The linear measurements and 3D maps may prove useful when attempting more anatomically accurate reconstructions.

The need to increase the efficiency of dissection in the gross anatomy laboratory has been the driving force behind the technologic changes we have recently implemented. With the introduction of an integrated systems-based medical curriculum and a reduction in laboratory teaching hours, anatomy faculty at the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) developed a computer-based dissection manual to adjust to these curricular changes and time constraints. At each cadaver workstation, Apple iMac computers were added and a new dissection manual, running in a browser-based format, was installed. Within the text of the manual, anatomical structures required for dissection were linked to digital images from prosected materials; in addition, for each body system, the dissection manual included images from cross sections, radiographs, CT scans, and histology. Although we have placed a high priority on computerization of the anatomy laboratory, we remain strong advocates of the importance of cadaver dissection. It is our belief that the utilization of computers for dissection is a natural evolution of technology and fosters creative teaching strategies adapted for anatomy laboratories in the 21st century. Our strategy has significantly enhanced the independence and proficiency of our students, the efficiency of their dissection time, and the quality of laboratory instruction by the faculty.

Compression of the dorsal scapular nerve (DSN) is associated with pain in the upper extremity and back. Even though entrapment of the DSN within the middle scalene muscle is typically the primary cause of pain, it is still easily missed during diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to document the DSN's anatomy and measure the oblique course it takes with regard to the middle scalene muscle. From 20 embalmed adult cadavers, 23 DSNs were documented regarding the nerve's spinal root origin, anatomical route, and muscular innervations. A transverse plane through the laryngeal prominence was established to measure the distance of the DSN from this plane as it enters, crosses, and exits the middle scalene muscle. Approximately 70% of the DSNs originated from C5, with 74% piercing the middle scalene muscle. About 48% of the DSNs supplied the levator scapulae muscle only and 52% innervated both the levator scapulae and rhomboid muscles. The average distances from a transverse plane at the laryngeal prominence where the DSN entered, crossed, and exited the middle scalene muscle were 1.50 cm, 1.79 cm, and 2.08 cm, respectively. Our goal is to help improve clinicians' ability to locate the site of DSN entrapment so that appropriate management can be implemented.

BackgroundAnkle syndesmosis injuries are common and range in severity from subclinical to grossly unstable. Definitive diagnosis of these injuries can be made with plain film radiographs, but are often missed when severity or image quality is low. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide definitive diagnosis, but are costly and introduce the patient to radiation when CT is used. Ultrasonography may circumvent many of these disadvantages by being inexpensive, efficient, and able to detect injuries without radiation exposure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of ultrasonography to detect early stage supination-external rotation (SER) ankle syndesmosis injuries with a dynamic external rotational stress test.MethodsNine, all male, fresh frozen specimens were secured to an ankle rig and stress tested to 10 Nm of external rotational torque with ultrasonography at the tibiofibular clear space. The ankles were subjected to syndesmosis ligament sectioning and repeat stress measurements of the tibiofibular clear space at peak torque. Stress tests and measurements were repeated three times and averaged and analyzed using a repeated one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). There were six ankle injury states examined including: Intact State, 75% of AITFL Cut, 100% of AITFL Cut, Fibula FX - Cut 8 cm proximal, 75% PITFL Cut, and 100% PITFL Cut.ResultsDynamic external rotation stress evaluation using ultrasonography was able to detect a significant difference between the uninjured ankle with a tibiofibular clear space of 4.5 mm and the stage 1 complete injured ankle with a clear space of 6.0 mm (P < .02). Additionally, this method was able to detect significant differences between the uninjured ankle and the stage 2–4 injury states.ConclusionDynamic external rotational stress evaluation using ultrasonography was able to detect stage 1 Lauge-Hansen SER injuries with statistical significance and corroborates criteria for diagnosing a syndesmosis injury at ≥6.0 mm of tibiofibular clear space widening.

The Post-Baccalaureate (postbac) Premedical Certification Program at the University of North Texas Health Science Center provides an opportunity for individuals to enhance their credentials for entry into medical school by offering a challenging biomedical science core curriculum in graduate biochemistry, cell biology, physiology, and pharmacology. In addition, students (called postbacs) receive instruction in human gross anatomy, histology, and embryology with first-year medical students. More than 90% of the students accepted into the postbac program have applied to medical school previously but have been rejected by admission committees at least once, primarily because of low cognitive scores. In spring 2001, seven postbacs completed the program, of which only one was admitted into the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM), the medical school affiliated with the University of North Texas Health Science Center. Three postbacs went to other medical schools. Thirty-one completed the program by spring 2006, of whom 13 were admitted to TCOM, and eight to other medical schools. After six years, 101 postbacs have completed the program, and 70 have been accepted into medical schools. Postbacs admitted into TCOM have performed well compared with their medical school classmates. Overall, average scores for postbacs are above those of their medical school classmates. In addition, postbacs have taken class leadership positions, served as tutors and mentors, and have served as school ambassadors for new applicants. The postbac premedical program has proven to be very successful in preparing students for the rigors of a medical school curriculum by allowing these students to develop the skills and confidence necessary to compete.