BackgroundKnowledge of the variable relation of the persistent median artery (PMA) to the median nerve and its contribution to the formation of the superficial palmar arch is of great clinical significance. This study presents a proposal of specific variables which might be introduced to characterize the PMA in the wrist region.Material/MethodsOne hundred and twenty-five randomly selected, isolated upper limbs fixed in 10% formalin solution were subjected to anatomical dissection.ResultsOf the 125 upper limbs, PMA was found in 5 specimens (4% of the total number of limbs). In the carpal tunnel, the artery occupied the anterolateral position (2 cases), the anterior position (2 cases) or the anteromedial position (1 case) in relation to the median nerve. Two types of superficial palmar arches with significant contributions from the PMA were observed in the studied material: complete medio-ulnar arch and an incomplete arch without a connection between the territories of the ulnar and median arteries. The mean ratio of the diameter of the PMA to the diameter of ulnar artery at the level of the wrist was 0.59 (min.=0.38, max=0.83, SD=0.19).ConclusionsOrthopedic and hand surgeons should be aware of the probability of occurrence of the PMA in both planning and conducting surgeries within the wrist region and within the carpal tunnel, as this anomalous vessel might present significant contributions to the arterial blood supply of the hand and might potentially play an important role in the presence of notable clinical symptoms and presentations.

Background This study thoroughly analyzes the anatomic variations of the brachioradial artery (radial artery of high origin) based on the variability of its origin, the presence and types of anastomosis with the brachial artery in the cubital fossa (“cubital crossover” or “cubital connection”), and the pattern of radial recurrent arteries, as well as the vascular territory within the hand. Material and Methods One hundred and twenty randomly selected, isolated upper limbs fixed in 10% formalin solution were dissected. Results The radial artery was found to have a high origin in 9.2% of total number of the limbs: two cases from the axillary artery; nine cases from the brachial artery. Anastomosis between the brachioradial and “normal” brachial arteries in the cubital fossa was also frequently observed (54.6%). The anastomosis (“cubital crossover”) was dominant in one case, balanced in three cases, minimal in two cases, and absent in five cases. Conclusions The brachioradial artery may originate from the brachial and, less frequently, from the axillary artery. Anastomosis between the brachioradial and “normal” brachial arteries in the cubital fossa may be dominant, balanced, minimal, or absent. A complete radioulnar arch was found more often when the brachioradial artery was present as a variant.

Intervertebral disc pathology is a common disorder that can be caused by genetic, mechanical, and behavioral factors; however, it is possible to slow its progression. Although environmental and behavioral factors were previously considered to be the sole causes of intervertebral disc pathologies such as disc herniation, recent studies have shown that genetic factors also play an important role. This review compares the perception of major risk factors from the last and present centuries. It also examines individual genetic and non-genetic factors acting as risk factors, as well as some approaches for preventing intervertebral disc pathologies, and compares available statistics regarding disc herniation.

No abstract

Klingler's technique was discovered in the 1930s. It is a modified method of brain fixation and dissection, based on freezing and thawing of the brain tissue, subsequent peeling away of white matter fibres and the gradual exposure of white matter tracts. The added value of this technique is that it is carried out in a stratigraphic manner. This fact makes it an invaluable tool for an in-depth understanding of the complex anatomical organisation of the cerebral hemispheres. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of Klingler's method while taking into account the original description of the technique and its value for medical training. The historical background, the concise outline of white matter organisation, as well as our own experience in using this procedure for research and teaching activities were also included. The fibre dissection technique may still be considered an excellent complementary research tool for neuroanatomical studies. Numerous detailed observations about the white matter topography and spatial organisation have been recently made by applying this method. Using this technique may also improve understanding of the three-dimensional intrinsic structure of the brain, which is particularly important both in under-and postgraduate training in the field of neuroanatomy. (Folia Morphol 2019; 78, 3: 455-466)