Dimensional assessment of the tensor fascia lata muscle in fetal cadavers with meningomyelocele for flap surgery

Year 2019, Volume: 13 Issue: 2, 102 - 106, 31.08.2019

Orhan Beger

Abstract

Objectives: The tensor fasciae latae (TFL) muscle may be
preferred for the closure of superficial dorsal layers in patients with
meningomyelocele (MMC). This study aimed to display the algebraic anatomy of
TFL in fetal cadavers with MMC compared to that in normal fetuses.  

Methods: Seven formalin-fixed fetuses with MMC (4 males and
3 females) aged from 18 to 27 weeks of gestation were dissected. A digital
caliper (for the length and width of TFL) and digital image analysis software
(for the surface area of TFL) were used to perform morphometric measurements.
The numerical values of this study were compared with the calculated data
obtained from the regression formula of a previously published article,
considering fetal cadavers at the same gestational week.  

Results: No statistically significant difference was
observed between the quantitative values related to TFL sizes in terms of side
and gender (p>0.05). Considering the calculated data obtained from the
regression formulas, TFL dimensions in fetal cadavers with MMC did not
statistically differ from normal fetuses without any malformations (p>0.05).
TFL sizes including length, area, and width in some fetuses with MMC were
smaller (3 fetal cadavers) or larger (1 fetal cadaver) than those of normal
fetuses described previously.   

Conclusion: TFL sizes including length, width and surface
area in fetal cadavers with MMC were found similar to normal fetuses,
statistically. Taking into account the individual differences related to TFL
dimensions, whether MMC influences lower extremity muscle morphology should be
examined in future studies. This anatomical knowledge related to TFL in fetuses
with MMC should be taken into account when designing flap size.  

Objectives: The tensor fasciae latae (TFL) muscle may be
preferred for the closure of superficial dorsal layers in patients with
meningomyelocele (MMC). This study aimed to display the algebraic anatomy of
TFL in fetal cadavers with MMC compared to that in normal fetuses.  

Methods: Seven formalin-fixed fetuses with MMC (4 males and
3 females) aged from 18 to 27 weeks of gestation were dissected. A digital
caliper (for the length and width of TFL) and digital image analysis software
(for the surface area of TFL) were used to perform morphometric measurements.
The numerical values of this study were compared with the calculated data
obtained from the regression formula of a previously published article,
considering fetal cadavers at the same gestational week.  

Results: No statistically significant difference was
observed between the quantitative values related to TFL sizes in terms of side
and gender (p>0.05). Considering the calculated data obtained from the
regression formulas, TFL dimensions in fetal cadavers with MMC did not
statistically differ from normal fetuses without any malformations (p>0.05).
TFL sizes including length, area, and width in some fetuses with MMC were
smaller (3 fetal cadavers) or larger (1 fetal cadaver) than those of normal
fetuses described previously.   

Conclusion: TFL sizes including length, width and surface
area in fetal cadavers with MMC were found similar to normal fetuses,
statistically. Taking into account the individual differences related to TFL
dimensions, whether MMC influences lower extremity muscle morphology should be
examined in future studies. This anatomical knowledge related to TFL in fetuses
with MMC should be taken into account when designing flap size.  

Keywords

fetus, flap, meningomyelocele, regression, tensor facia latae

References

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