Diseases associated with the thyroid gland are one of the most frequently seen endocrine disorders across the globe. Total thyroidectomy is currently the preferred treatment for many thyroid diseases. Controversies exist among surgeons regarding safety of total thyroidectomy due to the risk associated with it like postoperative hypoparathyroidism or recurrent laryngeal nerve damage. Since, in the recent years, the incidence of thyroidectomy is in increasing trend in south Indian population, this review aims to study the available data regarding the appropriateness and safety of total thyroidectomy and compares it with subtotal thyroidectomy and other thyroid surgeries. This is a retrospective comprehensive review of various articles and publications regarding total and partial thyroidectomy performed across the world. Many retrospective studies and few prospective studies suggest that the incidence of transient hypocalcemia is higher after total thyroidectomy than after subtotal thyroidectomy, but the incidence of other complications including recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and postoperative hematoma is not significantly different between the two procedures. Hence in our review we found that total thyroidectomy is safe and cost effective with low complication rates and provides little significant advantage of being safer procedure compared to subtotal thyroidectomy.

Background. Descriptive evaluation of nerve variations plays a pivotal role in the usefulness of clinical or surgical practice, as an anatomical variation often sets a risk of nerve palsy syndrome. Ulnar nerve (UN) is one amongst the major nerves involved in neuropathy. In the present anatomical study, variations related to ulnar nerve have been identified and its potential clinical implications discussed. Materials and Method. We examined 50 upper limb dissected specimens for possible ulnar nerve variations. Careful observation for any aberrant formation and/or communication in relation to UN has been carried out. Results. Four out of 50 limbs (8%) presented with variations related to ulnar nerve. Amongst them, in two cases abnormal communication with neighboring nerve was identified and variation in the formation of UN was noted in remaining two limbs. Conclusion. An unusual relation of UN with its neighboring nerves, thus muscles, and its aberrant formation might jeopardize the normal sensori-motor behavior. Knowledge about anatomical variations of the UN is therefore important for the clinicians in understanding the severity of ulnar nerve neuropathy related complications.

SummaryIntroduction: Tendocalcaneus or Achilles tendon is formed by the fusion of the tendons of gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. Normal morphometric measurements of tendo-calcaneus serves an important landmark in its anthropometric evaluation and biomechanical characteristics. Hence the objective of this study was to provide detailed morphometric profile of tendocalcaneus in south indian cadaveric male population. Materials and method: A total of 64 dissected adult limbs was studied. Out of the 64 limbs: 37 belonged to right side while 27 were of the left side. These limbs were dissected to expose the extent of tendocalcaneus. Total length, proximal width and proximal circumference of the tendon, distal width and distal circumference of the tendon was measured. Results were tabulated and correlated using SPSS. Results: Tendon length, width and circumference showed no statistically significant differences between the right and left side. However significant correlation was observed between proximal width and distal widths, proximal circumference and distal circumference, proximal width and proximal circumference and distal width and distal circumference of the tendon. Conclusion: This cadaveric morphometric study of tendo-calcaneus would be very helpful to sports medicine physicians for diagnosis and treatment of tendo Achilles overuse injuries and tendinopathy. Level of evidence: IV.