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Extensor hallucis longus innervation: an anatomic study.

Thirty legs from skeletally mature embalmed cadavers were dissected to define the most common pattern and the variants of innervation of the extensor hallucis longus muscle and its clinical significance. Twenty-seven muscles had only one innervating branch (90%). Only three muscles had two innervating branches (10%). Twenty-one of the branches entered the muscles from the fibular side (63.6%), six entered the muscles from the tibial side (18.2%), and six entered the muscles from the anterior edge (18.2%). The branches innervating the extensor hallucis longus from the fibular side had a closer relation with the fibular periosteum than those entering the muscle from the tibial side or the anterior edge. The mean length of these branches between their points of origin and entry in the extensor hallucis longus was 5.0 +/- 1.5 cm. The high risk zone for the iatrogenic injury to the muscular branch of the extensor hallucis longus was located between 5.9 +/- 1.7 and 10.9 +/- 1.7 cm inferior to the most distal palpable point of the fibular head. The current study confirmed that the extensor hallucis longus was supplied mostly by one nerve that usually entered the muscle from the fibular side and had a close relation to the fibular periosteum in the dangerous zone.

Cadaver↗

The role of soft tissues in plate fixation of proximal phalanx fractures.

The tension band effect of plate fixation and the contribution of soft tissues to that effect was examined biomechanically in human proximal phalanges. Forty-six proximal phalanges in whole cadaver hands with all soft tissues in place (intact) and 43 proximal phalanges stripped of soft tissues (denuded) were tested. After midshaft osteotomy, each proximal phalanx was fixed internally with a dorsal minicondylar plate, a lateral minicondylar plate, a dorsal straight plate, or a lateral straight plate. Specimens were tested in three-point apex dorsal bending to clinical failure, defined as 30 degrees angulation. Ultimate moment (stability) at this angulation was similar among the four fixation methods in the specimens with all soft tissues intact. Stability also was similar among these methods in the denuded specimens. There were no significant differences in stability between minicondylar and straight plates or between dorsal and lateral plates in the specimens with soft tissues, nor were there significant differences between these groups in the denuded specimens. The stability of the four fixation methods was significantly greater in the specimens with soft tissues than in the denuded specimens. Soft tissues increased the stability of lateral minicondylar plates by 163%, lateral straight plates by 157%, dorsal minicondylar plates by 126%, and dorsal straight plates by 104%, providing a dorsal tension band effect that counteracted the buttress (compression) of the volar fracture surfaces of the phalanx. The results suggest that in the clinical setting a laterally placed straight or minicondylar plate may provide as much stability to a phalanx with a midshaft fracture as does the traditional, more invasive dorsally placed minicondylar or straight plate. These findings must be evaluated with caution, however, because all specimens were from embalmed cadavers, and the formalin fixation may have augmented the stability and stiffness of the soft tissues in the intact specimens. A subsequent pilot study comparing intact proximal phalangeal specimens that were formalin-fixed with those that were fresh-frozen showed a significant increase in stability and stiffness of formalin-fixed specimens.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Tibialis posterior muscle: the fifth compartment?

The posterior aspect of 51 embalmed cadaver legs in 50 cadavers was dissected to establish the prevalence of a separate compartment for the tibialis posterior muscle (TP). All dissections revealed the presence of a superficial and a deep posterior compartment. No distinct fascial septum separated the TP from the flexor digitorum longus (FDL) and flexor hallucis longus (FHL). We conclude that the TP does not commonly rest within its own osseofascial compartment and thus does not require isolated decompression for acute compartment syndrome of the leg. An incidental observation, frequently overlooked in the anatomy literature, was a supplemental tendon of origin of the FDL. In addition to the classically described tibial origin, several cadavers exhibited a proximal fibular tendon of origin for the FDL. One cadaver demonstrated the FDL to have an extensive fibular origin that completely covered the TP, forming a myotendinous fifth compartment. We feel that the variable fibular origin can explain the chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the TP described previously by Davey et al. and serves as a basis for a minor alteration in our fasciotomy technique.

Aged↗

Optimal technique of screw placement in the ischial tuberosity for posterior acetabular fractures.

Thirty dry adult bony specimens and eight embalmed cadavers were used to report on the morphological data of the ischial tuberosity and to determine the most optimal technique for ischial tuberosity screw placement for open reduction and internal fixation of posterior acetabular fractures. The average width, height, and depth of the ischial tuberosity were 27.0 mm, 32.2 mm, and 32.4 mm, respectively. The average angles between the posterior and medial aspects and between the posterior and lateral aspects of the ischial tuberosities were 79.5 degrees, and 111.5 degrees, respectively. The risk to the internal pudendal neurovascular bundle increases with either a more medially placed screw or a laterally placed screw that is angled medially. The tendinous origin of the hamstrings becomes quite substantial (7-10 mm thick) at a point 2 cm distal to the inferior acetabular margin. The exposure of the ischial tuberosity should therefore be restricted to this level. The entry point of the screws should be 5 mm or 10 mm medial to the lateral margin of the ischial tuberosity, and the screws should be directed 35-40 degrees, 45-50 degrees, and 50-55 degrees caudally at the level of the inferior acetabular margin and 1 cm and 2 cm below it, respectively, to obtain the most favorable bony purchase.

Acetabulum↗

Split fractures of the lateral tibial plateau: evaluation of three fixation methods.

A laboratory study was performed to compare the stability and ultimate strength of three standard fixation techniques for split-type lateral tibial plateau fractures. The three methods of fixation were (a) three 6.5-mm cancellous lag screws with washers; (b) two 6.5-mm cancellous lag screws with washers and an additional antiglide 4.5-mm cortical screw with washer; and (c) six-hole L-shaped buttress plate. Twelve pairs of embalmed mildly osteopenic lower extremities were used. Simulated split-type lateral tibial plateau fractures were created, reduced, and then instrumented in a matched pair design. The instrumented specimens were axially loaded to determine resistance to displacement, cyclically loaded to 10,000 cycles to determine dynamic stability, and then loaded to failure. There were no statistically significant differences found between resistance to displacement or failure strength as a function of either fragment size or sample bone density. On the basis of biomechanical stability, there appears to be no difference between the three fixation techniques tested. The results of this study suggest that use of an antiglide screw or buttress plate does not offer an advantage over lag screw fixation alone for the treatment of split type lateral tibial plateau fractures.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Biomechanical comparison of intramedullary and percutaneous pin fixation for proximal humeral fracture fixation.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanical strength and durability of intramedullary nailing (IM) and percutaneous pinning (PP) for fixation of three-part proximal humeral fractures using a cadaveric model. DESIGN: Three-part surgical neck fractures were created in paired embalmed cadaveric humeri. Fractures were fixed with IM and PP fixation. The fixation stiffness and durability was assessed under cyclic rotational loading (infraspinatus) ramping from 0.1 to 1.25 Newton-meters for 10,000 cycles. The specimen were then torsionally loaded to failure. SETTING: Mechanical testing was performed using a servohydraulic test system (MTS, Minneapolis, MN, U.S.A.). INTERVENTION: PP fixations were accomplished using standard multiplane techniques. IM fixation was attained using an 11.0-millimeter-diameter curved rod interlocked proximally with three splayed 5.0-millimeter cancellous screws and distally with three 3.5-millimeter cortical screws. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: During cyclic loading the reconstruction stiffness, angular migration, and angular displacement per cycle were measured and compared between fixation methods. The ultimate torque at failure, absolute angular migration, and reconstruction stiffness during failure were recorded and compared between fixation methods during destructive testing. RESULTS: The intramedullary device had greater stiffness and less angular displacement of fragments during cyclic loading. When loading the reconstructions to failure, the intramedullary device proved to have greater failure torques, stiffness, energy absorbed, and angular displacement before failure. CONCLUSIONS: This biomechanical study showed that the IM device provided a stronger, more stable, and durable fixation option than did PP fixation for large-fragment multipart proximal humeral fractures with minimal comminution.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Biomechanical comparison of fixation methods in transverse olecranon fractures: a cadaveric study.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Our null hypothesis was that no difference in fracture displacement would be detected between traditional monofilament wire and Kirschner wire placement versus three modified tension-band techniques for transverse olecranon fractures. STUDY DESIGN: A nested form of the repeated measures design with twenty-two paired embalmed elbows (subjects grouped by sex and nested within the fracture method). METHODS: Transverse osteotomies were created at the olecranon and stabilized with four techniques. One hundred cycles of loading were applied to achieve a peak flexion bending moment at the fracture of nine newton-meters. At the onset of testing, the triceps tendon was anchored at an initial elbow flexion angle of 70 degrees. RESULTS: When using a monofilament figure-eight loop, oblique Kirschner wire placement into the anterior ulnar cortex provided greater resistance to tensile force than intramedullary Kirschner wires (p = 0.04). With intramedullary Kirschner wire placement, 1.6-millimeter-diameter braided cable in both figure-eight (p < 0.0001) and circular loop (p < 0.0001) designs allowed less fracture displacement than did the 1.0-millimeter-diameter monofilament wire. There was no difference between figure-eight and circular loop configurations when using braided cable (p = 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: In transverse noncomminuted olecranon fractures, fixation with monofilament wire is superior with Kirschner wire placement into the anterior ulnar cortex. With intramedullary Kirschner wires, fixation using braided cable is significantly improved over that with monofilament wire. When using braided cable, figure-eight and circular loop designs allow similar displacements. Braided cable or anterior cortical Kirschner wire purchase increases the stability of fixation over that achieved with the traditional method.

Adult↗

Stability of open-book pelvic fractures using a new biomechanical model of single-limb stance.

OBJECTIVE: A new biomechanical model of single-limb stance was developed to test the stability of intact, injured, and internally fixed pelves. DESIGN: Single-limb stance was simulated by applying muscle forces and body mass loading to cadaver pelves. We created a rotationally unstable "open-book" pelvic injury in nine embalmed pelves by dividing the ligaments of the pubic symphysis, pelvic floor, and anterior and interosseus sacroiliac joint. All pelves were devoid of gross structural abnormalities. INTERVENTION: Two methods of internal fixation of the pubis symphysis were compared: (a) a curved six-hole 3.5-millimeter reconstruction plate across the superior pubic symphysis, and (b) the same six-hole 3.5-millimeter reconstruction plate plus a perpendicularly oriented four-hole 3.5-millimeter reconstruction plate placed across the anterior symphysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: We measured vertical shear displacement at the public symphysis and horizontal displacement at the anterior sacroiliac joint. The results for the injured and fixed specimens were compared with each other and with the results for the intact specimens. RESULTS: The injured unfixed specimens showed marked instability that was prevented by both methods of fixation of the pubic symphysis. No significant differences could be demonstrated between single and double plating of the disrupted pubic symphysis when using this single-limb stance model. CONCLUSION: This model of single-limb stance suggests that a single symphyseal plate across the pubic symphysis can stabilize the open-book injury under short-term quasi-static loads.

Aged↗

Biomechanical comparison of fixation methods in transverse patella fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To compare monofilament wire versus braided cable for stabilizing transverse patella fractures using the modified AO tension band technique. DESIGN: A randomized blocked (paired) study comparing two fixation methods. Statistical analysis was performed using a nested repeated measures analysis, followed by Bonferroni post hoc testing. METHODS: Seven paired embalmed knees (mean age 71.8 years, SD 14.6 years) were dissected, and transverse fractures were simulated. The knees were reduced and randomly fixed by either two parallel 0.062-inch Kirschner wires with a 1.0-millimeter-diameter 316L stainless steel monofilament wire tension loop or two Kirschner wires with a 1.0-millimeter-diameter 316L stainless steel braided cable tension loop. Knees were tested by applying a cyclic load through the suprapatellar tendon between twenty and 300 newtons for thirty cycles. RESULTS: The maximum fracture displacement increased with each cycle of loading for both the braided cable and monofilament wire tension loop configurations (p = 0.0001). The average peak displacement at the thirtieth cycle was 2.25 millimeters for monofilament wire and 0.73 millimeters for the cable. When comparing both methods for all cycles, the braided cable allowed less fracture displacement than did the monofilament wire (p = 0.002), and the rate of increase per cycle of maximum fracture displacement was less for the cable than for the wire (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In transverse, noncomminuted patella fractures, fixation with two Kirschner wires and a 1.0-millimeter braided cable tension loop was superior to the monofilament wire tension loop. Most importantly, the braided cable afforded more predictable results during cyclic loading.

Aged↗

Fixation of periprosthetic femoral shaft fractures: a biomechanical comparison of two techniques.

OBJECTIVE: To determine which of two currently used techniques for the treatment of periprosthetic femoral shaft fractures provides the greater fixation rigidity and strength. DESIGN: A laboratory study using six matched pairs of femurs. METHODS: Embalmed femur prosthesis constructs had a simulated periprosthetic fracture created and were fixed with a plate with proximal cables and distal bicortical screws (Ogden concept) or two allograft struts and cables. Fixation stability was compared in various loading modalities before and after cycling. They were then tested to failure. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Fixation rigidity was defined as the ratio of applied load to the amount of displacement at the fracture. RESULTS: In all loading modalities, the Ogden construct was more rigid than the allograft strut fixation. The Ogden construct required 1,295 newtons for failure and the allograft strut fixation required 950 newtons (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The Ogden construct provided a more rigid and stronger initial fixation of a periprosthetic fracture than did the allograft construct.

Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip↗

Soft tissue injuries with the use of safe corridors for transfixion wire placement during external fixation of distal tibia fractures: an anatomic study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine which soft tissue structures are at risk and when joint violation can occur during small wire placement for hybrid external fixation of distal tibial fractures while adhering to published guidelines. DESIGN: Cadaver anatomic experiment. SETTING: University orthopaedic program. SUJBECTS: Five embalmed cadavers. INTERVENTION: Placement of small wire transfixion pins in the distal tibia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Dissection and measurements. METHODS: Four orthopaedic surgeons were shown diagrams that have been widely accepted as allowing for placement of transfixion pins in the distal tibia through safe corridors. Each of the orthopaedic surgeons was then asked to place two transfixion pins into each of five cadaver legs in a position that would provide stable external fixation of the metaphysis to the diaphysis with a circular fixator (forty pins total) for a distal tibial fracture within five centimeters of the plafond. The specimens were dissected, and pins impaling neurovascular structures, tendons, or the ankle capsule were recorded. The superior capsular synovial reflections were measured from the anterior joint line and the tip of the medial malleolus. These measurements were also performed on arthrograms of two extremities before their dissection. RESULTS: Fifty-five percent of the pins placed impaled at least one tendon that crosses the ankle joint. Neurovascular structures that were impaled included the saphenous vein (+/-10.5 percent) and the superficial peroneal nerve (+/-7.5 percent). One pin violated the superior capsular synovial reflection, which was an average of thirty-two millimeters (+/-1.58 millimeters) from the tip of the medial malleolus and twenty-one millimeters (+/-1.63 millimeters) from the anteromedial joint line. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that tendons and neurovascular structures above the ankle are at risk during small transfixion pin placement, even when using safe corridors. Pins placed within two centimeters of the anterior joint line or three centimeters from the medial malleolus may be intracapsular.

Bone Nails↗

Capitellum fractures: a biomechanical evaluation of three fixation methods.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relative stability of three fixation methods for displaced capitellum fractures. DESIGN: Twelve matched pairs of embalmed humeri were divided into two equal groups and simulated capitellum fractures created. The first group compared cancellous lag screws placed in an anteroposterior direction to screws placed in the posteroanterior direction. The second group compared the Acutrac compression screw, inserted anteroposteriorly, to the more stable construct from the first test group. METHODS: All specimens were cyclically tested with simulated physiologic loading. Both displacement of the capitellum over a range of cycles and the number of cycles to failure were recorded. RESULTS: Fixation with posteroanteriorly directed cancellous lag screws was significantly more stable than anteroposteriorly directed screws at 2000 cycles (p = 0.007); loads to failure were not statistically different. Fixation by the Acutrac screws was significantly more stable than posteroanterior cancellous screws at 2000 cycles (p = 0.03). The Acutrac fixation had a higher failure load; however, this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The headless screws tested in this biomechanical study provided more stable fixation of capitellum fractures in the cadaveric specimens than four-millimeter partially threaded cancellous lag screws and may do so in the clinical setting. When the cancellous lag screws were tested, insertion in the posteroanterior direction provided more stable fixation than the anteroposterior direction and has clinical benefit of not violating the articular surface. Ultimately, the decision of which method to use lies with the attending surgeon and the technique with which he or she feels most comfortable.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Biomechanical evaluation of a new type of hip compression screw with retractable talons.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the biomechanical performance of a compression hip screw with four reversibly deployable talons. We hypothesized that the talons would increase purchase strength of the lag screw and prevent rotation of the femoral head by resisting torsional forces between the lag screw and the femoral head. DESIGN: Reproducible, stable two-part intertrochanteric fractures were created on matched pairs of embalmed human femurs. Fractures were fixed using the compression hip screw with either the talons deployed (talon) or not deployed (screw) configuration. Pre- and postimplantation radiographs and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scans were used to ensure geometric and balanced equivalency between contralateral limbs. Torsional tests were performed on femoral pairs at 1 Hz for 5000 cycles prior to torque failure. Compression tests were performed on femoral pairs with the screw in the inferior or central position. RESULTS: Peak torque and torque at 15 degrees of rotation were significantly greater for the talon versus screw device (6.5 +/- 1.7 Nm vs. 1.9 +/- 1.7 Nm for peak torque, P = 0.0002; and 4.2 +/- 2.0 Nm vs. 1.2 +/- 1.2 Nm for torque at 15 degrees rotation, P = 0.003). The peak compressive forces generated by the talon device were significantly greater than for the screw device in the inferior position (P = 0.005), with compression values of 1398 +/- 467 N and 713 +/- 323 N, respectively. Peak compression forces did not differ significantly between talon and screw devices in the central position. CONCLUSIONS: Talon deployment significantly improved interfragment compression and torsional strength. Engagement or penetration into or through the cortical bone at the base of the femoral head-neck junction in the inferior lag screw position is the critical technical step to maximize the talon purchase.

Adult↗

Mismatch of current intramedullary nails with the anterior bow of the femur.

OBJECTIVES: The anterior curvature of the femur affects intramedullary nail insertion, revision prosthesis design, and the biomechanics of the proximal femur. Two previous studies, using small numbers of femurs, determined femoral curvature and showed that it was significantly greater than that of the several intramedullary nails they evaluated. In this study, the curvature of 948 femurs (474 matched pairs) was determined and compared with current intramedullary nails. The correlation of femoral curvature to age, gender, femoral size, and race was also evaluated. SETTING: Museum skeletal collections and a hospital biomechanics laboratory. METHODS: The curvature of 892 femurs (446) from the skeletal collections of 2 museums was measured by processing the digital images of the femurs with a computer curve-fitting program. Fifty-six additional, embalmed femurs (28 pairs) from our collection were also digitally imaged and then radiographed and their medullary curvatures similarly determined for comparison. Curvatures of 8 current antegrade intramedullary nails and 3 long-stemmed femoral hip prostheses were obtained from manufacturers and confirmed by measurements from their templates after digitization. RESULTS: We found the average femoral anterior radius of curvature was 120 cm (+/- 36 cm). There was no effect of age on femoral curvature nor was there a correlation between femoral width or femoral length to curvature. Black donor femurs had less curvature than white donor femurs (P < 0.001). There was close correlation (r = 0.967) between the femoral curvatures determined from the digital images and the radiographs. Radii of curvature of the intramedullary nails ranged from 186 to 300 cm (eg, straighter than the femurs). CONCLUSIONS: There was a large mismatch between the curvature of some current antegrade intramedullary nails and the average femur. Although this is only 1 factor affecting nail insertion, the mismatch warrants a reappraisal of these intramedullary nail designs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Because ease of intramedullary nail insertion and possibility of cortical comminution are determined by a number of factors including insertion point and fracture location, it appears that a decrease in radii of curvature (less straight) of current nail designs is warranted, particularly for those larger diameter nails designed for hip fracture stabilization that have greater rigidity due to design or material.

Anthropometry↗

Biomechanical comparison of sacroiliac screw techniques for unstable pelvic ring fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the stiffness and strength of various sacroiliac screw fixations to compare different sacroiliac screw techniques. DESIGN: Randomized comparative study on embalmed human pelvises. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 12 specimens, we created a symphysiolysis and sacral fractures on both sides. Each of these 24 sacral fractures was fixed with 1 of the following methods: 1 sacroiliac screw in the vertebral body of S1, 2 screws convergingly in S1, or 1 screw in S1 and 1 in S2. On the left and right side of a pelvis, different techniques were used. The pubic symphysis was not stabilized. We measured the translation and rotation stiffness of the fixations and the load to failure using a 3-dimensional video system. RESULTS: The stiffness of the intact posterior pelvic ring was superior to any screw technique. Significant differences were found for the load to failure and rotation stiffness between the techniques with 2 screws and a single screw in S1. The techniques utilizing 2 screws showed no differences. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this study, we can conclude that a second sacroiliac screw in completely unstable pelvic fractures increases rotation stiffness and improves the load to failure.

Aged↗

Knowles pinning of experimental femoral neck fractures: biomechanical study.

This experimental study demonstrates the rigidity and durability of Knowles pin fixation of femoral neck fractures. Embalmed proximal femora were utilized. A "fracture' was created by osteotomy, then reduced and fixed with Knowles pins. Four groups of reduction and pin configurations were created ("optimal reduction and pinning,' "poor reduction,' "inadequate pinning,' and "comminution') to simulate the clinical situation. With the Materials Testing Systems(MTS) machine, 3 months of walking by a patient with a femoral neck fracture were simulated. Results suggest that Knowles pinning of a femoral neck fracture can provide adequate support for immediate full weight-bearing ambulation until fracture healing. Stability and durability of fixation are compromised by loss of cortical bone support by "comminution,' short nonparallel pins not engaging the subchondral bone, and osteoporosis evidenced by a low Singh index.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Experimental evaluation of scaphoid X-series, carpal box radiographs, planar tomography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of scaphoid fracture.

AIM: In this study, we evaluated scaphoid X-series, Carpal Box radiographs (longitudinal and transverse), planar tomography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of scaphoid fracture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the planar technique in the diagnosis of scaphoid fracture. The use of planar tomography, CT, and MRI was to see whether these methods are useful in the diagnosis of scaphoid fracture when other diagnostics modalities remains negative. METHODS: Twenty-eight embalmed human cadaver specimens were used, in 23 of which fractures of the scaphoid were produced mechanically. Scaphoid X-series, Carpal Box posterior-anterior radiographs in ulnar deviation (X-CB), Carpal Box posterior-anterior views with the hand in 15-degree supination and ulnar deviation (X-CB 15-degree) were acted in all specimens, CT in eight wrists, planar tomography in seven wrists, and MRI in five wrists. The anatomic analysis of the specimens was used as the gold standard for comparison. Scaphoid X-series, Carpal Box radiographs, and planar tomography were judged independently and in a blind fashion by six observers, and CT and MRI were also judged independently and in a blind fashion by three radiologists. The observers were asked if they could recognize a scaphoid fracture. The agreement among the six observers for the scaphoid X-series and X-CB was measured. RESULTS: In the 23 fractured wrists, scaphoid X-series, X-CB, X-CB 15-degree, was true positive in 12, 14, and 15 wrists, respectively, whereas these methods were true negative in cadaver wrists 1, 3, and 5. CT was true positive in five of five fractured wrists and true negative in three of three negative wrists. Planar tomography was true positive in one of four fractured wrists and true negative in two of three nonfractured wrists. MRI was obtained in five wrists (one without a fracture), of which the fracture was recognized in only two. The highest agreement between observers was found in the X-CB 15-degree. CONCLUSION: From the planar investigated methods, the 15-degree Carpal Box posterior-anterior, longitudinal and transverse views were most accurate in recognizing scaphoid fracture with also the highest agreement between the observers.

Cadaver↗

Extradural extranasal combined transmaxillary transsphenoidal approach to the cavernous sinus: a minimally invasive microsurgical model.

UNLABELLED: The authors have previously described an extradural transmaxillary approach to the anterior compartment of the cavernous sinus. In an effort to expand the surgical access to that area without necessitating a craniotomy or wide transfacial dissection, they present a modification of the transmaxillary approach to the sellar region and cavernous sinus. METHODS: The approach was developed on 12 fresh and 12 embalmed cadaveric specimen, and 2 dry skulls. The initial sublabial incision is followed by a maxillotomy to expose the course of the infraorbital nerve (terminal branch of maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve) on the roof of the maxillary sinus. The route of the infraorbital nerve is traced to the pterygopalatine fossa as a guide to the foramen rotundum. Superomedial drilling of the foramen rotundum is then performed to reveal the contents of the superior orbital fissure. After the nerves are safely identified in the superior orbital fissure, medial enlargement of the window into the cavernous sinus is made possible by drilling the lateral and posterior wall and septum of the sphenoid sinus. RESULTS: The combined transmaxillary transsphenoidal approach offers an excellent exposure of the sellar and infrasellar region. The approach offers clear visualization of the ipsilateral loop of the carotid artery, the pituitary fossa, and the cranial nerves of the ipsilateral cavernous sinus. Mean operative reach is 38 mm from the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus to the ipsilateral carotid loop and 56 mm to the contralateral loop. The width of the operative window is 26 mm at the base within the cavernous sinus. CONCLUSION: The model offers a minimally invasive approach that avoids the need for craniotomy or violating the nasal cavity. It may be safely employed to access vascular as well as invasive lesions of the sellar and infrasellar region. The approach offers excellent visualization of the ipsilateral intracavernous carotid artery with both proximal and distal control, as well as cranial nerves III, IV, VI, V2, the hypophyseal region, and the medial aspect of the contralateral cavernous sinus.

Cavernous Sinus↗