Tag Archives: anatomy

PUBLISHED: Elbow Arthroscopy (Cadaver)

Elbow Arthroscopy (Cadaver)
Patrick Vavken, MD; Femke Claessen, MD
Smith and Nephew Endoscopy Laboratory

Elbow arthroscopy is a technically demanding procedure but it is very useful to evaluate the entire elbow joint for pathology with minimal surgical exposure and faster recovery than a traditional arthrotomy. The neurovascular structures of the elbow joint are in close proximity to the joint, thus there is a risk of injury to these structures, so care must be taken to fully understand elbow anatomy and to be prepared for aberrations. Elbow arthroscopy can be used diagnostically, as in this video article, or to surgically treat a variety of conditions including ligamentous tears, loose bodies, capsular stiffness, osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow, osteophyte debridement, and lateral epicondylitis. A patient with a previous ulnar nerve transposition is a relative contraindication to elbow arthroscopy, as there is a high risk of injury to the ulnar nerve during portal placement.

PUBLISHED: Thyroidectomy (Cadaver)

Thyroidectomy (Cadaver)
Kristen L. Zayan, BS1Adam Honeybrook, MBBS2C. Scott Brown, MD2Daniel J. Rocke MD, JD2
1University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
2Duke University Medical Center

Thyroidectomy may be performed for various pathologies, consisting of either thyroid lobectomy or total gland removal. Both benign and malignant disease processes necessitate surgical intervention. Thyroid nodules, compressive thyroid goiter, or persistent thyrotoxicosis represent some of the benign indications. Malignant conditions affecting the thyroid include papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic carcinomas. In the present case, a thyroidectomy via standard cervical incision is performed on a cadaver with overlying animations to emphasize the key anatomy. The discussion is in relation to a patient with obstructive goiter presenting with worsening wheezing, cough, and dysphagia, with the ultimate goal of relieving the compressive symptoms through the removal of the gland.

PUBLISHED: DCR and Nasolacrimal System (Cadaver)

DCR and Nasolacrimal System (Cadaver)
Prithwijit Roychowdhury, BS1C. Scott Brown, MD2Matthew D. Ellison, MD2
1University of Massachusetts Medical School
Department of Otolaryngology, Duke University

Nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NDO) is the most common disorder of the lacrimal system that affects patients of every age and results in excessive tearing (epiphora) and if untreated, painful infection (dacryocystitis). When NDO symptoms progress and can no longer be managed with conservative measures, endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is indicated.

In this case, DCR exploration of the nasolacrimal anatomy is performed on a cadaver. The typical presentation of NDO is epiphora but the presence of painful swelling of the medial canthus and mucoid or purulent discharge may indicate the presence of dacryocystitis. The approach presented here involves the creation of a mucosal flap and subsequent use of the DCR drill to expose the nasolacrimal duct anatomy.

Shoulder Arthroscopy (Cadaver)

Shoulder Arthroscopy (Cadaver)
Patrick Vavken, MD1Sabah Ali2
1Smith and Nephew Endoscopy Laboratory
2University of Central Florida College of Medicine

Shoulder arthroscopy is one of the most common procedures performed in orthopaedic surgery. It can be utilized to identify various pathologies including rotator cuff tears, degenerative arthritis, subacromial impingement, and proximal humeral fractures. With continued advancement in arthroscopy, patients benefit from smaller incisions, reduced risk of postoperative complications, and faster recovery compared to open surgery.

Shoulder arthroscopy is performed either in the lateral decubitus position or in the beach chair position (BCP) as seen in this video. The BCP provides greater benefits such as decreased neovascularization during portal placement, fewer cases of neuropathies, and reduced surgical time. In addition to position, there are various portals used in shoulder arthroscopy, with the posterior portal being the most common and used in this video. Complication rates from shoulder arthroscopy are low but include shoulder stiffness, iatrogenic tendon injury, and vascular injury. Therefore, proper patient selection, patient positioning, and appropriate portal selection are essential for successful shoulder arthroscopy. This article discusses shoulder arthroscopy and demonstrates the technique on a cadaver shoulder.

Parotid Dissection (Cadaver)

Parotid Dissection (Cadaver)
C. Scott Brown, MDRamon M Esclamado, MD, MS
Duke University Medical Center

Parotid dissection is a delicate surgical procedure that requires a deep understanding of the relevant anatomy and a careful approach to ensure the preservation of critical structures, particularly the facial nerve. The comprehensive overview provided in this video is a valuable resource for understanding the step-by-step process of parotid dissection. The detailed narration and visual references help to reinforce the importance of accurate identification and preservation of the facial nerve, as well as the other key anatomical structures involved in the procedure. This information is crucial for surgeons in training, as well as for experienced practitioners, to ensure the safe and effective removal of parotid gland tumors while minimizing the risk of complications.

PUBLISHED: Frontal Sinus Dissection (Cadaver)

Frontal Sinus Dissection (Cadaver)
C. Scott Brown, MDRalph Abi Hachem, MD, MSc
Duke University Medical Center

This cadaveric study aims to provide a detailed overview of the key steps involved in the dissection of the frontal sinus, including the identification of anatomical landmarks, performing of Draf I, II-A, II-B, and III procedures, and the preservation of mucosal structures. The meticulous identification and preservation of crucial anatomical landmarks, such as the frontal sinus outflow tract, the agger nasi, and the vertical lamella of the middle turbinate, are essential for avoiding complications, including injury to the AEA or inadvertent penetration of the cribriform plate.

By familiarizing themselves with the step-by-step approach outlined in this text and the accompanying video, surgeons can enhance their technical proficiency and improve patient outcomes in the management of frontal sinus-related conditions. For medical students and trainees, this video offers an invaluable learning opportunity to develop a deep understanding of frontal sinus anatomy and the nuances of endoscopic dissection techniques. By using this knowledge, healthcare professionals can enhance their surgical skills, improve patient care, and contribute to the advancement of the field of endoscopic sinus surgery.

PUBLISHED: Carotid Endarterectomy (Cadaver)

Carotid Endarterectomy (Cadaver)
Meghan Robinson1Laura Boitano, MD2Samuel Schwartz, MD2
1Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
2Massachusetts General Hospital

Carotid stenosis is one of the leading causes of ischemic stroke worldwide. In the United States, nearly 800,000 strokes are reported each year, with ischemia accounting for 87% of them, and 15% traced to a carotid origin. Carotid endarterectomy represents an effective surgical treatment for carotid stenosis in preventing the risk of future ischemic stroke. This video-article demonstrates the surgical technique for carotid endarterectomy on a cadaver and discusses a typical case presentation of an individual who could potentially benefit from this procedure.

PUBLISHED: Ethmoid Artery Anatomy (Cadaver)

Ethmoid Artery Anatomy (Cadaver)
C. Scott Brown, MDJeevan B. Ramakrishnan, MD
Duke University Medical Center

The ethmoid arteries, comprising the anterior and posterior branches, are integral vascular structures that hold immense significance in the realm of sinus and skull base surgery. Originating from the third segment of the ophthalmic artery, these arteries traverse through the medial orbit before passing through the respective ethmoidal canals and entering the ethmoid air cells. Understanding the anatomical significance and clinical implications of the anterior and posterior ethmoid arteries is paramount in ensuring safe and effective management of sinus pathologies and associated complications. Accurate preoperative assessment, appropriate surgical techniques, and a thorough knowledge of these vascular structures are essential for optimizing patient outcomes and minimizing the risk of adverse events during surgical interventions.

PUBLISHED: Review of Partial Laryngectomy Techniques and Demonstration of the Supracricoid Laryngectomy with Cricohyodoepiglottopexy (Cadaver)

Review of Partial Laryngectomy Techniques and Demonstration of the Supracricoid Laryngectomy with Cricohyodoepiglottopexy (Cadaver)
C. Scott Brown, MDRamon M. Esclamado, MD, MS
Duke University Medical Center

Partial laryngectomy, with its roots tracing back to the early 19th century, has evolved over time as an alternative operative approach for a select group of patients with glottic and supraglottic malignancies. The goal was to preserve speech and swallowing without committing to a permanent tracheostomy. In this video, in the context of a cadaver dissection course held at Duke University, the techniques for partial laryngectomy are demonstrated. The initial segment of this video focuses on explaining the two types of laryngeal surgeries: supraglottic laryngectomy and supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyodopexy, or cricohyodoepiglottopexy (CHEP). Although these surgeries aim to preserve the functionality of the larynx, performing them may impact voice, swallowing, and airway protection.

PUBLISHED: Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: Maxillary, Ethmoid, and Sphenoid (Cadaver)

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: Maxillary, Ethmoid, and Sphenoid (Cadaver)
C. Scott Brown, MDDavid W. Jang, MD
Duke University School of Medicine

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a minimally-invasive technique involving the use of an endoscope to visualize and access the paranasal sinuses, allowing for precise and targeted removal of diseased tissue. The cadaveric video on FESS presented here offers a detailed and comprehensive guide to maxillary, ethmoid, and sphenoid sinus dissection. The step-by-step approach, coupled with the emphasis on anatomical considerations, makes this video an essential resource for healthcare professionals involved in the management of sinonasal disorders.