Introduction: The lumbrical muscles are unique in their functions in being only intrinsic muscles which bridges between the palmar and dorsal surface. This unique property endows them in performing fast, alternating movements and fine tuning digit motion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomical variations in the morphology and architecture of lumbricals and to discuss its clinical implications. Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted on 74 disarticulated upper limbs during routine dissection of cadavers in the Department of Anatomy of MVJMC & RH. The dissection was carried out based on the steps as per the Cunningham’s manual. Results: Variations in lumbricals were observed in 12 specimens (8 in right side & 4 in left side). The variation encountered were the proximal origin of lumbricals in 4 specimens (5.41%), Split insertion in one specimen (1.35%), bipennate second lumbrical in two specimens (2.70%), accessory belly of first lumbrical in 4 specimens (5.41%) and hypertrophied lumbrical in one specimen (1.35%). Conclusion: Variations of the lumbrical can present with wide range of clinical presentations like compression of neurovascular structures as in hypertrophy, carpal tunnel syndrome as in proximal origin and accessory belly of lumbrical.

Tibio-fibular synostosis is a rare, limb malformation characterized by fusion of the proximal or distal tibial and fibular metaphysis and/or diaphysis. The present case was an incidental finding in the Osteology section of the Anatomy Museum. We report a rare case of tibiofibular synostosis, reported occasionally in the Indian population. The left tibia and fibula were malunited by the synostotic segment of bone at the junction of the middle and lower 1/3rd of the bones. It is imperative for orthopedic surgeons to follow up postoperative leg cases radiologically and evaluate cases with leg and ankle pain keeping this entity in mind.

For a successful knee arthroplasty it is imperative to measure patellar thickness intraoperatively to guide the depth of resection. Width thickness ratio of patella is a useful indicator for assessing premorbid patellar thickness. Patellar implants for total knee arthroplasty rely mostly on data from Western population as data from Indian population is sparse. To study the dimensions of patella in South Indian population and to compare it with the previous literature. To estimate the commonest variant of patella in Indian population as per the Weibergs classification.: 101 dry patella from the Department of Anatomy of MVJ Medical College and Research Hospital were used for this study following approval from Instutional ethical committee . The dimensions of patella i.e Patellar height, width, thickness, width of medial and lateral articular facet were measured using Digital Vernier calipers. The results of various statistical parameters (Length, Width, Thickness, MAF and LAF) on the right and left side and combined were expressed in terms of mean and standard deviations along with minimum and maximum values.() The mean height, width and thickness of patella was 39.07mm, 42.56mm and 22.7mm respectively. The values of all the variables of both sides were compared. There was no statistical difference between the variables on right and left sides. Width of MAF in the present study was 19.8 ±2.82 mm while Width of LAF was 24.6±1.88mm. Ratio of width to thickness of patella was 1.8mm. There was no correlation between the two variables.Patella was classified according to Wiberg classification on the basis of dimensions of the width of medial articular and lateral articular facet as well as curvature of the facets. The most common variant observed was Type 2.The knowledge of patellar morphometry will aid the orthopedic surgeons in designing prosthesis. Morphometric data of patella on Indian population will also act as guide for forensic experts and anthropologists in sex determination.

The coeliac trunk is the branch of the abdominal aorta at the level of the twelfth thoracic vertebra. Its branches namely left gastric, common hepatic and splenic arteries supply the primary organs of the supracolic abdominal compartment namely the stomach, pancreas, spleen and liver. In this article, we report case series of three cases in male cadavers aged 65yrs, 60yrs and 70yrs respectively in the Department of Anatomy, Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences and MVJ Medical College and Research Institute wherein we discovered that the branching pattern of the coeliac trunk varied from the usual pattern, thus the specimens were photographed to understand further. The observation of first case, common trunk from abdominal aorta showed common hepatic and superior mesenteric artery and left gastric and splenic artery aroused as another common trunk from abdominal aorta. The second case showed the superior mesenteric artery arising from coeliac trunk and the third case was observed the inferior phrenic arteries were arising from coeliac trunk. Knowledge of this variable anatomy may be useful in planning and executing surgical or radiological interventions. KEY WORDS: Ventral splanchnic vessels, coeliac trunk, Superior mesenteric Artery, Inferior Phrenic artery, vascular variations.

Introduction: Meniscal tears are commonly encountered in clinical practice and cause significant musculoskeletal morbidity. Most of the data available on Morphometry of menisci in Indian population are through cadaveric studies and very few MRI studies are available to substantiate the available data. Aim of the study: To gather data on the Morphometry of menisci in South Indian population and compare it with the existing literature. Material and Method: 100 MRI images collected retrospectively were used to study menisci. Height and width of MM and LM were measured both in sagittal and coronal planes. Results: It was observed that in both sexes the height of the Anterior horn of Medial meniscus was significantly higher than that of Lateral meniscus. Width of the Anterior horn and body showed significantly higher values in Lateral meniscus whereas width of Posterior horn of Medial meniscus showed significantly higher values in both sexes. Height of Medial meniscus in all the segments was higher in males though the difference was significant only in anterior horn and Posterior horn segments. Height of Lateral meniscus was significantly higher in males in all the segments. Conclusion: Results of this study will add to the existing literature on the Morphometry of menisci and will serve as a database for patients undergoing meniscal allografts. KEY WORDS: Medial meniscus, Lateral meniscus, Meniscal tears, musculoskeletal morbidity.