Coronary dominance describes the anatomical pattern of myocardial perfusion, whereas myocardial bridging refers to an intramyocardial course of the coronary arteries branches. Because both findings may be associated with clinically relevant conditions, they are often regarded as occupying an intermediate spectrum between anatomical variation and anomaly. In this study, we assessed the prevalence and morphometric characteristics of myocardial bridges and coronary dominance in 201 adult human hearts by means of cadaveric dissection in a brazilian institution. Additionally, the main arteries were measured, and the relationship between myocardial bridging and coronary dominance was examined. The mean length of the right coronary artery was 115.71±35.54mm, followed by 12.26±5.12mm for the left coronary artery, 110.33±22.47mm for the anterior interventricular artery, and 57.39±17.78mm for the posterior interventricular artery. Myocardial bridges were identified in 56.2% of specimens, predominantly in the anterior interventricular artery (81.3%), followed by the posterior interventricular artery (11.6%) and other branches (7.1%). The mean bridge length was 15.97±9.56mm. A single myocardial bridge was observed in 40.8% of hearts, whereas 15.4% of them presented multiple bridges. Regarding coronary dominance, 66.2% of hearts were right-dominant, 23.4% were balanced, and 10.4% were left-dominant. Among hearts with myocardial bridges, 67.3% were right-dominant, 23.0% were balanced, and 9.7% were left-dominant. Overall, coronary dominance patterns and arterial morphometry were consistent with previous reports; however, the prevalence of myocardial bridging was higher than the described in the literature. Given the potential association of myocardial bridging with cardiovascular complications, these findings may have important implications for clinical and surgical practice.
The proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint is essential to hand function and susceptible to post-traumatic stiffness. Its stabilisers require an integrated anatomical and biomechanical interpretation. This narrative review qualitatively synthesised human cadaveric, morphometric, biomechanical and imaging studies identified through the reported PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science search to January 2026 and reference-list checking. Targeted supplementary literature checks during revision addressed volar plate dynamics, retinacular ligaments and distal interphalangeal (DIP) mechanics. Twenty-one primary studies are tabulated; no meta-analysis was performed. Original screening counts are unavailable, and the selection diagram describes the narrative workflow. The evidence supports position-dependent behaviour of individual collateral-ligament portions and dynamic reconfiguration of the volar plate. Near-axial collateral origins help explain limited attachment-distance change in a simplified hinge model, but do not establish that head width is less important. PIP flexion contracture plausibly involves shortening and adhesions of volar periarticular tissues together with changes in the extensor and retinacular apparatus. Differences from the metacarpophalangeal joint involve joint type, articular geometry and soft-tissue organisation. DIP findings show partial mechanical similarities but do not establish an identical contracture pathway. PIP stiffness is best interpreted as a multifactorial, position-dependent process. This synthesis supports preserving tissue excursion when injury stability permits, while prospective evidence is needed to establish causal mechanisms and optimal immobilisation strategies.
Background The great saphenous vein (GSV) runs in close proximity to the saphenous nerve (SN) at medial malleolus (MM). Precise spatial relationship of GSV-SN at MM are critical to minimize iatrogenic injuries during invasive procedures. Despite the established clinical relevance, thorough ultrasonographic (USG) data on the distance of these structures remain sparse. This study aimed to determine USG anatomy of GSV-SN at MM, GSV diameter, its subcutaneous depth, distances of GSV-SN; GSV-MM and correlate these with anthropometric variables such as age, height, weight and body mass index (BMI). Methods Sixty healthy adult volunteers (120 limbs) aged 20–70 years were involved in this study. USG parameters recorded bilaterally were: GSV diameter, its subcutaneous depth, and distances of GSV-SN; GSV-MM at the ankle. Results Mean GSV diameter at MM was 8.90±0.76mm, with statistically significant right-left differences (P=0.013). Mean subcutaneous depth of GSV was 15.30±2.23mm with no statistically significant right-left differences (P=0.584). Mean GSV-SN distance was 3.91±0.92mm across all limbs with no statistically significant right-left asymmetry (P=0.737). Mean GSV-MM distance was 15.38±3.36mm with an excellent bilateral symmetry (right: 15.36±3.15mm – left: 15.40±3.58mm; P=0.949). GSV diameter and its subcutaneous depth showed a strong positive correlation with BMI. Conclusion This study provides anatomical and ultrasonographic data that may inform procedural planning, while their impact on procedural safety or complication rates remain to be established prospectively.
BACKGROUND:The second mesiobuccal canal (MB2) variation, which is frequently found especially in maxillary first molars, is a significant cause of complications. The aim of this study was to perform pulp depth analysis of maxillary first molars using bitewing radiographs and to evaluate the role of the MediXpar in the diagnosis of MB2. METHODS:Retrospectively 64 cases (46 patients) in which bitewing radiographs and CBCT were included in the study. CBCT were used as the gold standard for MB2 detection. The MediXpar was used for pulp depth analysis from bitewing radiographs. Four different ROIs created by manual segmentation were determined for pulp depth analysis and pixel count, DATS, PowerDATS and edge density data were recorded for each. RESULTS:No significant difference was detected between molars with MB2 (n=32) and without MB2 (n=32), according to the pixel count, DATS and edge density data obtained from four different ROIs. Significant difference was detected in the PowerDATS results for each ROI, and without MB2 was significantly higher. In the presence of MB2, the ratio of samples with PowerDATS results below 90 was 84%, 78%, 68% and 75% for ROI1, ROI2, ROI3 and ROI4, respectively. In the absence of MB2, the ratio of samples with PowerDATS results above 90 was 59%, 75%, 75% and 75%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:Bitewing radiographs analysed with the MediXpar can help predict the presence of an MB2 canal. Teeth with an MB2 had notably lower PowerDATS values than those without, indicating this noninvasive analysis may guide the need for confirmatory CBCT.
BACKGROUND:A thorough understanding of root canal anatomy is essential for achieving predictable endodontic outcomes, particularly in maxillary molars, which are anatomically complex. The presence of additional canals, especially in the mesiobuccal root, remains a frequent cause of missed anatomy and treatment failure. Despite the growing use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), population-specific data using contemporary classification systems remain limited. AIM:The present study aimed to assess the root and canal configurations of permanent maxillary molars in a Saudi Arabian subpopulation using CBCT and the classification system of Ahmed et al. METHODOLOGY: This retrospective CBCT-based study evaluated 703 permanent maxillary molars from 206 patients in a Saudi Arabian subpopulation. Root and canal morphology were assessed using the Ahmed et al. classification system. The influence of tooth type, age, and gender on canal configuration was analysed using chi-square tests (P<0.05). RESULT:Three-rooted morphology was predominant, with the most common configuration being 3TN MB1 DB1 P1 (38.83%). Configurations involving a second mesiobuccal canal (MB2 and MB2-1) collectively accounted for more than 50% of all maxillary molars examined. Canal configuration was significantly associated with tooth type, age, and gender (P<0.001). Greater anatomical complexity was observed in maxillary first molars, younger individuals, and male patients. CONCLUSION:The predominant morphology of maxillary molars in this Saudi subpopulation was a three-rooted configuration, with considerable variation in the mesiobuccal canal system. Additional canals, particularly MB2 configurations, were frequently observed and should be carefully assessed during endodontic treatment. Tooth type, age, and gender were significantly associated with canal morphology. The Ahmed et al. classification system provided a comprehensive framework for describing these anatomical variations. Future studies should investigate the relationship between canal morphology and treatment outcomes and explore AI-assisted CBCT analysis for automated detection of complex canal anatomy.
