No abstract

The axillopectoral muscle, usually called Langer's axillary arch instead of Langer's arm arch, is a supernumerary muscle and is the principal anatomic variation of the axilla. Three cases of the muscle were observed originating from latissimus dorsi crossing over the axillary neurovascular bundle and inserting deep to the insertion of pectoralis major or into the coracoid process. Clinicians should be aware of its existence as it can give rise to different pathologies. It should be recognised and excised to expose the axillary artery and vein in patients with trauma and to perform axillary lymphadenectomy or axillary bypass. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of axillary masses or in a history of intermittent axillary vein obstruction. If the muscle causes problems its excision should be curative.

The labiomandibular fold (LMF) is the area of the face that extends from the mouth corner to the mandibular border, and its prominence tends to increase with age. The LMF can be formed by the medial or lateral border of the depressor anguli oris (DAO). The aim of this study was to demonstrate the topographical anatomy between the DAO and mental foramen, thereby providing critical information for the safest and most effective site at which to inject botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A). Thirty-four hemifaces from Korean adult cadavers were dissected. The maximum width between the medial borders of the bilateral DAO, parallel to the intercheilion horizontal line, was 59.9 +/- 4.6 (mean +/- SD) mm below the lower lip. The minimum width between the medial borders of the attachment of bilateral DAO was 29.7 +/- 4.8 mm at the mandibular border. The mental foramen was located in the middle third from the cheilion to the mandibular border in 28 cases (90.3%), and it was mostly confined within the DAO muscle coverage in 21 cases (67.7%). The buccal branch of the facial nerve entered through the middle third of the lateral border of DAO and then distributed. Concomitantly, the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve entered through the lower third of the lateral border of DAO in 17 cases (60.7%). These results represent additional reference data for identifying the position of the mental foramen on the facial skin, and will be useful for providing criteria for the most effective site for injecting BTX-A when treating the LMF.

No abstract

Injuries to the superior gluteal nerve are very bad complications in hip surgery. An exact knowledge of its course may be helpful in avoiding such problems. Nineteen half pelvises from ten male and female adult cadavers were dissected. Dissections revealed that the nerve divided into two (89.48%) or three (10.52%) branches after leaving the pelvis. The more caudal branch was responsible for innervation of tensor fascia latae. The distance and the angle from the entry points of all branches of the superior gluteal nerve into the deep surface of the gluteus medium and minimus muscles to the mid-point of the superior border of the greater trochanter were measured. The branch that innerved the tensor fascia latae was also followed. These data were subjected to several statistical tests. Based on these findings, and in order to prevent nerve damage, we propose to define a 2-3 cm safe area above the great trochanter.