Suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome (SNES) is a neuropathy caused by compression of the nerve along its course. The most common compression sites include the suprascapular notch and the spinoglenoid notch. The aim of this article was to review the anatomical factors influencing the occurrence of SNES in the light of the newest reports. Potential predisposing morphological factors include a V-shaped, narrow, or “deep” suprascapular notch; a band-shaped, bifurcated, or completely ossified superior transverse scapular ligament (STSL); particular arrangements of the suprascapular nerve and vessels at the suprascapular notch. A very recent report indicates structures at the suprascapular notch region that may protect from SNES, such as the suprascapular notch veins (SNV). The role of the anterior coracoscapular ligament (ACSL) is still not clear. While some studies indicate that it may predispose for SNES, the newest study proposes a protective function. Knowledge of these variations is essential for arthroscopic and other surgical procedures of this area in order to avoid iatrogenic injury of the suprascapular nerve or unexpected bleeding from the suprascapular vessels running alongside the STSL.

PurposeThe palmaris longus (PL) muscle is characterized by high-morphological variability. It is clinically important as it is routinely harvested for the reconstruction of other tendons. The study characterizes the morphology of the PL in human fetuses and creates a new classification based on its variations that would relate to the spectrum of morphological variability in adults.MethodsEighty spontaneously aborted human foetuses (44 male, 36 female, 160 upper limbs), aged 18–38 weeks of gestation, were examined.ResultsThe palmaris longus muscle was present in 62.5% of fetuses. The absence was bilateral in 26.25%, and unilateral in 22.5%. Nine types of palmaris longus muscles were identified based on the morphology of its insertion (Types I–IX). All types originated on the medial epicondyle of the humerus. The most common type was Type I, which was characterized by insertion to the palmar aponeurosis (52%). The rarest types were Type VII and Type IX (1% each). Type VII was characterized by partial doubling of the muscle belly, which then turned into two separate tendons that inserted together into the palmar aponeurosis. Type IX was characterized by fusion with the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle.ConclusionOur findings concerning morphological variability of the PL in fetuses present a new perspective on the understanding nature of the morphological variation of the PL muscle in adults.List of evidenceBasic Science Study.

IntroductionIdentifying the branching pattern of the popliteal artery (PA) is a vital step in planning radiological and surgical procedures involving the anterior and posterior tibial and fibular arteries. The aim of this study was to characterize the course and morphology of the terminal branches of the PA.Materials and methodsThe anatomical variations in the branching patterns of the anterior and posterior tibial and fibular arteries were examined in 100 lower limbs fixed in a 10% formalin solution. A dissection of the popliteal region of the leg was carried out according to a pre-established protocol, using traditional techniques. Morphometric measurements were then obtained twice by two researchers.ResultsIn most cases (72%) the PA divides to form the anterior tibial artery (ATA) and a common junction for the posterior tibial and fibular arteries (type I), which further splits into the fibular artery and the posterior tibial artery (PTA). This type was subdivided into two subgroups according to whether the ATA (subgroup a) or the common junction of the posterior tibial and fibular arteries (subgroup b) had the larger diameter. Other identified variations included division of the PA into the ATA and PTA—8% (type II), trifurcation—12% (type III), the division of the PTA into the ATA and FA—8% (type IV), and aplasia of the PTA—8% (type IV).ConclusionAlthough the typical PA branching type was observed, it can be classified further into two additional sub-types based on the diameter of the ATA and the common junction of the posterior tibial and fibular arteries.

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Background: Confirming the branching pattern of the deep femoral artery (DFA) is vital in planning radiological and surgical procedures involving the medial circumflex femoral artery (MFCA) and the lateral circumflex artery (LFCA). The aim of this study was to characterise the course and morphology of branches of the DFA. Materials and methods: The anatomical dissection included 80 lower limbs which were fixed in 10% formalin solution. A dissection of the femoral region was carried out according to a pre-established protocol, using traditional techniques. Morphometric measurements were obtained twice by two researchers.Results: Six types of medial and lateral femoral circumflex artery variations were distinguished. In type I, the DFA divides into the MFCA and the LFCA (observed in 45% of cases). In type II, the MFCA is absent and the LFCA origin normally from the DFA (18.75%). In type III, the MFCA arises from the femoral artery above the origin of the DFA, while the LFCA starts from the DFA (15%). Finally, in type IV, the LFCA arises from the femoral artery above the origin of the DFA, while the MFCA starts from the DFA (10%). In type V, the LFCA origin alone from the femoral artery below the origin of the DFA, while the MFCA origin from the DFA (7.5%), while in type VI (3.75%), both the MFCA and the LFCA origin from the femoral artery. The mean diameter of the femoral artery at the level of the DFA origin was greatest in type 2 (10.62 ± 2.07 mm) and the least in type 6 (7.90 ± ± 1.72 mm; p = 0.0317). The distance from inguinal ligament to where the DFA arose was the greatest in type 6 (78.24 ± 29.74 mm) and least in type 5 (28.85 ± 11.72 mm; p = 0.0529). Conclusions: The medial and lateral femoral circumflex arteries were characterised by high morphological variations. The diameter of the femoral artery at the level of inguinal ligament correlated with the diameter of the DFA and distance to where the DFA arises from femoral artery. (Folia Morphol 2019; 78, 4: 738-745)

The plantaris muscle usually begins with a short, narrow belly in the popliteal fossa at the lateral supracondylar line of the femur and the knee joint capsule. Then it form a long and slender tendon and usually inserts into the calcaneal tuberosity on the medial side of Achilles tendon. Nevertheless, many anatomical variations of distal attachment have been described. Cases of atypical proximal origin are reported less frequently. In this paper, we have presented a case of a two headed plantaris muscle. First head attached to the condyle of the femoral bone, medially and inferiorly to the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle. The second one originated from the popliteal surface of the femur, just above the intercondylar fossa. According to present literature, no such case with atypical proximal origin was presented such information has potentially clinical significance during the surgical procedures performed in the area of the popliteal fossa.

This article has been peer reviewed and published immediately upon acceptance.It is an open access article, which means that it can be downloaded, printed, and distributed freely, provided the work is properly cited. Articles in "Folia Morphologica" are listed in PubMed.

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