Object The authors measured relevant quantitative anatomical parameters to define safety zones for the placement of C-1 posterior screws. Methods Nineteen linear, two angular, and four surface parameters of 20 dried atlantal specimens were evaluated. The Optotrak 3020 system was used to define the working area. Ideal angles for screw positioning were measured using digital radiographs and a free image-processing program. Six silicone-injected cadaveric heads were dissected bilaterally to study related neurovascular anatomy. The depth (range 5.2–9.4 mm, mean 7.2 ± 1.1 mm) and width (range 5.2–8.1 mm, mean 6.5 ± 0.9 mm) of the transverse foramen varied considerably among specimens. The mean posterior working area was 43.3 mm2. All specimens accommodated 3.5-mm-diameter screws, and 93% accepted 4-mm-diameter screws. In 10 specimens (50%), partial removal of the posterior arch was necessary to accommodate a 4-mm screw. The mean maximum angle of medialization was 16.7 ± 1.3°; the mean maximum superior angulation was 21.7 ± 4.7°. Conclusions The anatomical configuration of the atlas and vertebral artery (VA) varied considerably among the cadaveric specimens. The heights of the C-1 pedicle, posterior arch, and posterior lamina determine the posterior working area available for screw placement. The inferior insertion of the posterior arch may have to be drilled to increase this working area, but doing so risks injury to the VA. A dense venous plexus with multiple anastomoses may cover the screw entry site, potentially obscuring the operative view and increasing the risk of hemorrhage.

When a person smiles and talks, everyone in his or her own specific way, it can be noticed that the tip of the nose drops and the upper lip shortens, making the nasolabial angle more acute. The importance of the upper lip in the dynamics of the nose makes necessary a more detailed study of the morphology and anatomical relations of the median part of the nasal septum depressor muscle, contributing in this way to new techniques in plastic surgery. The authors proposed to study the anatomy of the nasal septum depressor muscle and its relationship with the dermocartilaginous ligament of Pitanguy and the upper lip, important components of the nasal dynamics of facial expression. In this way they seek to contribute to the treatment of the nasal tip in aesthetic rhinoplasties.

No detailed descriptions exist of the collateral intercostal artery which can provide an accurate anatomical basis for ensuring a low rate of vascular complications during thoracocentesis and thoracoscopy. Consequently the present study was undertaken to provide information on the origin, size and topographic relationships of the collateral intercostal artery. Ninety cadaveric adult intercostal spaces were dissected using standard procedures. The collateral intercostal arteries were exposed throughout their full length and measured at the points within the intercostal spaces considered to be the most important for clinical purposes. The posterior intercostal arteries and their collateral branches were observed to decrease in size from posterior to anterior; however, no significant differences were present in their size in the first four intercostal spaces. Based on these findings the usual thoracocentesis or thoracoscopy technique, in which it is recommended that puncture is done as close as possible to the superior margin of the inferior rib, may lead to collateral intercostal artery laceration and considerable bleeding. A subtle, but important, modification to this technique is suggested aimed at achieving safer access to the intercostal space. In the modified technique, the puncture should be made in the middle of the intercostal space, thereby reducing the possibility of laceration of the collateral intercostal artery.

During surgical procedures on the epidermis, either aesthetic or reconstructive, the medical literature shows that certain technical standards and skin flap proportions should be followed, unless the risk of necrosis increases, in different degrees, directly related to the trauma. This study evaluates the evolution of skin flaps on the dorsum of rats treated with a vitamin pool (VP) (vitamins A, E, and C). Twenty-six rats, divided into two groups, were used: (A) the treated group (13 specimens), in which we performed a dorsal skin flap and applied the VP, and (B) the control group (13 specimens), in which we performed a flap on the dorsum without application of the VP. Our results demonstrate that, at the macroscopic level, the group treated with the VP had more tissue sufferance, whereas at the microscopic level, small statistical differences were observed between the groups and also between the vertex and the middle of the flap. Despite these small differences, better results were obtained in group A, showing that in this study the clinical aspect did not correspond to the histological features.

The classification of lipoabdominoplasty indications offers good options for treatment of the abdominal region. Lipoplasty, selective undermining, and maintenance of Scarpa's fascia help reduce surgical trauma that is the main factor affecting hematoma and necrosis rates. The learning curve for these classifications is fast because the described procedures are already familiar to most plastic surgeons.