We would like to thank Dr Davies for further elaborating on the main theme of our article.[1][1] Regarding the assessment of the level of the conus medullaris, he is right that in the case of having imaging studies with MRI or CT scans, it is one more element to take into account to ensure the
An entry from the Cambridge Structural Database, the world’s repository for small molecule crystal structures. The entry contains experimental data from a crystal diffraction study. The deposited dataset for this entry is freely available from the CCDC and typically includes 3D coordinates, cell parameters, space group, experimental conditions and quality measures.
The popliteal sciatic nerve block is routinely used for anesthesia and analgesia during foot and ankle surgery. This article reviews our current understanding of the anatomy of the sciatic nerve and discusses how fascial tissue layers associated with the nerve may affect block outcomes . The anatomy of the sciatic nerve is more complex than previously described. The tibial and common peroneal nerves within the sciatic nerve trunk appear to be centrally separated by the Compton-Cruveilhier septum and encompassed by their own paraneural sheaths. This unique internal architecture of the sciatic nerve appears to promote proximal spread of local anesthetic to the internal aspect of the sciatic nerve trunk after a subparaneural injection at or below the divergence of the tibial and common peroneal nerves.
The lumbar sympathetic block is often used to treat complex regional pain syndrome, but it seems to have a high failure rate. This study seeks anatomical explanations for this apparent failure in order to refine our block procedure. Two simulated sympathetic trunk blocks were carried out on four fresh, cryopreserved unembalmed human cadavers under fluoroscopic control at the L2 vertebral body level, followed by two further simulated blocks at the L4 vertebral body level on the other side. Dye was injected, and the areas were dissected following a specific protocol. We then describe the anatomy and the spread of the dye compared to the spread of the contrast medium on fluoroscopy. The ganglia were differently located at different vertebral levels, and differed among the cadavers. Following this anatomical clarification, we now prefer to perform lumbar sympathetic blocks at the fourth lumbar vertebra level, using an extraforaminal approach at the caudal end of the vertebra, avoiding the anterolateral margin of the vertebral body at the midpoint.
The costoclavicular space (CCS), which is located deep and posterior to the midpoint of the clavicle, may be a better site for infraclavicular brachial plexus block than the traditional lateral paracoracoid site. However, currently, there is paucity of data on the anatomy of the brachial plexus at the CCS. We undertook this cadaver anatomic study to define the anatomy of the cords of the brachial plexus at the CCS and thereby establish the anatomic basis for ultrasound-guided infraclavicular brachial plexus block at this proximal site.
Methods
The anatomy and topography of the cords of the brachial plexus at the CCS was evaluated in 8 unembalmed (cryopreserved), thawed, fresh adult human cadavers using anatomic dissection, and transverse anatomic and histological sections, of the CCS.
Results
The cords of the brachial plexus were located lateral and parallel to the axillary artery at the CCS. The topography of the cords, relative to the axillary artery and to one another, in the transverse (axial) plane was also consistent at the CCS. The lateral cord was the most superficial of the 3 cords and it was always anterior to both the medial and posterior cords. The medial cord was directly posterior to the lateral cord but medial to the posterior cord. The posterior cord was the lateral most of the 3 cords at the CCS and it was immediately lateral to the medial cord but posterolateral to the lateral cord.
Conclusions
The cords of the brachial plexus are clustered together lateral to the axillary artery, and share a consistent relation relative to one another and to the axillary artery, at the CCS.