The History of Discovery of Adult Neurogenesis.

Clin Anat. 2020 Jan;33(1):41-55. doi: 10.1002/ca.23447. Epub 2019 Aug 19.

Owji SShoja MM.


Abstract

The scientific community's understanding of neuronal plasticity has evolved considerably over recent decades, thanks largely to Josef Altman. Altman's findings laid the groundwork for an entire subfield of neuroscience research dedicated to exploring the potential of the adult brain to create new neurons, which until then had been considered impossible. From the formative years of this field until the 1990s, when adult neurogenesis was finally accepted as a legitimate topic of study, Altman's work was followed by a series of pivotal discoveries by a handful of other dedicated neuroscientists such as Shirley Bayer, Michael Kaplan, and Fernando Nottebohm. In any sphere of activity, some wish to maintain the status quo when change occurs; science is no different. For many years, influential figures in neuroscience dismissed and marginalized the concept of adult neurogenesis, sometimes going so far as to censor the studies and launch personal attacks against their proponents. Nevertheless, despite obstacles to their research, these scientists persisted and built upon one another's work. During the 1970s, Kaplan confirmed neurogenesis in the adult mammalian neocortex and also performed some of the first neurogenesis studies on primates. During the 1980s, Nottebohm drew on his fascination with the songs of canaries and finches to show that neurogenesis happens on a grand scale in the avian brain as well, regardless of age. Today, more than half a century after Altman's discovery, the adult neurogenesis field is growing rapidly and new research is realizing its potential to revolutionize treatment for neurodegenerative disorders and brain injuries. Clin. Anat. 32:41-55, 2019.

© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

KEYWORDS:

adult; brain; cell proliferation; history; neuron

The Lumbar Ligamentum Flavum Does Not Have Two Layers and Is Confluent with the Interspinous Ligament: Anatomical Study with Application to Surgical and Interventional Pain Procedures.

Clin Anat. 2020 Jan;33(1):34-40. doi: 10.1002/ca.23437. Epub 2019 Aug 9.

Iwanaga JIshak BSaga TSingla AImpastato DChapman JROskouian RJDavid GPorzionato AReina MAMacchi Vde Caro RTubbs RS.


Abstract

Numerous authors over the years have reported that the lumbar ligamentum flavum has two layers. Our routine cadaveric dissections raised the question whether this understanding is correct, as we always have observed only one layer. Thus, the goal of this cadaveric study was to reevaluate the layers of the ligamentum flavum. Twenty lumbar levels from five fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens were used in this study. After dissection of the lumbar spine, the ligamentum flavum and interspinous ligament were exposed. Each lumbar level was transected through the zygapophyseal joint, and hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson's trichrome staining and Verhoeff-van Gieson staining were performed. Continuation of the interspinous ligament and ligamentum flavum were observed invariably. There was no evidence of the existence of a two-layered ligamentum flavum. The lumbar ligamentum flavum does not consist of two layers, but is confluent instead with the interspinous ligament that attaches to the zygapophyseal joints. To convey this anatomy better, we suggest describing the lumbar ligamentum flavum as a structure that consists of interlaminar and interspinous parts. Precise knowledge of the ligamentum flavum's anatomy can be of clinical value, particularly when epidural anesthesia or lumbar puncture are performed. Clin. Anat. 32:34-40, 2019.

© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

KEYWORDS:

anatomy; cadaver; complications; epidural intervention; interspinous ligament; ligamentum flavum; lumbar puncture

The clinical anatomy of crucifixion.

Clin Anat. 2020 Jan;33(1):12-21. doi: 10.1002/ca.23386. Epub 2019 May 21.

Bordes SJenkins SMcBain LHanna ALoukas MTubbs RS.


Abstract

Crucifixion was a widely used form of execution for capital crimes in antiquity. Civilizations and empires perfected the technique, leading to centuries of discussions, controversies, and questions, many of which concerned the death of Jesus Christ. To this day, much remains to be discovered in both religious and scientific realms. However, the aim of this study is to discuss such facts as are known from the medical perspectives of clinical anatomists. Nails/spikes were driven through the hands/wrists and feet of five adult cadavers, and the cadavers were then dissected to observe the anatomical structures that had been injured or placed at risk for injury. While many historical and archeological facts remain to be discovered, we hope that this cadaveric study will enhance our modern understanding of ancient practices from a medical and anatomical perspective. Clin. Anat. 32:12-21, 2019.

© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

KEYWORDS:

Jesus; Jesus Christ; anatomy of crucifixion; cross; crucifixion; death by crucifixion; nails; pathophysiology of crucifixion

Anatomical Study of the Posterior Auricular Branch of the Facial Nerve: Application to Parotid Surgery.

J Craniofac Surg. 2020 Jan/Feb;31(1):300-302. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000005883.

Kikuta SIwanaga JWatanabe KKusukawa JTubbs RS.


Abstract

The posterior auricular nerve (PAN) is the first branch of the facial nerve after it leaves the stylomastoid foramen. The literature describing the anatomy of the PAN is very sparse. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to clarify the detailed anatomical features of the PAN and consider its clinical and surgical applications. The authors examined 10 sides from 6 fresh frozen adult cadaveric Caucasian heads. The PAN was observed as the first branch of the facial nerve in all specimens. During the dissection of the PAN, the posterior auricular artery was constantly near the PAN. Moreover, the PAN was located under the investing layer of deep cervical facia covering the sternocleidomastoid and mastoid process in all specimens. The diameter of the PAN was 0.82 ± 0.21 mm (range from 0.55 to 1.21). The distance from the stylomastoid foramen to where the PAN branched from the facial nerve was 0.40 ± 1.25 mm (range from 0 to 4.35). The distance from the location of this branching point of the PAN to the entering point of the PAN to any muscles was 28.03 ± 5.51 mm (range from 19.71 to 38.75). Understanding the anatomical features of the PAN is essential for performing surgical procedures in this region.

Tyler LawsComment
Releasing incisions of the buccal periosteum adjacent to the lower molar teeth can injure the facial artery: an anatomical study.

Surg Radiol Anat. 2020 Jan;42(1):31-34. doi: 10.1007/s00276-019-02319-3. Epub 2019 Sep 19.

Iwanaga JShiromoto KTubbs RS.


Abstract

PURPOSE:

Periosteal releasing incision (PRI) techniques are often used with guided bone regeneration procedures. As complications such as intra- and postoperative bleeding have been noticed, we aimed to study and clarify these as related to the PRI, especially on the mandibular buccal periosteum.

METHODS:

Fourteen sides from seven fresh-frozen Caucasian cadaveric heads were used in this study. The seven cadavers were derived from two females and five males. The mean age at the time of death was 75.9 ± 10.8 years. The PRI was made using a no. 15c blade using a surgical microscope. Subsequently, the fat tissue lateral to the periosteum was slightly dissected. The diameter of the facial artery (or its branch) and closest relationship between the tooth and position of the artery was recorded. Finally, the artery was traced back proximally to clarify its origin.

RESULTS:

On all sides, the inferior labial artery (ILA) was identified in the fat tissue lateral to and close to the periosteum. The ILA was closest to the periosteum at the midpoint of the PRI (approximately between the first and second molar teeth area or 10 mm mesial to the apex of the retromolar pad). The mean diameter of the ILA was 2.72 ± 0.26 mm.

CONCLUSION:

This anatomical finding should encourage dentists to make the PRI incision without invading the tissue underneath the periosteum.

KEYWORDS:

Blood supply; Cadaver; Complications; Dental implants; Flap advancement; Periosteum

Clinical anatomy of the accessory mandibular foramen: application to mandibular ramus osteotomy.

Surg Radiol Anat. 2020 Jan;42(1):41-47. doi: 10.1007/s00276-019-02343-3. Epub 2019 Sep 20.

Iwanaga JKikuta SIbaragi SWatanabe KKusukawa JTubbs RS.


Abstract

PURPOSE:

An accessory foramen around the mandibular foramen is called an accessory mandibular foramen (AMF). The clinical anatomy of the AMF has not been well described. The aim of this study was to reveal the clinical anatomy of the AMF for a better understanding of its implication during ramus surgeries.

METHODS:

Twenty-two sides fresh-frozen cadaveric heads with a mean age of 76.2 ± 14.4 years at death underwent dissection. The neurovascular bundles passing through the AMF were observed. Additionally, a hemi-face of a latex injected embalmed cadaver was dissected medially to laterally and the neurovascular bundles of the AMF investigated.

RESULTS:

A unilateral foramen, bilateral foramina, and absence of foramina were found in 45.4%, 18.2%, and 36.4%, respectively. The origin of the neurovascular bundle entering the AMF was a branch of the maxillary artery in 20% and a tributary of the inferior alveolar vein in 80%. In the latex embalmed cadaver, the AMF was found to contain a branch from the maxillary artery and a tributary of the maxillary vein.

CONCLUSION:

Given the practical meaning of the specific AMF located in the operative field of the ramus osteotomy, we suggest these be named "foramina for ramus osteotomy."

KEYWORDS:

Hemorrhage; Inferior alveolar nerve; Mandibular canal; Mandibular foramen; Maxillary artery; Orthognathic surgery

A new treatment for lingual nerve injury: an anatomical feasibility study for using a buccal nerve pedicle graft.

Surg Radiol Anat. 2020 Jan;42(1):49-53. doi: 10.1007/s00276-019-02345-1. Epub 2019 Sep 19.

Iwanaga JTubbs RS.


Abstract

PURPOSE:

Lingual nerve (LN) palsy is a serious complication in dentistry and repaired by direct suture or a free graft technique. To our knowledge, there has been no study using a (long) buccal nerve (BN) graft as a donor for LN repair. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the location of the BN and investigate if it is feasible to reroute the BN to the LN.

METHODS:

Twenty-four sides from 12 fresh-frozen Caucasian cadaveric heads were used in this study. The mean age at death was 73.9 ± 13.4 years. The LN was dissected on the floor of the oral cavity medial to the third molar tooth. Next, the mucosa with the buccinator muscle, pterygomandibular raphe, and superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle on the retromolar area was retracted anteriorly to widen the pathway of the LN. Finally, the BN was cut and transposed to the LN through this widened pathway to its feasibility.

RESULTS:

The mean diameter of the BN and vertical distance from the horizontal part of the retromolar trigone to the BN was 1.47 ± 0.32 mm and 18.53 ± 6.21 mm, respectively. On all sides, the BN was able to be transposed to the LN without tension.

CONCLUSION:

Such a technique might be used for the patients with LN injury and who have lost sensation of the tongue.

KEYWORDS:

Buccal nerve; Feasibility studies; Lingual nerve; Nerve graft; Nerve palsy; Nerve repair

Prevalence and Clinical Implications of the Primitive Trigeminal Artery and its Variants: A Meta-Analysis.

World Neurosurg. 2020 Jan;133:e401-e411. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.09.042. Epub 2019 Sep 16.

Brzegowy KPękala PAZarzecki MPPękala JRRoy JAziz HMTubbs RSWalocha JATomaszewski KAMikos M.


Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The primitive trigeminal artery (PTA) is the most common and the largest persistent carotid-basilar anastomosis. Primitive trigeminal artery variants (PTAVs) are anastomoses between the internal carotid artery and cerebellar arteries. These vessels pose a risk of hemorrhagic or ischemic complications during neurosurgical procedures in the parasellar and intrasellar regions. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of both PTA and PTAVs and their clinically important anatomic features.

METHODS:

Major electronic databases were thoroughly searched for studies on PTA and PTAV. References in the included articles were also evaluated. Data regarding prevalence, laterality, origin, course patterns, and associated anomalies were extracted and pooled into a meta-analysis.

RESULTS:

A total of 39 studies (110,866 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. The total pooled prevalence estimate of PTA and PTAVs combined was 0.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.3-0.5). Individually, PTA was present in 0.3% of patients and PTAV in 0.2%. Both arteries most often originated from the C4 internal carotid artery and took a course lateral to the dorsum sellae. The anterior inferior cerebellar artery type was the predominant PTAV (72.1%). Basilar artery hypoplasia was found in 42.5% of patients with a PTA.

CONCLUSIONS:

PTA and PTAVs are rare vessels, but they are clinically important because they can contribute to trigeminal neuralgia. Knowledge of the potential course of these arteries is essential in neuroradiology and neurosurgery, especially in minimally invasive procedures such as the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach to the pituitary gland and the percutaneous gasserian ganglion procedure.

Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

KEYWORDS:

Carotid-basilar anastomosis; Fetal intracranial artery; Internal carotid artery; Primitive trigeminal artery; Vascular anatomy

The bridging bronchus: A comprehensive review of a rare, potentially life-threatening congenital airway anomaly associated with cardiovascular defects.

Pediatr Pulmonol. 2019 Dec;54(12):1895-1904. doi: 10.1002/ppul.24488. Epub 2019 Aug 29.

Henry BMCheruiyot IWong LMKeet KMutua VChhapola VTubbs RS.


Abstract

The bridging bronchus is a rare congenital airway anomaly in which the right upper lobe of the lung is supplied by the right main bronchus while the right lower lobe, and often the right middle lobe is supplied by an aberrant bronchus arising from the left main bronchus. The aberrant bronchus crosses (bridges) the lower part of the mediastinum, hence the term bridging bronchus (BB). This potentially life-threatening condition, usually accompanied by diffuse or focal airway stenosis, commonly presents with signs and symptoms related to large airway obstruction, such as respiratory distress, apnea, wheezing, stridor, and recurrent respiratory tract infections. Diagnosis of the BB is often challenging because the associated signs and symptoms mimic those of common conditions such as bacterial and viral bronchiolitis, bronchial asthma, cystic fibrosis, and foreign body aspiration. The BB is also often accompanied by congenital cardiovascular anomalies, including left pulmonary artery sling, atrial, and ventricular septal defects, tetralogy of Fallot, patent ductus arteriosus, and coarctation of the aorta. Patients presenting with the above signs and symptoms who are not responsive to standard treatment modalities, and have accompanying cardiovascular congenital anomalies should, therefore, be investigated for the BB. Herein, we review the anatomy, embryology, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, imaging techniques and surgical management of the BB.

© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

KEYWORDS:

bridging bronchus; congenital airway anomalies; tracheobronchial anomalies

The simian crease: Relationship to various genetic disorders.

Clin Anat. 2019 Nov;32(8):1042-1047. doi: 10.1002/ca.23432. Epub 2019 Jul 25.

Wahl LDupont GTubbs RS.


Abstract

The creases of the palm have been of interest for clinicians, anthropologists, and palmists for hundreds of years, but the variations in them have only been studied during the past 50 years. The simian crease, aptly named for its resemblance to the palmar creases of nonhuman simian primates, has received recognition clinically and anthropologically owing to its abnormal appearance and confounding cytogenetic etiology. Given the rarity of these palmar creases but also their usefulness in diagnosing congenital disorders, discussion of cases of those disorders could provide clinicians with further helpful diagnostic knowledge. This review of the literature focuses on the history, embryology, genetic and hereditary origins, and clinical significance of simian creases for the benefit of the diagnosing clinician. Clin. Anat. 32:1042-1047, 2019.

© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

KEYWORDS:

dermatoglyphics; palmar creasessimian crease

Social media and cadaveric dissection: A survey study.

Clin Anat. 2019 Nov;32(8):1033-1041. doi: 10.1002/ca.23421. Epub 2019 Jun 25.

Rai RShereen RProtas MGreaney CBrooks KNIwanaga JLoukas MTubbs RS.


Abstract

The use of social media opens content to the general public and, as a result, places images of cadaveric dissection in an open forum. This raises the question: should the general public have access to such material? A survey was conducted examining whether the general public should have access to gross cadaveric dissection images and videos for educational purposes via social media. Both medical and laypersons were queried. Questions included in the survey considered whether images were too graphic, whether online cadaveric content should be age-restricted, and whether consent by the deceased was necessary. A link to the survey was accessible to 63,562 followers through the Seattle Science Foundation's Facebookpage for 3 weeks. Among 300 responders, 89% (267/300) agreed that portrayals of cadaveric specimens/dissection on social media should be accessible by the general public for anatomical education, and 84.67% (254/300) stated that cadaveric dissection is not too graphic for untrained eyes. There was agreement by 60.33% (181/300) that an age restriction should be in place for the viewing of cadaveric dissection on social media, and 39.33% (253/300) of responders suggested restriction to 18 years and older. No statistically significant association was noted between a prior or current history of anatomy education and the frequency of positive responses to the survey questions. Social media is an innovative tool for dispensing anatomical education. The use of cadaveric images and videos provides accessibility to the general public who wish to learn more about human anatomy and their own body. Clin. Anat. 32:1033-1041, 2019.

© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

KEYWORDS:

anatomy; body donation; cadaver; cadaveric dissection; social media

A Relationship Between the Supratrochlear Nerve and Trochlea: Anatomical Study and Application to Migraine Headaches.

J Craniofac Surg. 2019 Nov-Dec;30(8):2497-2498. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000005920.

Kikuta SIwanaga JWatanabe KKusukawa JTubbs RS.


Abstract

Supratrochlear nerve (STN) is a terminal branch of the frontal nerve arising from the ophthalmic nerve (V1). Compression of the STN by adjacent structures might result in migraine headaches. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship of the STN and trochlea for a better understanding of potential entrapment of the STN. Nineteen orbits from ten fresh-frozen cadaveric heads were dissected. The relationship of the STN and the trochlea was classified into three types: In type I, the STN passed lateral to the trochlea; In type II, the STN passed through the trochlea; In type III, the STN passed medial to the trochlea. Type I was found in 52.6% (10/19 sides), type II was found in 42.1% (8/19 sides), and type III was seen in 3.4% (1/19 sides). In type III, both the STN and infratrochlear nerve were identified as separate branches. The authors propose a new classification of the pathway of the STN based on its relationship with the trochlea. This study might shed light on headaches emanating from this region.

Tyler LawsComment
An Anatomical Feasibility Study Using a Great Auricular Nerve Graft for Ipsilateral Inferior Alveolar Nerve Repair.

J Craniofac Surg. 2019 Nov-Dec;30(8):2625-2627. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000005739.

Iwanaga JAltafulla JJKikuta STubbs RS.


Abstract

The great auricular nerve (GAN) has been used for trigeminal and facial nerve repair and the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) are often sacrificed during segmental mandibulectomy. To our knowledge, only 1 case report has discussed IAN repair using GAN after segmental mandibulectomy. The goal of this study is to clarify the feasibility of using GAN for IAN repair. Eleven sides from 6 fresh frozen Caucasian cadavers were used for this study. The mean age at the time of death was 82.3 years. A submandibular skin incision was made 2 finger breadths below and parallel to the inferior border of the mandible. The GAN was identified and then the mental foramen was found via extraoral dissection. The buccal cortical bone was removed 5 mm posterior to the mental foramen to the wisdom tooth area. Next, the anteroposterior length of the window was measured. The diameter of the IAN at the first molar tooth area was measured. Finally, the GAN was cut with maximum available length to compare to the length of the window in the mandible. The anteroposterior length of the window and diameter of the IAN ranged from 23.1 to 31.2 mm and 1.2 to 2.1 mm, respectively. The length of the available GAN was longer than the ipsilateral bony window of the mandible on all sides. This study might encourage surgeons to consider a new way to treat patients who undergo segmental resection of the mandible with surgical neck dissection with injury to their IAN.

Tyler LawsComment
Outcome After Extreme Lateral Transpsoas Approach: Corpectomies Versus Interbody Fusion.

World Neurosurg. 2019 Nov;131:e170-e175. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.07.102. Epub 2019 Jul 19.

Yilmaz Evon Glinski AIshak BAbdul-Jabbar ABlecher RO'Lynnger TAlonso FBenca EChapman JROskouian RJ.


Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

The lateral transpsoas approach (LTPA) has gained popularity in thoracolumbar spine surgery procedures; however, there is an insufficient amount of data pertaining to motor and sensory complications that arise when a corpectomy is performed through the LTPA approach.

METHODS:

Patients who underwent a corpectomy through a LTPA at a single institution between 2006 and 2016 were analyzed. Demographics, neurological outcomes, and complications were recorded. The minimum follow-up was 6 months. Univariate analysis was performed to compare demographics, surgical characteristics, complications, and outcome scores. To compare categorical variables, the χ2 test was used. For continuous outcomes, simple linear regression was used. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS:

A total of 166 patients were included. The patients were divided into 2 groups; LTPA without corpectomy (n = 112) versus LTPA with corpectomy (n = 54). Patients without corpectomy showed a significantly lower rate of postoperative infections compared with patients with corpectomy (3.6% vs. 22.2%; P < 0.000). A higher percentage of postoperative complications was found in patients with corpectomy (31.5% vs. 13.4%; P = 0.006). The rate of neurologic complications at the 6-month follow-up and the reoperation rate (22.7% vs. 32.4%; P = 0.256) were higher in the corpectomy group (8.9% vs. 7.4%; P = 0.741), no significant difference was found between the groups.

CONCLUSION:

Patients who underwent an LTPA corpectomy have a higher risk to suffer from postoperative complications. The results at the 6-month follow-up did not significantly differ between the groups.

Published by Elsevier Inc.

KEYWORDS:

Complications; Corpectomy; Interbody fusion; Lateral transposes approach

The Internal Cerebral Vein: New Classification of Branching Patterns Based on CTA.

AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2019 Oct;40(10):1719-1724. doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A6200. Epub 2019 Sep 5.

Brzegowy KZarzecki MPMusiał AAziz HMKasprzycki TTubbs RSPopiela TWalocha JA.


Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

The internal cerebral vein begins at the foramen of Monro by the union of the thalamostriate and the anterior septal veins. The lateral direct vein is its other major tributary. Numerous researchers have reported differences in internal cerebral vein branching patterns but did not classify them. Hence, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the anatomy of the internal cerebral vein and its primary tributaries and classify them depending on their course patterns using CTA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Head CTAs of 250 patients were evaluated in this study, in which we identified the number and termination of the anterior septal vein and the lateral direct vein. The course of the lateral direct vein and its influence on the number of thalamostriate veins and their diameters and courses were assessed. The anterior septal vein-internal cerebral vein junctions and their locations in relation to the foramen of Monro also were evaluated.

RESULTS:

We classified internal cerebral vein branching patterns into 4 types depending on the presence of an extra vessel draining the striatum. Most commonly, the internal cerebral vein continued further as 1 thalamostriate vein (77%). The lateral direct veins were identified in 22% of the hemispheres, and usually they terminated at the middle third of the internal cerebral vein (65.45%). The most common location of the anterior septal vein-internal cerebral vein junction was anterior (57.20%), with the anterior septal vein terminating at the venous angle.

CONCLUSIONS:

Detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the deep cerebral veins is of great importance in neuroradiology and neurosurgery because iatrogenic injury to the veins may result in basal nuclei infarcts. A classification of internal cerebral vein branching patterns may aid clinicians in planning approaches to the third and lateral ventricles.

© 2019 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.

Tyler LawsComment
The carotid body and associated tumors: updated review with clinical/surgical significance.

Br J Neurosurg. 2019 Oct;33(5):500-503. doi: 10.1080/02688697.2019.1617404. Epub 2019 May 27.

Butt NBaek WKLachkar SIwanaga JMian ABlaak CShah SGriessenauer CTubbs RSLoukas M.


Abstract

Purpose: The carotid body functions as a chemoreceptor and receives richer blood supply, by weight, than any other organ in the body. We review the literature regarding the anatomy, histology, and function of the carotid body and the incidence, functionality, and clinical relevance of carotid body tumors and paragangliomas. These lesions are often nonfunctional but can be associated with catecholamine secretion. Most patients are asymptomatic or present initially with a cervical mass. As the tumors grow, they can impinge on nearby cranial nerves. Although there is some debate, the dominant clinical strategy is to surgically resect these tumors as early as possible. If they are resected early, the risk of postoperative neurovascular injury is minimized. Methods: Literature search was performed using the PubMed database with focus on articles including descriptions of the carotid body and associated tumors. Results: We reviewed recent literature that related to the anatomy of the carotid body while also including carotid pargangliomas and associated diagnosis with treatment interventions. Conclusion: As the carotid body serves as a vital modulator of cardiovascular and respiratory functions, illustrates the importance of identifying potential carotid paragangliomas due its ability to impede function of the carotid body. By understanding carotid paraganglioma's distinct etiologies while also understanding proper diagnosis of tumors allows for early detection and appropriate treatment options.

KEYWORDS:

Carotid body; carotid paraganglioma; chemodectoma; tumors

Defining, diagnosing, clarifying, and classifying the Chiari I malformations.

Childs Nerv Syst. 2019 Oct;35(10):1785-1792. doi: 10.1007/s00381-019-04172-6. Epub 2019 May 2.

Bordes SJenkins STubbs RS.


Abstract

PURPOSE:

Chiari malformations (CM) have been traditionally classified into four categories: I, II, III, and IV. In light of more recent understandings, variations of the CM have required a modification of this classification.

METHODS:

This article discusses the presentation, diagnostics, and treatment of the newer forms of hindbrain herniation associated with the CM type I.

RESULTS:

The CM 1 is a spectrum that includes some patients who do not fall into the exact category of this entity.

CONCLUSIONS:

While CM have been categorically recognized as discrete and individual conditions, newer classifications such as CM 0 and CM 1.5 exhibit some degree of continuity with CM 1; however, they require distinct and separate classification as symptoms and treatments can vary among these clinical subtypes.

KEYWORDS:

Chiari; Chiari 0; Chiari 1.5; Neurosurgery

Anatomical study: the potential movability of the inferior alveolar nerve.

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2019 Oct;128(4):353-356. doi: 10.1016/j.oooo.2019.03.014. Epub 2019 Apr 1.

Kikuta SIwanaga JKusukawa JTubbs RS.


Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Nerve repair and repositioning are procedures for treating and avoiding injury to the inferior alveolar nerve during oral and maxillofacial surgery. The present study aimed to examine how the mobility of the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle (IAB) changes with or without removing the bone around the mental foramen (MF).

STUDY DESIGN:

Six fresh-frozen cadavers (11 sides) were dissected in this study. Osteotomy in the buccal cortical bone was performed from 5 mm posterior to the MF to the distal edge of the second molar with a high-speed drill and osteotome. Next, the distance from the lateral surface of the buccal cortical bone to the retracted IAB was measured with and without removing the bone around the MF.

RESULTS:

The distance from the lateral surface of the buccal cortical bone to the retracted IAB without removing the bone around the MF was 0 mm on all sides. After removing the bone, the mean distance changed by 4.71 ± 1.41 mm (range 2.83-7.90). There was no statistically significant difference between the right and left sides.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of this study support removing the bone around the MF for increased mobility of the IAB.

Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Tyler LawsComment