IntrOductIOnSigmoid volvulus is considered to be one of the leading causes of acute intestinal obstruction. This could be related to sigmoid colon being a mobile loop which normally lies in the lesser pelvis, but its length and form are the most variable of all colonic segments [1]. It is usually completely invested in peritoneum and is attached to the lower posterior abdominal wall by the fan-shaped sigmoid mesocolon [2]. The position and shape of the sigmoid colon varies according to the length of the colon; the length and mobility of its mesocolon; the degree of distension; the condition of the neighbouring viscera like rectum, bladder and uterus. Studies have shown that variation in the shape of mesocolon could alter the morphology of sigmoid colon [3]. In addition, the length and diameter of the sigmoid colon was found to vary in both genders [4,5] and noted to increase with age [6]. The present study aims to find the morphology of sigmoid colon in South Indian population using cadavers in view of the high incidence of sigmoid volvulus in cases of intestinal obstruction. MAterIAls And MethOdsApproval of the Institutional review board and ethics committee was obtained for the study. Thirty one cadavers donated to the Department of Anatomy for the purpose of teaching and research during the years 2012 to 2014 were evaluated. Cadavers with normal colons without any colonic disease were included in the study. The exclusion criteria were: 1) laparotomy incisions found on cadavers that indicated surgeries in life; 2) diseased or injured sigmoid colon; 3) intra-abdominal pathology such as peritonitis, stricture or adhesions. The age and gender of the cadavers were noted.The sigmoid colon was classified into three main types, classical, long-narrow and long-broad types as described by Madiba and Aim: The aim of this study was to find the morphology of sigmoid colon in South Indian population using cadavers.

Background Anomalous muscles on the dorsum of the hand include the extensor medii proprius (EMP), extensor indicis et medii communis (EIMC), extensor digitorum brevis manus (EDBM), and anomalous extensor indicis proprius (aEIP). They are commonly seen during routine cadaveric dissections and hand surgeries. There are very few studies on them in the recent past. Hence, this study was conducted with the aim of studying their incidence and morphology. Materials and Methods This study was conducted at the Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Thiruvalla, Kerala, over a period of 15 months, on 80 free upper limbs. Deep extensor muscles of the forearm were dissected. The frequency of the anomalous muscles was noted. Length and width of the muscles and tendons were measured using thread, ruler, and vernier calipers. The median and range were calculated. The musculotendinous (MT) junction of the EIP was observed. It was considered to be aEIP if its MT junction was beyond the distal edge of the extensor retinaculum in wrist flexion. Results EMP was seen in 8.75% of the limbs, with average muscle length and width of 4.53 ± 0.7 cm and 3.7 ± 0.8 mm and average tendon length and width of 9.7 ± 1.2 cm and 1.6 ± 0.8 mm, respectively. Frequency of EIMC was 3.75%, its average muscle length and width being 3.67 ± 1.14 cm and 2.3 ± 0.6 mm and its tendon length and width being 9.8 ± 0.61 cm and 2.0 ± 1.7 mm. Incidence of EDBM was 2.5%; its average muscle length and width being 4.5 ± 0.71 cm and 1.25 ± 0.3 mm and tendon length and width being 3.15 ± 0.91 cm and 3.5 ± 0.7 mm. Frequency of aEIP was observed to be 6.25%. Conclusion Anomalous extensors have a frequency of less than 10%. Tendons of the EMP and EIMC are very thin and asymptomatic. The EDBM belly is distal to the retinaculum and does not cause symptoms, unless hypertrophied. aEIP passes through the narrow compartment and is more likely to cause pain.

Introduction The presence of extensor expansion of the thumb has been reported in the literature and its mode of formation and contribution from the palmar muscles has been studied earlier. Yet, some authors deny its presence in the thumb. Objective This article evaluates the presence of the extensor expansion of thumb (EET) and its formation and contributions from palmar muscles. Methods Dissection was carried on the dorsum of the hand on 80 free upper limbs. The dorsum of thumb was carefully cleaned to look for the presence of extensor expansion. When present, its mode of formation and the contributing muscles were looked into. The mode of insertion of the extensor tendons onto the phalanges was also observed. Results In all specimens, EET had tendons of extensor pollicis longus (EPL) and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) along its central axis. It received expansion from abductor pollicis brevis (APB; 100%) and flexor pollicis brevis (FPB; 41.2%) on the lateral side, and adductor pollicis (AP; 100%) and first palmar interosseous (PI; 50%) on the medial side. Attachment of EPL to distal phalanx (DP) was seen in 45%, and to both phalanges in 55%. EPB insertion onto proximal phalanx alone, DP alone, and both phalanges was in 46.2, 25, and 23.75%, respectively. Conclusion Extensor expansion was noted in all limbs studied. It is formed by the extensor tendons of the thumb with expansions from APB and AP on its margins. Contribution from the first PI and FPB was found to be variable. Differences in insertion of EPL and EPB to the phalanges were also noted.