Abstract
We report a new technique for ultrasound–anatomic correlations consisting of dissection of embalmed specimens during ultrasound examination. Our method consists of performing ultrasound during the different stages of dissection. The technique was developed by making observations of selected structures in two embalmed and two non-embalmed cadaver hands. The image quality was subjectively graded by consensus of two investigators, before and after denudation of the selected structures of the hand. As an example, the technique is demonstrated for the flexors at the metacarpophalangeal joint level, the extensor complex at the level of the proximal phalanx, and the dorsal hood of the second to fourth fingers. Before dissection the image quality in fresh specimens was graded moderate, and in embalmed specimens good. After dissection the image quality was good in fresh specimens and excellent in embalmed specimens. Our method is simple and does not require sophisticated material. Our results indicate that embalmed specimens could be better than non-embalmed specimens, because of the presence of artefacts in the non-embalmed specimens (gas deposits). The described methodology can yield excellent results regarding precise identification of different interfaces and structures, as observed at ultrasound.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Hodler J, Trudell D, Kang HS, Kjellin I, Resnick D (1992) Inexpensive technique for performing magnetic resonance-pathologic correlation in cadavers. Invest Radiol 27:323–325
De Maeseneer M, De Wilde V, Gosselin R, Osteaux M (2003) The use of phantoms and tissue simulating test objects in the evaluation of imaging methods. JBR-BTR 86:3–5
Rauschning W (1983) Computed tomography and cryomicrotomy of lumbar spine specimens: a new technique for multiplanar anatomic correlation. Spine 8:170–180
De Maeseneer M, Lenchik L, Starok M, Pedowitz R, Trudell D, Resnick D (1998) Normal and abnormal medial meniscocapsular structures: MR imaging and sonography in cadavers. AJR Am J Roentgenol 171:969–976
Trappeniers L, De Maeseneer M, Van Roy P, Chaskis C, Osteaux M (2003) Peroneal nerve injury in three patients with knee trauma: MR imaging and correlation with anatomic findings in volunteers and anatomic specimens. Eur Radiol 13:1722–1727
Hauger O, Chung CB, Lektrakul N, Botte MJ, Trudell D, Boutin RD, Resnick D (2000) Pulley system in the fingers: normal anatomy and simulated lesions in cadavers at MR imaging, CT and US with and without contrast material distension of the tendon sheath. Radiology 217:201–212
Landsmeer JM (ed) (1976) Atlas of anatomy of the hand. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, London, New York, pp 179–295
Acknowledgements
The work was made possible by financial support from the Prof. Dr A.L. Baert Prize 2002 (KUL, Leuven, Belgium).
We thank Eric Barbaix from the Department of Anatomy, Jan Pieter Clarijs from the Department of Experimental Anatomy, and Paul Beeckman from the Department of Radiology, Tielt, Belgium, for their intellectual contributions to our musculoskeletal research group.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
De Maeseneer, M., Jager, T., Vanderdood, K. et al. Ultrasound during dissection of cadaveric specimens: a new method for obtaining ultrasound–anatomic correlations in musculoskeletal radiology. Eur Radiol 14, 870–874 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-003-2216-x
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-003-2216-x