New anatomo-radiological findings of the lateral pterygoid muscle

Abstract

We consider that the use of transparent-plastinated anatomical sections and its good correlation with MRI images (in axial and oblique-sagittal planes) led to an accurate identification of TMJ structures, especially in relation to the lateral pterygoid muscle, that is now described as a multipennate muscle.

E12 sheet plastination: Techniques and applications

“…If sections 1.5–4.0 mm thick are desired, the piece is frozen at a very low temperature (generally −80°C) and then cut. The individual sections are then plastinated (Fritsch, ; Cook, ; Sora et al, , , , , ; Zhang and Lee, ; Leaper et al, ; Nash et al, , ; Sora and Genser‐Strobl, ; Fritsch et al, ; Al‐Ali et al, ; Elnady and Sora, ; Chen et al, ; Wegmann et al, ; Arredondo et al, ; Liu et al, ; Konschake and Fritsch, ; Liang et al, , ; Bernal‐Mañas et al, ; Thorpe Lowis et al, ; Ottone et al, ).…”

“…With this diamond saw it is possible to obtain sections that include metal or ceramic implants to study the interface of these biomaterials.von Hagens et al () indicated that specimens should be frozen to be cut, adding that the saw guide must be cooled to 0°C. Different researchers cut the sections at different temperatures: Steinke (), −35°C; Porzionato et al (), −20°C; Sora and Cook (), −75°C; Macchi et al () and Ottone et al (), −20°C; Scali et al (, ), −85°C; Bernal‐Mañas et al (), −20°C and −80°C. Different materials can be used to make the block in which the samples to be cut are frozen; Soal et al () described the use of polyurethane foam.…”

“…Bernal‐Mañas et al () studied the arrangement of the muscle fibers of the lateral pterygoid muscle in human specimens using sufficiently transparent 2–3 mm thick sections. They represented the topography of the anatomical structures correctly and could study different tissues with a stereoscopic microscope.…”

“…Thus, cross‐section anatomy—as part of topographical anatomy—is becoming more important, resulting in better interpretation and diagnostic image analysis (Lane, ; Steinke, ; Elnady and Sora, ). These specimens are useful in advanced training programs for sectional topography and training during residency in CT and NMR (Cook and Al‐Ali, ; Beyersdorff et al, , Steinke, ; Sora et al, , ; Sora and Cook, ; Elnady and Sora, ; Soal et al, ; Steinke et al, ; Bernal‐Mañas et al ). The reconstructed 3D model can also be used for training during residency, to carry out unusual surgery and develop new surgical approaches (Sha et al, ; Qiu et al, ; Sora et al, ).…”

“…The method prevents decomposition of the sample and encrusts it in transparent epoxy to create an optical interface of high tissue quality (Marks et al, ). Furthermore, the slices obtained can easily be used for morphometric processing (Sora et al, ): Didenko et al () performed a morphometric analysis of the right atrium, Liang et al (, ) analyzed the morphometry of the transcranial segment of the trigeminal nerve, and Bernal‐Mañas et al () studied the lateral pterygoid muscle and its arrangement in the condyle of the mandible, identifying several muscular fascicles and their insertions and providing morphometric details. Other examples will be mentioned in this article.…”