The common peroneal nerve (CPN) lies on the neck of the fibula, which forms the floor of the so-called 'fibular tunnel.' The tunnel entrance is a musculo-aponeurotic arch derived from the soleus and peroneus longus muscles and it is here that the CPN is commonly compressed in cases of peroneal nerve palsy. This study aims to define the relationship of the CPN and its branches to the apex of the head of the fibula and to the tunnel, with special regard to possible sites of entrapment. The distances from the apex of the fibula to the opening of the fibular tunnel, the CPN bifurcation, and the exit point of the deep peroneal nerve (DPN) from the tunnel, were measured in 30 legs to ascertain possible sites of entrapment. The angle that the CPN subtended with the long axis of the fibula was measured to gauge the range of positions of the CPN at the neck of the fibula. An unyielding musculo-aponeurotic fibular arch at the entrance to the fibular tunnel was confirmed in all specimens. The DPN exited through a crescentic opening in the anterior intermuscular septum in all cases and no DPN branches were found in the lateral compartment in any specimen. The mean (+/-SD) distance from the apex of the head of the fibula to the opening of the fibular tunnel was 3.2 +/- 1.0 cm, to the CPN bifurcation was 3.8 +/- 0.9 cm, and to the DPN exit point was 7.0 +/- 1.5 cm. The mean angle subtended anteriorly from the long axis of the fibula by the CPN was 18.9 +/- 9.0 degrees. We recommend further study of the mean distances and reference angle in relation to fibular landmarks, for use in possible minimally invasive surgical procedures to decompress the fibular tunnel.

This study assessed muscle recruitment patterns and stroke kinematics during ergometer and on-water rowing to validate the accuracy of rowing ergometry. Male rowers (n = 10; age 21 ± 2 years, height 1.90 ± 0.05 m and body mass 83.3 ± 4.8 kg) performed 3 × 3 min exercise bouts, at heart and stroke rates equivalent to 75, 85 and 95% VO2peak, on both dynamic and stationary rowing ergometers, and on water. During exercise, synchronised data for surface electromyography (EMG) and 2D kinematics were recorded. Overall muscle activity was quantified by the integration of rmsEMG and averaged for each 10% interval of the stroke cycle. Muscle activity significantly increased in rectus femoris (RF) and vastus medialis (VM) (P <0.01), as exercise intensity increased. Comparing EMG data across conditions revealed significantly (P <0.05) greater RF and VM activity during on-water rowing at discrete 10% intervals of stroke cycle. In addition, the drive/recovery ratio was significantly lower during dynamic ergometry compared to on-water (40 ± 1 vs. 44 ± 1% at 95%, P <0.01). Results suggest that significant differences exist while comparing recruitment and kinematic patterns between on-water and ergometer rowing. These differences may be due to altered acceleration and deceleration of moving masses on-ergometer not perfectly simulating the on-water scenario.

Purpose We present a case of a bilateral reversed palmaris longus muscle and a systematic review of the literature on this anatomical variation. Methods Routine dissection of a 90-year-old male cadaver revealed a rare bilateral reversed palmaris longus. This was documented photographically, and length and relation to anatomical landmarks were recorded. This finding stimulated a systematic review of the literature on the reversed palmaris longus variation, from which measurements were collated and statistical analysis performed to determine the prevalence, average length, relationship to side and sex, and to discuss its clinical and evolutionary implications. Results The average length of the muscle belly and tendon of reversed palmaris longus was 135 mm and 126 mm, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed no disparity in presentation due to sex and side; however, bilateral reversed palmaris longus has only been reported in males. A high proportion (70.8%) of reversed palmaris longus were discovered in the right upper limb compared to the left. Conclusion Variations in palmaris longus are purported to be as a result of phylogenetic regression. Clinically, patients with this variant may present with pain or swelling of the distal forearm, often as a result of intense physical exertion related to occupation or sport. Clinicians should be aware of this muscle variant as its presence could lead to confusion during tendon allograft harvesting procedures in reconstructive and tendon grafting surgery.

The physiological responses of 10 trained rowers to a progressive incremental rowing protocol to exhaustion were investigated on Gjessing, Rowperfect fixed-mechanism and Rowperfect free-mechanism rowing ergometers. Heart rate, oxygen uptake (VO2), ventilation (VE) and blood lactate were determined at matched power values for each ergometer. The mean power and heart rate at the lactate anaerobic threshold were determined by graphical interpolation of data for each ergometer. Analysis of variance and linear regression showed differing responses at matched power and an approximate 40-50 W difference in power at the lactate anaerobic threshold when comparing the friction-loaded Gjessing with the air-braked Rowperfect fixed and Rowperfect free ergometers (P<0.01). No significant differences were noted when comparing the air-braked Rowperfect fixed and Rowperfect free ergometers. However, comparisons of VO2, VE and blood lactate at given heart rates and of heart rate at the lactate anaerobic threshold showed no significant differences between ergometers. Our results indicate similar physiological profiles for all ergometers tested when compared at equivalent heart rates, but differences when compared at matched power. A direct comparison of the data from Gjessing (friction-loaded) with Rowperfect fixed and Rowperfect free (air-braked) ergometers would therefore require a correction factor for inter-ergometer variation in displayed power data.

This study evaluated the reliability of the portable Lactate Pro 2 analyzer (LP2), and its validity compared to a laboratory-based analyzer, YSI 1500 Sport (YSI). Blood samples (n = 258) were collected during 44 graded incremental rowing tests, with data from 17 tests used to quantify load, heart rate, and oxygen consumption at lactate threshold. Inter-LP2 reliability was high with coefficient of variation = 3.3%; Bland Altman 95% limits of agreement varied from ± 0.3 mmol.L −1 for blood lactate (BLa) ≤4.0 mmol.L −1 to −1.6 to +1.4 mmol.L −1 for BLa >8.0 mmol.L −1 , with minimal systematic bias. Despite LP2 measurements being ~1.42 times higher than YSI measurements, no significant differences (P > .05) were detected when quantifying load, heart rate, or oxygen consumption data at lactate threshold. The results support using different LP2 devices interchangeably, especially when BLa ≤ 8 mmol.L −1 , and using the LP2 to identify training intensities at lactate threshold.

These findings show that OVX resulted in changes in bone turnover, which reduced biomechanical properties in a model of early stage osteoporosis. These differences were present despite microarchitecture or BMD remaining unchanged. In the future, the ability to assess site-specific bone turnover would greatly enhance the accuracy with which fracture risk could be predicted.

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The exact relationship between osteoporosis and osteoarthritis is still a matter for debate for many. The ovariectomised ewe is frequently used as a model for osteoporosis, resulting in significant alterations in bone morphometry and turnover in both trabecular and subchondral bone after 1 year. This study examines whether ovariectomy has any impact on development of osteoarthritis within the ovine stifle joint at the same time point. In addition, we investigate whether there are any significant correlations present between articular cartilage degeneration and alterations in microstructural parameters or turnover rates in the underlying bone. Twenty-two sheep were examined in this study; 10 of the sheep underwent ovariectomy and 12 were kept as controls. Five distinctive fluorochrome dyes were administered intravenously at 12-week intervals to both groups, to label sites of bone turnover. All animals were then sacrificed 12 months postoperatively. Although most specimens showed some evidence of osteoarthritis, no measurable difference between the two study groups was detected. Osteoarthritis was associated with a thinning of the subchondral plate, specifically the subchondral cortical bone; however, whereas previous studies have suggested a link between trabecular thinning and osteoarthritis, this was not confirmed. No correlation was found between osteoarthritis and bone turnover rates of either the subchondral trabecular bone or bone plate. In conclusion, despite the fact that ovariectomy results in marked morphological and structural changes in the ovine stifle joint at 1-year postoperatively, no evidence was found to suggest that it plays a direct role in the aetiology of osteoarthritis.