Conjoined twins are suggested to result from aberrant embryogenesis. The two main theories proposed to explain the phenomena are fission and fusion. The incidence rate is 1 in 50,000 births; however, since about 60% of the cases are stillborn, the true incidence is approximated at 1 in 200,000. There is a higher predisposition towards female than male gender with a ratio of 3:1. Conjoined twins are classified based upon the site of attachment. The extent of organ sharing, especially the heart, determines the possibility and prognosis of a separation procedure. Meticulous preoperative evaluation, planning, and preparedness of the team are crucial for a successful separation. Separation of conjoined twins poses several technical, legal, and ethical issues. Clin. Anat. 30:385-396, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Childbirth can be a traumatic experience on the female body. Some techniques may be implemented to make the process smoother and decrease the potential lacerations that can occur. Episiotomies have been used by obstetricians and midwives to help make the fetal decent down the vaginal canal less turbulent. A physician must use his best judgment on when it is necessary to make this incision and what form of incision to make. Before making an incision one must understand the female external and internal anatomy and thoroughly comprehend the stages of birth to understand how and what complications can occur. Even though an episiotomy is a minor incision, it is still a surgical incision nonetheless and as with any form of surgery there are both risks and benefits that are to be considered. Nevertheless, episiotomies have proven to help ease births that are complicated by shoulder dystocia, prevent severe lacerations, and decrease the second stage of labor. The following comprehensive review provides a description of the female anatomy, as well as an extensive description of why, when, and how an episiotomy is done. Clin. Anat. 30:362-372, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Physical examination of the abdomen is an essential skill. Knowledge of its clinical anatomy and application is vital for making diagnoses. Misinterpretation of anatomy during examination can have serious consequences. This review addresses understanding of the anatomy, methodology, and complications of abdominal physical examination. It includes particular reference to modern technology and investigations. Physical examination is performed for diagnostic purposes. However, the art of physical examination is declining as more and more clinicians rely on newer technology. This can have regrettable consequences: negligence, waste of time and resources, and deterioration of clinical skills. With a sound knowledge of clinical anatomy, and realization of the importance of physical examination of the abdomen, clinician, and patients alike can benefit. Clin. Anat. 30:352-356, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

In 1922, Paul Hecker, a French physician and Head of Anatomy at the Medical College of Strasbourg, published a sentinel thesis on the ligaments of the craniocervical junction based on a study of comparative anatomy. Unfortunately, this dissertation has been lost to history and until now, was unavailable in the English language. Herein, we present a translation of Hecker's work with an update in its nomenclature, which with modern imaging capabilities of the craniocervical junction is germane and timely. Clin. Anat. 30:322-329, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Characterized by an error in junctional neurulation in which the primary and secondary NT fail to integrate appropriately, JNTD has been recently classified. We believe the current patient to represent only the fourth reported case of JNTD in the literature.