INTRODUCTIONThe sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is a major muscle of the neck. Classically, this muscle is attached below the sternum and clavicle, although the mode of attachment might vary. As the SCM is related to numerous important neurovascular structures, its variable anatomy is clinically relevant, particularly for neck surgeries. A cadaveric study was performed to establish the variations present in the mode of attachment of the SCM muscle in an Indian population.

METHODSWe studied the variations in the attachment of the SCM muscle during the dissection of 18 cadavers for undergraduate teaching in two medical colleges in West Bengal, India.

RESULTSVariations in the attachment of the SCM muscle were found in 5 (27.8%) specimens. Of these five specimens, three had unilateral variations and two had bilateral variations. In each specimen, the modes of presentation of the SCM and its fusion with the major bulk were also different.

CONCLUSIONIn this study, we found variations in the attachment of the SCM muscle in more than a quarter of the specimens dissected. Surgeons should bear in mind such variations when performing neck surgeries.

Cadaver ; Clavicle ; anatomy & histology ; Dissection ; Female ; Humans ; India ; Male ; Neck ; anatomy & histology ; Neck Muscles ; anatomy & histology ; Sternum ; anatomy & histology

OBJECTIVE: To establish the linear regression equation between body height and combined length of manubrium and mesostenum of sternum measured by CT volume rendering technique (CT-VRT) in southwest Han population. METHODS: One hundred and sixty subjects, including 80 males and 80 females were selected from southwest Han population for routine CT-VRT (reconstruction thickness 1 mm) examination. The lengths of both manubrium and mesosternum were recorded, and the combined length of manubrium and mesosternum was equal to the algebraic sum of them. The sex-specific linear regression equations between the combined length of manubrium and mesosternum and the real body height of each subject were deduced. RESULTS: The sex-specific simple linear regression equations between the combined length of manubrium and mesostenum (x3) and body height (y) were established (male: y = 135.000+2.118 x3 and female: y = 120.790+2.808 x3). Both equations showed statistical significance (P < 0.05) with a 100% predictive accuracy. CONCLUSION CT-VRT is an effective method for measurement of the index of sternum. The combined length of manubrium and mesosternum from CT-VRT can be used for body height estimation in southwest Han population.
Asian People ; Body Height ; Female ; Forensic Anthropology ; Humans ; Linear Models ; Male ; Manubrium/anatomy & histology* ; Regression Analysis ; Sternum/anatomy & histology* ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo investigate the distribution of the internal mammary artery and its branches by the multi-slice spiral CT angiography, and to explore the feasibility of transferring pedicled transverse rectus abdomials myocataneous (TRAM) flap for breast reconstruction through resection of inferior costicartilages.

METHODS30 female patients received abdominal CT angiography. (1) The distance between internal mammary artery and the sternum midline were recorded; (2) The position and the numbers of branches from bilateral internal mammary arteries at the level of 5th, 6th, 7th rib was observed; (3) The points where the superior epigastric artery gets through the rectus abdominis muscle were located.

RESULTS( The average distance between left internal mammary artery to the sternum midline is from 1. 66 cm (0. 62-2. 39 cm ) to 2.34 cm (0.69-3.36 cm) at the level from 4th to 6th intercostal space. The average distance between right internal mammary artery to the sternum midline is from 1.55 cm(0. 66-2. 29 cm) to 2.29 cm(0. 73-3. 67 cm) at the level from 4th to 6th intercostal space; ) The number of branches is the most at the level of 6th intercostal space; (3) There are 235 branches in the superior epigastric artery.

CONCLUSIONSThis imaging study of internal mammary artery explores the feasibility of transferring pedicled transverse rectus abdominals myocataneous flap for breast reconstruction. It has important significance in the breast reconstruction using TRAM flap with lengthened pedicle.

Abdominal Muscles ; blood supply ; Epigastric Arteries ; anatomy & histology ; diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Humans ; Mammaplasty ; Mammary Arteries ; anatomy & histology ; diagnostic imaging ; Multidetector Computed Tomography ; Rectus Abdominis ; anatomy & histology ; diagnostic imaging ; Sternum ; anatomy & histology ; diagnostic imaging ; Surgical Flaps