The extensor digitorum brevis manus, a supernumerary muscle in the fourth extensor compartment of the dorsum of the wrist, is a relatively rare anomalous muscle. Extensor digitorum brevis should be included in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue masses on the dorsal aspect of the hand as it may mimic cystic, neoplastic, inflammatory, and infectious masses arising in the dorsum of the wrist. Seventy-two upper limbs of male and female cadavers were dissected and examined to study the pattern of extensor tendons of the index finger. In the present study, we observed three cases (4.2%) of the extensor digitorum brevis manus on the left side. In one cadaver (0.72%), there was an additional tendon arising from the extensor indices which was inserted to the radial side of the dorsal digital expansion of the index finger. The extensor digitorum brevis manus muscle (EDBM), an anatomic variant of the extensor muscle of the dorsum of the hand, is found in approximately 2% to 3% of the population. This variation is, therefore, clinically and surgically relevant because the EDBM may be the only muscle responsible for the independent extension of the second digit. The aim of the present study is to report the incidences of this muscle thereby creating awareness of its existence and of its characteristic appearance to surgeons.

The identification of mastoidal emissary veins is of importance in the neurosurgical practice to diagnose abnormal and normal structures. In the present study, the objectives were to estimate the prevalence rate of mastoidal emissary foramina in the temporal bones of the adult skull and to study their number and morphology. The present study included 48 adult human skulls which were obtained from the gross anatomy laboratory of our institution. The mastoid parts of 96 temporal bones were macroscopically observed for the prevalence, number and morphology of the emissary foramina. It is observed that, the mastoidal emissary foramen was present in 88 temporal bones (91.7%) of our specimens. The foramen was observed single in 60 temporal bones (62.5%), double in 22 bones (22.9%), and triple in 6 temporal bones (6.2%). The mastoidal emissary foramen was absent in 8 (8.3%) temporal bones. The foramen was bilaterally absent in 3 (3.1%) skulls. It was unilaterally absent in 2 (2.1%) skulls and both were on the left side. The mastoidal emissary vein is prevalent in a large number (91.7%) of cases. It was observed that the accessory mastoidal emissary foramina were present in 29.1% of cases. Recognition of the mastoid emissary veins and accessory mastoid emissary veins during the otologic surgery is critical to avoid the significant bleeding. In the neurosurgical practice, the knowledge is important due to variability in the number of mastoidal emissary veins and their connection to the venous sinuses.

Background. It was described that variations exist in the pes anserinus tendons. In this study, our aim was to observe the variations of the pes anserinus in South Indians. Methods. We examined 53 embalmed human adult lower extremities. The pes anserinus was macroscopically observed for the morphological variants after dissecting the tendons which inserted at the antero medial surface of proximal tibia. Results. The pes anserinus was formed by 3 tendons, gracilis, semitendinosus and sartorius in 48 lower limbs (90.6%). It was observed that, 41 (77.4%) had convergent type, 7 (13.2%) had early convergence and 5 lower limbs (9.4%) were having divergent pattern of pes anserinus morphology. Semimembranosus muscle was taking in the formation of pes anserinus in 3 lower limbs (5.7%). The pes anserinus was inserting into the fascia cruris and not tibia in 8 specimens (15.1%). However in 10 cases (18.9%), the insertion was both at the tibia and fascia cruris. The insertion was only at fascia cruris and not in tibia in 15.1% cases. The semitendinosus was giving an extra slip, which was attaching to the medial condyle of tibia in 7 cases (13.2%). It was giving slip to medial collateral ligament in 2 cases (3.8%) and ligamentum patellae in 1 case (1.9%). Conclusion. We believe that this information about morphological variants of pes anserinus is helpful to the plastic and orthopaedic surgeons. Preoperative radiological examination of pes anserinus may be helpful to the operating surgeons to avoid the subsequent difficulties during the procedures like transplant surgeries and graft harvesting during reconstructive surgeries.

The purpose of this study was to determine the length of the semitendinosus muscle belly and its tendon in South Indian population and to study the topography and diameter of its neurovascular pedicles. The study included 46 formalin fixed human cadaveric lower limbs. The length of the semitendinosus muscle belly and its tendon were measured. The neurovascular pedicles of the semitendinosus muscle were identified and counted. The diameter of the neurovascular pedicle was measured just before its entrance into the semitendinosus muscle. The topographical distance of the neurovascular pedicles from the origin of the semitendinosus muscle were determined. The mean length of the semitendinosus muscle belly was 332.3±36.1 mm and its tendon measured 154.8±31.9 mm. The mean diameter of the vascular pedicle was measuring 11.4±9.1 mm, just before its entrance into the semitendinosus muscle. The neurovascular pedicles, of the semitendinosus muscle were ranging between 1 and 7. The distance of the entrance of neurovascular pedicle to the semitendinosus muscle from its origin was ranging between 46 and 272 mm. It was observed that the neurovascular pedicles were highest (31%) at the range of 151–200 mm away from the ischial tuberosity. The morphometric data obtained in the present study is enlightening to the orthopedic and plastic surgeons. The topographical knowledge of the neurovascular pedicles has its implications during the harvesting of the grafts and pedicle flaps. The diameter of vessels in the pedicles is enlightening because of new method of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

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The reconstructive surgeries utilize pes anserinus (PA) tendons, because of their lesser post-operative clinical deficits and donor site morbidity. These surgeries require anatomical knowledge about the extent of PA formation. The goal of this study was to determine the length and width of the PA formation. The objectives were to measure the distance of its upper limit, lower limit, and vertical distance from the tibial tuberosity (TT). The present descriptive cross sectional study included 53 embalmed cadaveric lower extremities. The upper and lower limits of PA were exposed with the careful dissection. Measurements of the dimensions were performed with the help of a digital vernier caliper (Mitutoyo Co.

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Introduction To determine the morphometric data of the proximal segments of the humerus in the South Indian population, and to obtain the regression equations that will enable us to predict the whole length of humerus. Materials and Methods The present study included 166 dried adult human humeri. Their lengths were measured by using the osteometric board. The seven proximal segment lengths of the humeri were assessed by using a digital Vernier caliper (Mitutoyo Corporation 150 mm/6 inch, model number 500-196-20, Kawasaki, Japan). Results The mean humerus length in the present study was 30.75 ± 2.03 cm on the right side and 30.27 ± 2.28 cm on the left side. The comparison between the right and left sides of the proximal segments of the humerus did not yield statistically significant results (p > 0.05). The present study observed that the relationship between the dimensions of the proximal segments of the humerus and the length of humerus were strong (p = 0.00). The oblique length between the most proximal and distal points over the anatomical neck was the best parameter to predict the length of humerus (the Pearson coefficient was 0.78 for the right side and 0.77 for the left side). Conclusion The simple regression formulae, which were derived in this study, are helpful in the estimation of the length of the humerus. The formulae can be used in forensic investigations, in which the stature of a person has to be determined and only bone fragments are available. The morphometric data of the present study have implications in archaeological and anthropological studies. The data are enlightening to orthopedicians, when planning reconstructive surgeries of the proximal end of the humerus in the South Indian population.