This study was undertaken to elucidate the kinematics of hindfoot instability. An axial load was applied to the inverted hindfoot. Unlike prior studies, axial rotation was not constrained. Using computerized tomography, measurements were made on the axial views of external or internal rotation of the leg, talus, and calcaneus. On the coronal views, tilting of the talus at the ankle and subtalar joints was assessed. No tilting of the talus in the mortise occurred with isolated release of the anterior talofibular (ATF) or calcaneofibular (CF) ligament. In every specimen, talar tilt occurred only after both ligaments were released, averaging 20.6 degrees. External rotation of the leg occurred with inversion averaging 11.1 degrees in the intact specimen. The leg averaged a further external rotation of 4.9 degrees after ATF release and 12.8 degrees further than the intact inverted specimens when both ligaments (ATF-CF) had been released. In earlier reports on the subject, the articular surfaces were believed to be the main constraint against tilting of the talus. In those studies, either axial rotation was constrained while inversion was allowed, or vice versa. Based on the data reported here, the ATF and the CF work in tandem to prevent tilting of the talus, and the articular surfaces do not seem to prevent tilting of the talus in the mortise.

Although many are aware of the existence of a document called the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (UAGA), few are aware that there are actually two such Acts (1968 and 1987), and even fewer have read the Acts themselves. Consequently, there are many different and frequently false impressions about their purpose and content. This paper is an attempt to acquaint readers with the two UAGAs. The historical background leading to the unprecedented rapid, uniform and unanimous adoption of the 1968 Act is presented. The content, rationale, and significance of that Act are outlined. The perceived shortcomings of the first Act resulting in the much less successful and less widely‐adopted 1987 Act is explained and the major changes incorporated in the second Act are outlined. Specific features of the Acts of concern to anatomists involved in willed‐body programs, and clinicians who may become involved in body/body part donation or utilization are addressed. Finally, the relationship of the UAGA to other lines of regulation and the need to be aware of them is indicated. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

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Background Following amputation of a newt limb, tissues at the amputation site undergo histolysis to give rise to a growth bud, or blastema, but they also provide a base on which the regenerate is constructed. Studies suggest that dermal tissues may differentially resist histolysis. Methods and Results To examine stability of tissues at the amputation site, more than 80 preblastemal staged regenerating limbs were examined histologically. Initially, all soft tissues not attached to bone retracted and were covered by migrating epithelium. The dermis was seen to be stable during the first week postamputation. Muscle dedifferentiated and was heavily stained with anti‐tenascin antibodies, but the intact overlying dermis was unstained. Fiber bundles, revealed by staining with phosphotungstic acid hematoxylin, isolated the dermis from dedifferentiating deeper tissues during the first week postamputation, but partially broke down during the second week. However, the basement membrane (BM) remained as the distalmost intact structure at the amputation site in all limbs examined. The BM was the foundation for new BM synthesis which preceded dermis synthesis in the base of the blastema during the second week, even while undifferentiated cells were accumulating centrally. Conclusions We suggest that the dermis resists histolysis long enough for new BM to form in continuity with that of the stump. Dermis formation (dermogenesis) distal to the amputation plane begins early as in mammalian healing but is not completed until after blastema formation. Thus, factors that inhibit dermal closure appear to distinguish regenerating from non‐regenerating appendages. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

We suggest that the dermis resists histolysis long enough for new BM to form in continuity with that of the stump. Dermis formation (dermogenesis) distal to the amputation plane begins early as in mammalian healing but is not completed until after blastema formation. Thus, factors that inhibit dermal closure appear to distinguish regenerating from non-regenerating appendages.