory CP, as a model for abnormal hip loading, with age-matched native hips. CT images of 98 non-ambulatory CP hips (8-15years) and 80 age-matched native control hips were used to measure height, width, and length of the tubercle, depth, width, and length of the metaphyseal fossa, and cupping height across different epiphyseal regions. The impact of age on morphology was assessed using Pearson correlations. Mixed linear model was used to compare the quantified morphological features between partial weightbearing hips and full weightbearing controls. In partial weightbearing hips, tubercle height and length along with fossa depth and length significantly decreased with age, while peripheral cupping height increased with age (r > 0.2, P < 0.04). Compared to normally loaded (full weightbearing) hips and across all age groups, partially weightbearing hips' epiphyseal tubercle height and length were smaller (P < .05), metaphyseal fossa depth was larger (P < .01), and posterior, inferior, and anterior peripheral cupping heights were smaller (P < .01). Smaller epiphyseal tubercle and peripheral cupping with greater metaphyseal fossa size in partial weightbearing hips suggests that the growing capital femoral epiphysis requires mechanical stimulus to adequately develop epiphyseal stabilizers. Deposit low prevalence and relevance of SCFE in CP, these findings highlight both the role of normal joint loading in proper physis development and how chronic abnormal loading may contribute to various pathomorphological changes of the proximal femur (i.e., capital femoral epiphysis).

The Small Posterior Cranial Fossa Syndrome and Chiari Malformation Type 0.

Patients showing typical Chiari malformation type 1 (CM1) signs and symptoms frequently undergo cranial and cervical MRI. In some patients, MRI documents >5 mm of cerebellar tonsillar herniation (TH) and the diagnosis of CM1. Patients with 3–5 mm TH have “borderline” CM1. Patients with less than 3 mm of TH and an associated cervical syrinx are diagnosed with Chiari “zero” malformation (CM0). However, patients reporting CM1 symptoms are usually not diagnosed with CM if MRI shows less than 3–5 mm of TH and no syrinx. Recent MRI morphometric analysis of the posterior fossa and upper cervical spine detected anatomical abnormalities in and around the foramen magnum (FM) that explain these patients’ symptoms. The abnormalities include a reduced size of the posterior fossa, FM, and upper cervical spinal canal and extension of the cerebellar tonsils around the medulla rather than inferior to the foramen magnum, as in CM1. These morphometric findings lead some neurologists and neurosurgeons to diagnose CM0 in patients with typical CM1 signs and symptoms, with or without cervical syringes. This article reviews recent findings and controversies about CM0 diagnosis and updates current thinking about the clinical and radiological relationship between CM0, borderline CM1, and CM1.

Differentiation of Chiari malformation type 1 and spontaneous intracranial hypotension using objective measurements of midbrain sagging.

Chiari malformation type 1 (CM-1) and spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) are causes of headache in which cerebellar tonsillar ectopia (TE) may be present. An accurate method for differentiating these conditions on imaging is needed to avoid diagnostic confusion. Here, the authors sought to determine whether objective measurements of midbrain morphology could distinguish CM-1 from SIH on brain MRI. This is a retrospective case-control series comparing neuroimaging in consecutive adult subjects with CM-1 and SIH. Measurements obtained from brain MRI included previously reported measures of brain sagging: TE, slope of the third ventricular floor (3VF), pontomesencephalic angle (PMA), mamillopontine distance, lateral ventricular angle, internal cerebral vein-vein of Galen angle, and displacement of iter (DOI). Clivus length (CL), an indicator of posterior fossa size, was also measured. Measurements for the CM-1 group were compared to those for the entire SIH population (SIHall) as well as a subgroup of SIH patients with > 5 mm of TE (SIHTE subgroup). Highly significant differences were observed between SIHall and CM-1 groups in the following measures: TE (mean ± standard deviation, 3.1 ± 5.7 vs 9.3 ± 3.5 mm), 3VF (-16.8° ± 11.2° vs -2.1° ± 4.6°), PMA (44.8° ± 13.1° vs 62.7° ± 9.8°), DOI (0.2 ± 4.1 vs 3.8 ± 1.6 mm), and CL (38.3 ± 4.5 vs 44.0 ± 3.3 mm; all p < 0.0001). Eight (16%) of 50 SIH subjects had TE > 5 mm; in this subgroup (SIHTE), a cutoff value of < -15° for 3VF and < 45° for PMA perfectly discriminated SIH from CM-1 (sensitivity and specificity = 1.0). DOI showed perfect specificity (1.0) in detecting SIH among both groups. No subjects with SIH had isolated TE without other concurrent findings of midbrain sagging. Measures of midbrain sagging, including cutoff values for 3VF and PMA, discriminate CM-1 from SIH and may help to prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgery.

Subarcuate Fossa Anatomy as an Indicator of Future Locomotor Behavior in Newborn Primates

Previous studies have demonstrated a link between subarcuate fossa size and locomotor behavior in primates. This fossa contains the petrosal portion of the paraflocculus, a portion of the brain associated with mobility and motor control. Studies have determined that the size of the fossa is larger in primate species that have more complex forms of locomotion. This study tested whether size of the subarcuate fossa in newborns predicts adult locomotor behavior. The sample included adult and newborn individuals of species representing strepsirrhine, tarsier, and platyrrhine primates. MicroCT images were used to create virtual endocasts in 3DSlicer software. The subarcuate fossa was isolated, and the volume was measured for each specimen.Results demonstrated that newborns from species with higher levels of locomotor agility exhibit a larger subarcuate fossa at the time of birth than newborns from species with lower levels of locomotor agility. This confirms that the subarcuate fossa is an indicator of the future locomotion of the primate. Comparison of subarcuate fossa volume between newborn and adult scans from the same species indicated that there is little growth in the fossa from birth to adulthood in most primates. These results are consistent with an expectation that the size of the subarcuate fossa is highly constrained by the semicircular canals, which are not expected to increase in size through growth. The possibility exists that the size of the semicircular canals is the object of selection, and the size of the subarcuate fossa is a secondary effect. These findings show that this aspect of a newborn primate’s anatomy expresses information about its future behavior prior to any experience with locomotor action.

Central acetabular osteophytes (CAO) are more prevalent in the borderline developmental dysplastic hip (BDDH) patients: a propensity-score matched CT study

BackgroundThe acetabular fossa often showing the first signs of degeneration, Central acetabular osteophytes (CAO) have been increasingly recognized during hip arthroscopy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the condition of CAO in BDDH hips and compare cotyloid fossa size between the BDDH and the non-BDDH hips on CT images.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of hip CT images of FAI or labral injury patients. A 1:2 propensity-score matched observational study comparing the linear length of cotyloid fossa was analyzed. Cotyloid fossa width (CFW) and cotyloid notch width (CNW) were measured on axial images, cotyloid fossa height (CFH) and cotyloid fossa depth (CFD) were measured on coronal images. Within the CAO patients, we performed central acetabular decompression (CAD) and then observed the morphology change in fossa.ResultsPropensity-score matching yielded 61 BDDH hips and 122 non-BDDH hips. BDDH hips had a higher prevalence of CAO and a decreased linear length of cotyloid fossa (CFW, CFH and CNW). In the BDDH group, 33 hips underwent CAD, postoperative CFW, CFH and CNW were significantly increased (p < .001 for all), and had no statistical difference compared with the non-BDDH hips (p = .193, p = .132, p = .421, respectively).ConclusionBDDH hips had a significantly higher prevalence of CAO than adequate acetabular coverage hips. After the procedure of CAD, BDDH hips were found to have acetabular parameters (CFW, CFH, CNW) and were restored to that of the control hips.

Порушення ліквороциркуляції в пацієнтів з мальформацією Кіарі: предиктори розвитку сирингомієлітичних кіст і динаміка післяопераційного регресу

Актуальність. Мальформація Кіарі (МК) — це дефект розвитку центральної нервової системи, що проявляється невідповідністю розмірів задньої черепної ямки і розташованих у цій ділянці структур мозку і, як наслідок, опусканням мигдаликів мозочка (МК типу 1), зазвичай з каудальним зміщенням нижніх відділів стовбура мозку, у великий отвір (МК типу 1.5). Унаслідок порушення ліквороциркуляції в 60–90 % пацієнтів із МК спостерігається сирингомієлія. Матеріали та методи. Проведено ретроспективний аналіз клінічних даних 24 пацієнтів із мальформацією Кіарі типу 1 і 1.5, які перенесли оперативні втручання в Ужгородському обласному клінічному центрі нейрохірургії і неврології в період з грудня 2006 р. по грудень 2017 р., під час яких були виконанi субокципітальна декомпресивна краніектомія, ламінектомія на рівні С1, пластика твердої мозкової оболонки. Середній період спостереження після операції становив 5 років. Результати. У пацієнтів, у яких симптоми тривали понад 3 роки, частота утворення сирингомієлітичних кіст становила 57 %. Динаміка регресу порушень ліквороциркуляції в післяопераційному періоді значно варіює залежно від віку. Висновки. Ризик утворення порожнин, заповнених рідиною, у спинному мозку вищий у пацієнтів із МК типу 1 і 1.5, які хворіють понад 3 роки. Хірургічне лікування є ефективним методом, що використовується для корекції порушень ліквороциркуляції. Пункція кісти не є обов’язковою під час хірургічних втручань.

Contribution on the size and morphology of Subarcuate fossa in some mammals and its implications to phylogeny

The size of subarcuate fossa of six different mammals has been observed. Among the examined species; camel, dog, rabbit and rat show clear subarcuate structure, which was characterized by the shape of fossa, and could be easily measured by using endocast. In these species the parafloccular lobe of cerebellum is isolated from cranial cavity and engulfed by this fossa. However, in donkey, the fossa is unclear or absent. Studies have reported correlated relationship between the subarcuate fossa and the size of skull and the certain part of cerebellum. The size of the subarcuate fossa is varying from absence of the fossa to large size fossa with its high contribution area of skull size. Dog has the largest subarcuate fossa among the examined species in this study followed by rabbit then camel, after that rat, very small in ruminants and nearly absent in equine. The study reveals the possibility of subarcuate fossa to determine the degree of evolution of the animals, based on variation of this fossa in closely related animals. This order not follow any previous study in literatures that hypothesis correlation between the size of subarcuate fossa and the size of skull or animal size or even part of cerebellum which evolved in this fossa. The result of this paper supports the hypothesis of the correlation relationship between subarcuate fossa and phylogeny of the animals.

Differences in mandibular condyle and glenoid fossa morphology in relation to vertical and sagittal skeletal patterns: A cone-beam computed tomography study.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the following null hypothesis there are no differences in the morphology of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) structures in relation to vertical and sagittal cephalometric patterns.MethodsThis retrospective study was performed with 131 participants showing no TMJ symptoms. The participants were divided into Class I, II, and III groups on the basis of their sagittal cephalometric relationships and into hyperdivergent, normodivergent, and hypodivergent groups on the basis of their vertical cephalometric relationships. The following measurements were performed using cone-beam computed tomography images and compared among the groups condylar volume, condylar size (width, length, and height), fossa size (length and height), and condyle-to-fossa joint spaces at the anterior, superior, and posterior condylar poles.ResultsThe null hypothesis was rejected. The Class III group showed larger values for condylar width, condylar height, and fossa height than the Class II group (p < 0.05). Condylar volume and superior joint space in the hyperdivergent group were significantly smaller than those in the other two vertical groups (p < 0.001), whereas fossa length and height were significantly larger in the hyperdivergent group than in the other groups (p < 0.01). The hypodivergent group showed a greater condylar width than the hyperdivergent group (p < 0.01). The sagittal and vertical cephalometric patterns showed statistically significant interactions for fossa length and height.ConclusionsTMJ morphology differed across diverse skeletal cephalometric patterns. The fossa length and height were affected by the interactions of the vertical and sagittal skeletal patterns.

Lateral Center-Edge Angle Is Not Predictive of Acetabular Articular Cartilage Surface Area: Anatomic Variation of the Lunate Fossa

Background: Surgical treatment of symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and dysplasia requires careful characterization of acetabular morphology. The lateral center-edge angle (LCEA) is often used to assess lateral acetabular anatomy. Previous work has questioned the LCEA as a surrogate for acetabular contact/articular cartilage surface area because of the variable morphology of the lunate fossa. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that weightbearing articular cartilage of the acetabulum would poorly correlate with LCEA secondary to significant variation in the size of the lunate fossa. Study Design: Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Patients with 3D CT imaging undergoing either hip arthroscopy or periacetabular osteotomy for FAI or symptomatic hip instability were retrospectively identified. The LCEA and femoral head diameter were measured on an anteroposterior pelvis radiograph. Patients were grouped according to their lateral acetabular coverage as undercoverage (LCEA, <25°), normal coverage (LCEA, 25°-40°), or overcoverage (LCEA, >40°). Patients were randomly identified until each group contained 20 patients. The articular surface area was measured from preoperative 3D CT data. Linear regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between articular surface area and LCEA. Continuous and categorical data were analyzed utilizing analysis of variance and chi-square analysis. Statistical significance was set at P < .05. Results: No difference in age (P = .52), body mass index (BMI) (P = .75), or femoral head diameter (P = .66) was noted between groups. A significant difference in articular surface area was observed between patients with undercoverage and those with overcoverage (20.4 cm2 vs 24.5 cm2; P = .01). No significant difference was identified between the undercoverage and normal groups (20.4 cm2 vs 23.3 cm2; P = .09) or the normal and overcoverage groups (23.3 cm2 vs 24.5 cm2; P = .63). A moderate positive correlation was observed between LCEA and articular surface area across all patients (r = 0.38; P = .002) but not when patients with undercoverage were excluded (r = 0.02; P = .88). Significant variation in surface area was observed within each group such that no patient in any group was outside of 2 SDs of the means of the other groups. When patients were categorized into quartiles established by the articular surface area for the entire population, 40% of patients with overcoverage were observed in the first or second quartile (lower area). Conclusion: Lateral acetabular undercoverage based on the LCEA (<25°) correlates with decreased acetabular surface area. Normal or increased acetabular coverage (LCEA, >25°), however, is not predictive of increased, normal, or decreased acetabular surface area.

The Shape Solidity of the Glenoid Fossa of the Scapula is Sexually Dimorphic: A New Approach to Understanding the Glenoid Fossa

Sexual dimorphism in the size of the glenoid fossa of the scapula is well‐established; however, there remains little information with regard to differences in glenoid shape between sexes. Therefore, this study assessed 71 glenoid fossae from dry scapula. Three differential equations were utilized to ensure that scapulae were appropriately sexed and, accordingly, included in the study. When all three equations were in agreement with regard to sex, the scapula was included for study. A total of 64 scapulae (45 females and 19 males) met inclusion criteria. Shape parameters that were assessed included circularity (4π*area/perimeter2), roundness (4*area/π*major axis2), aspect ratio of a bet‐fit ellipse (major axis/minor axis), and solidity (area/area of a convex hull). Shape parameters such as circularity, aspect ratio, and roundness were not significantly different between sexes; however, solidity was significantly different between females and males (p=0.0475). The results demonstrate a difference in the concavity of the boundary of the glenoid fossa between sexes. Further study should elucidate the functional differences in glenohumeral joint biomechanics with regard to the solidity of the glenoid fossa while taking sex into consideration.Support or Funding InformationWV Research Challenge Fund [HEPC.dsr.17.06]

Is the middle cranial fossa a reliable predictor of temporal lobe volume in extant and fossil anthropoids?

We investigate the suitability of middle cranial fossa (MCF) size as a proxy for temporal lobe volume (TLV), examining the strength of the association between TLV and MCF metrics and assess the reliability predicting TLV in fossil anthropoids. The temporal lobe of the primate brain is a multimodal association cortex involved in long-term memory, auditory, and visual processing with unique specializations in modern humans for language comprehension. The MCF is the bony counterpart for the temporal lobe providing inferences for fossil hominin temporal lobe evolution. We now investigate whether the MCF is a suitable proxy for the temporal lobe. A sample of 23 anthropoid species (n = 232, including 13 fossil species) from computed tomography (CT) scans of ex vivo crania and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the in vivo brain were generated into three-dimensional (3D) virtual models. Seven linear metrics were digitally measured on the right MCF with right TLV calculated from in vivo MRI. Regression analyses produced statistically significant correlations between TLV and all MCF metrics (r ≥ 0.85; p ≤ 0.0009) with TLV predictions within ±1 standard error and three MCF metrics (posterior-width, mid-length, and mid-width) the most reliable predictors of TLV with only one metric weakly associated with TLV. These findings indicate a strong association between the MCF and TLV, provide reliable predictors of fossil TLV that were previously unattainable, allow the inclusion of fragmentary fossil material, and enable inferences into the emergence of modern human temporal lobe morphology.

Morphometric features of the temporomandibular joints according to MR studies in adult patients with dislocations of the articular discs and malocclusion of the anterior teeth

To study the morphological features of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) according to MR studies in adult patients with impaired occlusion of the anterior teeth and dislocations of the articular discs. The clinical study included 51 patients aged 17 to 47 years (mean age 28.12±7.44 years): 14 men and 37 women. On the basis of a clinical examination and MR findings of TMJ in 30 patients (mean age 26.77±7.48 years; 8 men and 22 women), TMJ dysfunction in the form of dislocation of articular discs was confirmed. In 21 patients (mean age 30.05±7.12; 15 women, 6 men), TMJ dysfunction without dislocation of articular discs was confirmed. The patients measured the value of vertical incisive overlap (overbite). Analyzing data from MR studies of TMJ, we measured the following values of both TMJs of each patient: the depth and transverse size of the articular fossa, the height of the articular tubercles and the transverse size of the head of the lower jaw. The examined patients with joint dislocations of TMJ had morphological features: statistically significantly deeper and narrower articular fossae, higher articular tubercles and narrower in the sagittal plane of the head of the lower jaw compared to TMJ of patients with dysfunction without dislocation of articular disks. In addition, in patients with articular disk dislocations, a statistically significant (<0.05) increase in vertical incisal overlap was noted. .TMJ in patients with dysfunction in the form of dislocations of articular discs had morphological features that allowed them to be classified as type 3.

Changes in the position of the condyle after bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy in patients with mandibular retrusion and protrusion: a new condyle: fossa matching concept.

The purpose of this study was to compare the condylar positional changes after bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO) in patients with mandibular retrusion and those with mandibular prognathism. We also studied the correlation between the degree of matching of the condyle and fossa, and condylar displacement. Thirty patients with mandibular retrusion (n=11) or mandibular prognathism (n=19) who underwent BSSRO were included. The condylar position was assessed from spiral computed tomographic (CT) scans taken preoperatively, during the first postoperative week, and at least 6 months postoperatively. All data were measured by MIMICS 17.0 and analyzed by Student's t test and Pearson's correlation analysis. The size of the condyles of patients with mandibular retrusion was significantly less than those of patients with mandibular prognathism (491.5 (172.8) compared with 823.2 (212.0) mm3). The size of the glenoid fossa in those with mandibular retrusion (599.6 (110.4) mm3) and those with prognathism (597.6 (151.6) mm3) did not seem to differ. Postoperatively the condyles moved outwards, backwards, and downwards in both groups of patients. Correlation analysis between the condyle:fossa volume ratio and the condylar positional changes showed that a large condyle:fossa volume ratio correlated with the smaller positional changes in the condyle. The condylar position changed immediately after mandibular advancement and setback, and persisted in the long term. Larger condyles tended to have fewer positional changes.

The Frontoparietal Fossa and Dorsotemporal Fenestra of Archosaurs and Their Significance for Interpretations of Vascular and Muscular Anatomy in Dinosaurs.

The attachments of jaw muscles are typically implicated in the evolution and shape of the dorsotemporal fenestra on the skull roof of amniotes. However, the dorsotemporal fenestrae of many archosaurian reptiles possess smooth excavations rostral and dorsal to the dorsotemporal fossa which closely neighbors the dorsotemporal fenestra and jaw muscle attachments. Previous research has typically identified this region, here termed the frontoparietal fossa, to also have attachment surfaces for jaw-closing muscles. However, numerous observations of extant and extinct archosaurs described here suggest that other tissues are instead responsible for the size and shape of the frontoparietal fossa. This study reviewed the anatomical evidence that support soft-tissue hypotheses of the frontoparietal fossa and its phylogenetic distribution among sauropsids. Soft-tissue hypotheses (i.e., muscle, pneumatic sinus, vascular tissues) were analyzed using anatomical, imaging and in vivo thermography techniques within a phylogenetic framework using extant and extinct taxa to determine the inferential power underlying the reconstruction of the soft tissues in the skull roofs of dinosaurs, pseudosuchians, and other reptiles. Relevant anatomical features argue for rejection of the default hypothesis-that the fossa was muscular-due to a complete lack of osteological correlates reflective of muscle attachment. The most-supported inference of soft tissues is that the frontoparietal fossa contained a large vascular structure and adipose tissue. Despite the large sizes and diverse morphologies of these fossae found among dinosaur taxa, these data suggest that non-avian dinosaurs had the anatomical foundation to support physiologically significant vascular devices and/or vascular integumentary structures on their skull roofs. Anat Rec, 303:1060-1074, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.