Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger最新文献

{"title":"Relationship between autophagy and NLRP3 inflammasome during articular cartilage degradation in oestrogen-deficient rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes","authors":"Rinaldo Florencio-Silva ,&nbsp;Gisela Rodrigues da Silva Sasso ,&nbsp;Estela Sasso-Cerri ,&nbsp;Paulo Sérgio Cerri ,&nbsp;Cristiane Damas Gil ,&nbsp;Manuel de Jesus Simões","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2024.152318","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2024.152318","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Estrogen deficiency and Diabetes mellitus (DM) cause joint tissue deterioration, although the mechanisms are uncertain. This study evaluated the immunoexpression of autophagy and NLRP3-inflammasome markers, in rat articular cartilage with estrogen deficiency and DM.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Twenty rats were sham-operated (SHAM) or ovariectomized (OVX) and equally allocated into four groups: SHAM and OVX groups administered with vehicle solution; SHAM and OVX groups treated with 60 mg/kg/body weight of streptozotocin, intraperitoneally, to induce DM (SHAM-DM and OVX-DM groups). After seven weeks, the rats were euthanized, and their joint knees were processed for paraffin embedding. Sections were stained with haematoxylin-eosin, toluidine blue, safranin-O/fast-green or subjected to picrosirius-red-polarisation method; immunohistochemistry to detect beclin-1 and microtubule-associated protein 1B-light chain 3 (autophagy markers), NLRP3 and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) (inflammasome activation markers), along with matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), Nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB), and Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) were performed.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Deterioration of articular cartilage and subchondral bone were greater in SHAM-DM and OVX-DM groups. Higher percentages of immunolabeled chondrocytes to NLRP3, IL-1β, MMP-9, NFκB, and VEGF-A, as well as lower percentages of chondrocytes immunolabeled to autophagy markers, were noticed in estrogen-deficient and diabetic groups. These differences were greater in the OVX-DM group. Percentages of immunolabeled chondrocytes showed negative correlation between autophagy markers <em>v.s</em> IL-1β, NLRP-3, MMP-9, NFκB, and VEGF-A, along with positive correlation between VEGF-A <em>vs</em>. MMP-9, NFκB, IL-1β, and NLRP3, and MMP-9 <em>vs</em>. NFκB.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>In conclusion, autophagy reduction and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in chondrocytes may be implicated in articular cartilage degradation, under estrogen-deficient and DM conditions. Moreover, the combination of estrogen deficiency and DM may potentiate those effects.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"257 ","pages":"Article 152318"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0940960224001109/pdfft?md5=1af16873e349d784392f48ed1ec184bd&pid=1-s2.0-S0940960224001109-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142115852","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"In memoriam Prof. Dr. Michail S. Davidoff","authors":"Adolf-Friedrich Holstein","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2024.152328","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2024.152328","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"256 ","pages":"Article 152328"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0940960224001201/pdfft?md5=5637b1d1321f8cdbcfde2cbf414d026b&pid=1-s2.0-S0940960224001201-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142117377","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A consolidated summary of South African human skeletal repositories","authors":"Athi Baliso ,&nbsp;Sadiyah Malek ,&nbsp;Victoria E. Gibbon","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2024.152326","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2024.152326","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim</h3><p>Human skeletal repositories are crucial resources for research and education in human biology, variation, anatomy, biocultural frameworks, forensic/medico-legal casework, heritage and understanding the past. In this review paper, we assess the composition of human skeletal repositories in South Africa, along with the ethical and legal frameworks that safeguard their curation.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>The data and information pertaining to local human skeletal repositories were gathered through a combination of literature review and direct contact with local curators for information. Data pertaining to source origins, sample demographics, and temporal distribution (where applicable) were extracted and reporting trends across publications were assessed.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>South Africa has 12 main human skeletal repositories, six affiliated with universities and six with museums. There are over 12 300 human skeletal remains housed across these repositories, mainly of cadaveric, archaeological, forensic (medico-legal), and unknown origin. Universities are primarily stewards of large cadaveric collections (n = ± 6 200); however, a few manage archaeological (n = ± 1 300) and forensic repositories (n = ± 1 000). Museums exclusively curate repositories of archaeological origin and approximately ± 3 700 archaeological individuals can be found countrywide.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The ethical challenges faced by South African repositories are deeply connected to the country's colonial and apartheid history. Concerns related to consent, autonomy, cultural sensitivity, data availability and the respectful treatment of the deceased, require constant attention and consideration. We highlight several initiatives undertaken to address these issues, including the implementation of new management approaches by repositories, a shift away from using unclaimed bodies, efforts in deaccessioning and repatriation and an increased focus on community engagement.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"257 ","pages":"Article 152326"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0940960224001183/pdfft?md5=d13fa8b161f3dedff4e2997d47711f48&pid=1-s2.0-S0940960224001183-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142115850","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Support for whole-body donation among educational staff in Southwestern Ugandan medical educational schools","authors":"Ndyamuhakyi Elisa ,&nbsp;Ibe Michael Usman ,&nbsp;Victor Adolf Fischer","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2024.152327","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2024.152327","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>The teaching of anatomy from early days of medical education relied on the use of cadaver; hence, the present study assessed the support for whole-body donation among academic staff.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>This is a cross-sectional study conducted from January to March 2024 in Southwestern Ugandan medical educational schools among 160 academic staff. Ethical approval was obtained and structured questionnaires were distributed to study participants in the selected Medical Educational Schools.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Among the 160 sampled academic staff, only 16 % and 18 % supported the donation of their whole-body and the bodies of their relatives/friends for anatomical education respectively. The reason put forward for respondents support for whole-body donation were contribution to medical science (88.5 %) and learnt from someone’s body (53.8 %). The fear of misuse of their body (42.5 %), cultural (53.7 %) and religious (44.8 %) belief were the reasons for non-support for whole-body donation among the study participants.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This study concluded that support for whole-body donation among academic staff was low; reasons for non-support were fear of misuse of body, religious and cultural beliefs; hence, we recommend the need for massive desensitization of the public aimed at building confidence on whole-body donation in the community.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"257 ","pages":"Article 152327"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0940960224001195/pdfft?md5=5788a7c087a87944b2163ad72cbcaa8f&pid=1-s2.0-S0940960224001195-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142115853","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Morphology and anatomical variability of the external auditory canal: A population-based MRI study","authors":"Lisa Hennig ,&nbsp;Markus Krüger ,&nbsp;Robin Bülow ,&nbsp;Till Ittermann ,&nbsp;Friedrich Ihler ,&nbsp;Franziska Krohn-Jäger ,&nbsp;Karl-Friedrich Krey ,&nbsp;Amro Daboul","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2024.152319","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2024.152319","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>The external auditory canal (EAC) exhibits a complex morphology and strong inter-individual variations. However, these have not yet been comprehensively described in the literature.</p></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>This study aims to determine the width, height and cross-sectional area of the cartilaginous portion of the EAC and to describe the three-dimensional morphology and variability of different EACs.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Magnetic resonance imaging was performed on 870 subjects (401 male, 469 female, resulting in 1740 EACs) who participated in the longitudinal, population-based cohort study ‘Study of Health in Pomerania–START-3’. The height and width were measured in the cartilaginous part of the EAC, between the first and second bend. The variability of the EAC morphology was visualized in three-dimensional models.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The mean height (vertical length) of the EAC was 8.62 mm (SD = 2.42) on the right, 8.47 mm (SD = 2.36) on the left. The width (horizontal length) was 4.08 mm (SD = 1.6) on the right, 3.93 mm (SD = 1.64) on the left. The EAC cross-section was 28.6 mm² (SD = 15.19) on the right, 27.15 mm² (SD = 14.33) on the left. The average cross-sectional area of the EAC in men was higher than in women. Subjects with larger body size had larger cross-sectional areas. Subjects with higher body mass index tended to have smaller cross-sections. Although the average EAC had an oval shape, a three-dimensional comparison of different EACs revealed strong individual variation in morphology.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This study enhances the understanding of otolaryngologists and anatomists regarding the complex morphology and variability of the cartilaginous portion of the EAC.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"257 ","pages":"Article 152319"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0940960224001110/pdfft?md5=487ab6ce7cdec3e414fe6bd64ac22015&pid=1-s2.0-S0940960224001110-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142115851","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Periapical surgery and different root obturation protocols for upper central incisor: A finite elements analysis","authors":"E. Klein-Franke ,&nbsp;E. Youssef ,&nbsp;L. Keilig ,&nbsp;C. Bourauel ,&nbsp;I. Dörsam","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2024.152325","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2024.152325","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>The aim of this study was to determine the effect of root canal filling using different obturation materials combined with apicoectomy in upper central incisors under loading with 1 N and 100 N. The effect of incomplete root formation was also investigated.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Based on a CBCT-scan, a model of an upper central incisor was created. The model was altered to simulate different clinical situations: root canal treatment, apicoectomy at two different lengths and with different obturation protocols, and immature root formation after trauma. In each model the tooth was loaded with 1 and 100 N, and peak Von Mises stress of bone and tooth, elastic strain of the periodontal ligament, as well as rotation and displacement of the tooth were measured.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Periapical surgery increases stress in dentin and the surrounding bone. Different obturation materials only produce minor differences in a coronally intact tooth.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Interincisal angle or loading direction strongly affects all measured values and needs to be considered when planning periapical surgery or comparing finite element analysis. Immature roots show the highest stress values in this study, reaching half the yield strength of dentine.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"256 ","pages":"Article 152325"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0940960224001171/pdfft?md5=35e171e8d3f866c955ecfe81192aa57c&pid=1-s2.0-S0940960224001171-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142089204","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A new insight for investigating the prenatal and postnatal ossification centers of pelvic and femur bones in white New Zealand rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) using 3D CT, double stain technique, and morphometry","authors":"Basma M. Kamal ,&nbsp;Samir A.A. El-Gendy ,&nbsp;Ahmed M. Rashwan ,&nbsp;Hanan H. Abd-Elhafeez ,&nbsp;Soha Soliman ,&nbsp;Neveen E.R. El-Bakary ,&nbsp;Ahmed A. El-Mansi ,&nbsp;Mamdouh B. Eldesoqui ,&nbsp;Mohamed A.M. Alsafy","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2024.152316","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2024.152316","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>The ossification centers in rabbit limbs are related to fetal age and bone maturation. Objective: To address the limited studies on ossification in the hind limbs of New Zealand rabbits, we investigated the prenatal and postnatal development of the pelvic and femur bones.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Double staining with Alcian Blue and Alizarin Red, computed tomography (CT), and 3D reconstruction were employed to visualize and analyze ossification centers in detail.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Using double staining, we observed these patterns: At prenatal days 18 and 21, ossification centers appeared in the ilium. By prenatal days 23 and 25, ossification began in the ischium. On postnatal day 1, ilium ossification centers spread across most of the ilium wings, except for the iliac crest, and new centers appeared in the pubis and cotyloid bones. Most bones had ossified by the third week and one month postnatal, except for the iliac crest and ischial tuberosity. At 1.5 months, both were fully ossified. On day 18 post coitum, an ossification center was visible in the middle of the femur shaft. By day 28 post coitum, ossification extended through the shaft, and postnatally, new ossification spots appeared at the extremities by day one and week one. By the third week, complete ossification of the femur head, lesser trochanter, third trochanter, medial condyle, and lateral condyle was observed. At 1.5 months, the entire proximal extremity was ossified.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>3D CT provided clear imaging of ossification progression in the pelvic and femur bones. This study enhances our understanding of vertebrate skeletal development.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"256 ","pages":"Article 152316"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142082906","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Influence of learning strategies and motivation on anatomy test performance of undergraduate medical students","authors":"Laura Odontides ,&nbsp;Katharina Scheiter ,&nbsp;Thomas Shiozawa ,&nbsp;Martin R. Fischer ,&nbsp;Daniela Kugelmann ,&nbsp;Markus Berndt","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2024.152320","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2024.152320","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>To learn and comprehend the large amount of information in gross anatomy, undergraduate students must self-regulate their learning to be properly prepared for the exams within the available time. Even though there are many studies on learning strategies and their influence on test results and motivation, the aim of this study is to investigate characteristics of learning strategies in detail and in relation to the anatomy course of first semester students and how their use is related to anatomy test performance. For assessing the learning strategies, we used the short version of the questionnaire “Learning Strategies of University Students” (LIST-K) (Klingsieck, 2018). Further, we investigated potential influences of motivation and resources used during the self-regulated learning process. The participants in this study (<em>N</em> = 108) filled in the above-mentioned questionnaire LIST-K and a written multiple-choice anatomy test. A k-means cluster analysis revealed three groups of students differing in their self-reported use of learning strategies. Students used either (1) predominantly metacognitive and resource-related strategies, (2) predominantly cognitive strategies, or (3) no specific learning strategies at all. We found no significant overall relationships between the use of learning strategies and test performance. A stepwise linear regression identified the use of cognitive learning strategies (β =.269) as a significant predictor for test performance (<em>R²</em> =.149, <em>p</em> =.003), possibly as these specific learning strategies help with a systematic and effective approach while studying anatomy and retrieving large amount of memorized information. Further, motivation was identified as a negative predictor (β = −.277), which might be a result of the short time periods students have to study for exams. Overall findings underline the importance of self-regulated learning as a positive predictor for academic performance. By understanding these factors, a more student-centered approach could be adopted by educators to improve medical education and equip students with valuable approaches for their continuous education, even beyond university.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"256 ","pages":"Article 152320"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0940960224001122/pdfft?md5=15feea311db478db702c227b5b2fc6aa&pid=1-s2.0-S0940960224001122-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142057556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The feasibility of ultrasound-guided latex labeling of the anterolateral ligament in anatomical dissection – A cadaveric study","authors":"Felix Margenfeld ,&nbsp;Giorgio Tamborrini ,&nbsp;Matthias Beck ,&nbsp;Adib Zendehdel ,&nbsp;Oksana Raabe ,&nbsp;Amélie Poilliot ,&nbsp;Magdalena Müller-Gerbl","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2024.152324","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2024.152324","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>The present study aims to investigate the feasibility of labeling ligaments using ultrasound-guided injections. On formalin-fixed cadavers, the anterolateral ligament was selected and targeted for demonstration. The development of portable ultrasound machines and the ability to connect them to tablets via Bluetooth or WLAN makes it an accessible tool to implement into the anatomical dissection courses in order to associate medical imaging (MRI and ultrasound), anatomical structures and their subsequent dissection.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>8 formalin fixed human cadavers were used for the ultrasound-guided injections of 1 mL of blue latex into the anterolateral ligament. 8 cadavers were not injected with latex for comparative purposes. The injections were performed by an experienced ultra-sonographer. After approximately 10 months, five dissections were carried out by students during the dissection course and three specimens were dissected by anatomists.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The anterolateral ligament was successfully marked and demonstrated in 7 out of 8 cases. In 4 out of 5 cases, the dissection was primarily conducted by students, while in 3 out of 3 cases, it was performed by anatomists. The accuracy was 80 % and 100 %, respectively.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The present study demonstrated that labeling obscure ligaments, such as the anterolateral ligament, using ultrasound guidance is feasible on formalin-fixed cadavers. It also showed that students can successfully perform the dissections as the structure is highlighted and that the time between injection and dissection (approximately 10 months) has little impact on the outcome. The use of ultrasound in dissection courses should be further encouraged.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"256 ","pages":"Article 152324"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S094096022400116X/pdfft?md5=cb5fc7c0d3baf79b162cd94c80b7779c&pid=1-s2.0-S094096022400116X-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142074752","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ultrasonographic measurements of gastro-soleus fascia thickness in midportion Achilles tendinopathy: A case-control study","authors":"Larisa Ryskalin ,&nbsp;Federica Fulceri ,&nbsp;Gabriele Morucci ,&nbsp;Francesco Busoni ,&nbsp;Paola Soldani ,&nbsp;Marco Gesi","doi":"10.1016/j.aanat.2024.152321","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aanat.2024.152321","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Background&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Achilles tendon is one of the thickest, largest, and strongest tendons in the human body. Biomechanically, the AT represents the conjoint tendon of the triceps surae muscle, placed in series with the plantar fascia (PF) to ensure force transmission from the triceps surae toward the toes during walking, running, and jumping. Commonly encountered in the diagnostic evaluation of heel pain, Achilles tendinopathy (AT) refers to a combination of pathological changes affecting the tendon itself often resulting from excessive repetitive stress and overuse. Nevertheless, increasing evidence demonstrates that structural alterations due to overuse or abnormal patterns of skeletal muscle activity are not necessarily restricted to the muscles or tendons but can also affect the fascial tissue. At the same time, there has been recent discussion regarding the role of the fascial tissue as a potential contributor to the pathophysiological mechanisms of the development of several musculoskeletal disorders including tendinopathies. To the best of our knowledge, ultrasound (US) imaging studies on the fascial structures related to the triceps surae complex, as well as their possible correlation with Achillodynia have never been presented in the current literature.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the present study, a comparative US imaging evaluation of textural features of the suro-Achilleo-plantar complex was performed in 14 healthy controls and 14 symptomatic subjects complaining of midportion AT. The thickness of the Achilles tendon, paratenon, intermuscular fascia, and PF has been assessed with US. In addition, both groups underwent the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A), a disease-specific questionnaire that measures the severity of symptoms of AT. Correlations between quantitative ultrasound measures and VISA-A scores were determined through Pearson or Spearman's rho correlations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Our ultrasonographic findings revealed statistically significant differences (&lt;em&gt;p&lt;/em&gt;&lt;0.05) in Achilles tendon and paratenon thicknesses between AT patients and controls. No significant differences were observed between groups in PF at the calcaneal insertion as all mean measures were within the expected range of a normal PF on US imaging. In contrast, in tendinopathic subjects, the deep intermuscular fascia between medial gastrocnemius (MG) and soleus (SOL) muscles is significantly (&lt;em&gt;p&lt;/em&gt;&lt;0.01) and considerably thickened compared to those of healthy subjects. Moderate correlations exist between tendon and paratenon thicknesses (r= 0.54, p= 0.04) and between MG-SOL fascia and tendon thicknesses (r= 0.58, p= 0.03). Regarding symptom severity and US morphological findings, the Spearman ρ test showed no correlation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusions&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Our data demonstrate that, in symptomatic subjects, US alterations are not restricted to paratenon and intratendinous areas, but also ","PeriodicalId":50974,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger","volume":"256 ","pages":"Article 152321"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142074753","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}