Morphometric and morphological evaluation of temporozygomatic suture anatomy in dry adult human skulls

This study aims to evaluate the position, morphometric, and morphological features of the temporozygomatic suture (TZS) located on the zygomatic arch (ZA) in dry adult human skulls. Thirty-two crania were evaluated. Measurements for the TZS were carried out using the ImageJ software. Morphometric measurements were carried out bilaterally in 23 crania and unilaterally in 9 crania (right: 4, left: 5). A total of 55 TZSs were analyzed. Localization of the TZS was determined according to the reference landmarks on the ZA. Morphologic features of the TZS evaluated in terms of "joint shape type" and "suture margin pattern". Descriptive statistics of the morphometric and morphologic variables were calculated. A statistically significant difference between the right and left sides was observed for the localization of the TZS (p < 0.05). TZS is located more anteriorly on the left side than the right side. Based on the "joint shape type", four types of TZS were observed: Type 1 (angular) (34.55%), Type 2 (curvy) (34.55%), Type 3 (oblique) (14.55%), Type 4 (horizontal) (16.36%). Based on the "suture margin pattern", five types of TZS were observed: Type A (linear) (12.73%), Type B (denticulate) (34.55%), Type C (serrated) (23.64%), Type D (mixt) (21.82%), Type E (fused) (7.27%). No significant association between the type and lateralization was found for both morphologic classifications. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first published report regarding the localization and morphologic classification of the TZS in adult human crania. Considering the TZS with its morphometric and morphological features may contribute to clinical or forensic medical evaluations.

Evaluation of views and perceptions of the medical faculty students about distance anatomy education during the COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the students’ opinions about the distance anatomy education given in our faculty at the COVID-19 pandemic and present our department’s experiences.

Methods

An online questionnaire designed for medical faculty students. The questionnaire was applied to 355 volunteer medical faculty students. The questionnaire consisted of demographics, five-point Likert items, and open-ended questions. The questionnaire was applied between August and September 2020. Distance anatomy education activities were evaluated during March and July 2020.

Results

Results showed face-to-face theoretical anatomy education was found to be more effective than distance anatomy education conducted with recorded lecture videos. Even though the positive aspects of distance anatomy education stand out in topics, such as time management, it has been stated that cadaver and laboratory education has been disrupted. Most of the students agreed that they spent more time on supplementary resources during distance anatomy education.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has provided an unexpected experimental environment. The demand for a blended method, which consists of distance (supported by video recordings) theoretical anatomy education and face-to-face practical anatomy education for the post-pandemic period comes to the fore. Distance anatomy education brings some problems with it due to its nature, and it is essential to seek unique solutions to them. Evaluating the perceptions of the parties will play an essential role in solving the problems of distance anatomy education and in the formation of future anatomy education styles.

The practical examination types (spot test and slide test) of gross anatomy course in faculty of medicine: a simultaneous evaluation of the aspect of student success

PURPOSE

This study aimed to compare the students' scores of the spot (spotter/classical/traditional/tag/ring/bell-ringer) test (3D environment) performed in the laboratory with the slide test (gross anatomy images) (2D environment) in the class. The observation of our department regarding both types for practical examination was reported, in terms of exam marks of the students. Both are preferred as the practical examination types for gross anatomy course our in medical faculty.

METHODS

The 29 blocks' scores in 5 years (2013/2014-2017/2018) belonging to first- and second-year medical students' spot tests and slide tests are evaluated retrospectively and statistically compared. Correlations of the spot tests and the slide tests, besides the correlations between theoretical examinations and the practical examination types, are calculated.

RESULTS

Spot test scores were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in nine blocks, while slide test scores were higher significantly (p < 0.05) in fourteen. There was no statistically significant difference between the practical examination types (spot/slide) in six blocks. There were correlations between the spot test and the slide test in all blocks (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

It is considered that the spot test reflects the success/ability in a 3D environment, while the slide test reflects it in the 2D environment. In conclusion, neither of these two types of examinations stands out absolutely. Both types of examinations have their own features in areas, such as assessment power, applicability, and effect on success.

The anatomic analysis of the vidian canal and the surrounding structures concerning vidian neurectomy using computed tomography scans

INTRODUCTION

The type of endoscopic approach chosen for vidian neurectomy can be specified by evaluating the vidian canal and the surrounding sphenoid sinus structures.

OBJECTIVE

The variations and morphometry of the vidian canal were investigated, focusing on the functional correlations between them which are crucial anatomical landmarks for preoperative planning.

METHODS

This study was performed using paranasal multidetector computed tomography images that were obtained with a section thickening of 0.625mm of 250 adults.

RESULTS

The distributions of 500 vidian canal variants were categorized as follows; Type 1, within the sphenoid corpus (55.6%); Type 2, partially protruding into the sphenoid sinus (34.8%); Type 3, within the sphenoid sinus (9.6%). The pneumatization of the pterygoid process is mostly seen in vidian canal Type 2 (72.4%) and Type 3 (95.8%) (p<0.001). The mean distances from the vidian canal to the foramen rotundum and the palatovaginal canal were greater in the vidian canal Type 2 and 3 with the pterygoid process pneumatization (p<0.001). The prevalence of the intrasphenoid septum between the vidian canal and the vomerine crest and lateral attachment which ending on carotid prominence were much higher in vidian canal Type 3 than other types (p<0.001). The mean angle between the posterior end of the middle turbinate and the lateral margin of the anterior opening of the vidian canal was measured as 33.05±7.71°.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative radiologic analysis of the vidian canal and the surrounding structures will allow surgeons to choose an appropriate endoscopic approach to ensure predictable postoperative outcomes.

Computed tomography evaluation of the morphometry and variations of the infraorbital canal relating to endoscopic surgery

Introduction

The course of the infraorbital canal may leave the infraorbital nerve susceptible to injury during reconstructive and endoscopic surgery, particularly when surgically manipulating the roof of the maxillary sinus.

Objective

We investigated both the morphometry and variations of the infraorbital canal with the aim to show the relationship between them relative to endoscopic approaches.

Methods

This retrospective study was performed on paranasal multidetector computed tomography images of 200 patients.

Results

The infraorbital canal corpus types were categorized as Type 1: within the maxillary bony roof (55.3%), Type 2: partially protruding into maxillary sinus (26.7%), Type 3: within the maxillary sinus (9.5%), Type 4: located anatomically at the outer limit of the zygomatic recess of the maxillary bone (8.5%). The internal angulation and the length of the infraorbital canal, the infraorbital foramen entry angles and the distances related to the infraorbital foramen localization were measured and their relationships with the infraorbital canal variations were analyzed. We reported that the internal angulations in both sagittal and axial sections were mostly found in infraorbital canal Type 1 and 4 (69.2%, 64.7%) but, there were commonly no angulation in Type 3 (68.4%) (p < 0.001). The length of the infraorbital canal and the distances from the infraorbital foramen to the infraorbital rim and piriform aperture was measured as the longest in Type 3 and the smallest in Type 1 (p < 0.001). The sagittal infraorbital foramen entry angles were detected significantly smaller in Type 3 and larger in Type 1 than that in other types (p = 0.003). The maxillary sinus septa and the Haller cell were observed in 28% and 16% of the images, respectively.

Conclusion

Precise knowledge of the infraorbital canal corpus types and relationship with the morphometry allow surgeons to choose an appropriate surgical approach to avoid iatrogenic infraorbital nerve injury.