Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Chocolate chips cookie


Ingredients:


Ingredients A:
1 Egg + 1 egg white
1 tsp Coffee expresso
½ tsp Vegetable oil


Dry ingredients:
275g (2 ¾ cups) All purpose flour
1 tsp Baking powder
Baking soda (aka soda bicarbonate)
10 g (2 tbsp) Cocoa powder
Salt (*if using salted butter, then you don’t have to add salt anymore*)


1 cup ground digestive biscuit
½ cup quick oats


Wet ingredients:
266 g (1 cup) Unsalted butter
200g (1 cup) White sugar


½ cups Nuts of your choice
¾ cups Chocolate chips/ chunks


Method:

  1. Mix the Ingredients A together and let them sit for at least 2 hours
  2. Ground the digestive biscuit and quick oats using a food processor and shift it
  3. Mix the dry ingredients together and set aside
  4. Cream the butter and sugar until it becomes light in colour
  5. Add the mixed Ingredients A into the creamed butter and sugar
  6. Add the dry ingredients and mix well
  7. Add the nuts and the chocolate chips
  8. Keep the dough in the fridge at least overnight before baking at 160 degrees for 20 minutes.
  9. Remember to preheat the oven before baking
  10. Wrap the dough using a cling wrap

Monday, October 29, 2018

Population Health


1.0 Introduction

1.1 Description of media report
‘Faeces cure for deadly bug’ is a media report from an online newspaper article, The Sydney Morning Herald which was published on 18th January 2013. The article is about a more effective way in treating Clostridium difficile infection compared to taking antibiotics which is by transplanting healthy human faeces into the patients that are affected by the condition using a colonoscopy or a nasal tube. The aim of the treatment is to replace the healthy bacterias in the digestive tract of the patient. However, the research was discontinued as the ethics committee deems it is unethical to withhold the transplant for some of the patients. Other challenges in the development of this treatment is to find a more pleasant method of administering the donors’ faeces, to search for appropriate donors and lastly, to study and analyse the different types of bacteria present that may cause a complication to the recipient.

1.2 Description of journal article
The title of the journal article is ‘Duodenal Infusion of Donor Faeces for Recurrent Clostridium difficile’ which is published in The New England Journal of Medicine on 16th January 2013. The main purpose of the study was to test the effectiveness of faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) in treating recurrent C. difficile infection. The study was done at the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam which involved 43 patients who are of adult age (18 years and above), had a life expectancy of at least 3 months and had a relapse of C.difficile infection after at least one course of antibiotic therapy. The experiment started in January 2008 and was stopped in April 2010 after an interim efficacy analysis was performed.

2.0 Media Report

2.1 Purpose of the report
The journalist wrote the media report on faecal microbiota transplantation because of the unique modality of treatment and the almost complete cure for a condition which is severely debilitating and fatal to the patient. Many people are affected by the bacteria, Clostridium difficile, which can infect the bowel system, causing diarrhoea and death. Besides, current antibiotic treatments are not as effective in treating the disease. The tone of the report is clear and concise. It is a factual article and does not have any advertising content, sponsorship nor vested interest in promoting the claim. However, the report is bias towards the positive effect of FMT as it has no mentions of the adverse effect of the treatment. It does have a shock value as it makes an interesting reading material.

2.2 Main message of the report
The main message of the media report is that there is a new hope in treatment for patients who have Clostridium difficile infection which is better and more effective compared to taking antibiotics, specifically vancomycin. However, the method of delivering the treatment is unpleasant but there might be a better option to infused the healthy bacteria in donor’s faeces into the patient in the near future. The patient will also be aware about the peril of the disease as the number of people who are affected by it is high in the United States but is unclear as the disease is not commonly tested for.

2.3 Targeted patient group
This report would attract the interest from those who are at a high risk of getting the infection such as the elderly, those who are on frequent administration of antibiotics, those who are immunosuppressed, patients who have a nasogastric tube or who undergoing non-surgical gastrointestinal procedures, and those who are staying in the intensive care unit (ICU). This is because the issue is related to them and the article shows other options that are available to treat the disease as the current treatment is only 30% effective whereas this treatment is almost completely effective. Apart from that, medical doctors and personnel will also be keen on it to keep themselves updated on the advancement of medical technology.

3.0 Medical Journal Article:

3.1 Research question
The research question being tested in the study is the effectiveness of infusion of faeces from healthy donors into the duodenum of patients with recurrent C. difficile infection. The null hypothesis of this research study is that there is no difference in the rate of cure of C. difficile infection in patients who undergo infusion of faeces from healthy donors compared to those who only take vancomycin with or without bowel lavage. On the other hand, the alternative hypothesis is infusion of faeces from healthy donors is more effective in treating C. difficile infection compared to those who are on an antibiotic regimen with or without bowel lavage.

3.2 Type of study design and methodology
Open-label randomised controlled trial (RCT) is the type of study design used in the research on which the medical journal article is based. The participants of the study was divided into three groups, each receiving a different treatment. Firstly, an initial antibiotic regimen with bowel lavage and faecal microbiota transplant (FMT). Next, the standard antibiotic regimen and lastly the standard antibiotic regime with bowel lavage. A patient is considered cure if there is cessation of diarrhoea caused by C. difficile infection without relapse after 10 weeks.

3.3 Is the study design appropriate?
This study design is appropriate because a RCT is an experimental study design which enables the investigator to control the exposure that affect the result of the experiment. In this case, the factor that is manipulated is the treatment that is given to the patients to test the effectiveness of the different treatments in treating C. difficile infections. There is also a control group which enables the investigator to compare the effect of the exposure on the patient. Hence, it is possible to state that there is a direct causal relationship between the cause and the effect. Apart from that, RCT helps to reduce selection bias by randomly assigning patients to a treatment and detection bias by using a blinded adjudication committee to decide which patients are cured.

3.4 Weakness of the study design
The weakness of this study design is that the result of the experiment might not always represent the population in real life treatment situation even though it has a high internal validity. The limited external validity may be due to the exclusion criteria which excludes patient who are immunocompromised, pregnant, critically ill and admitted to the ICU and those who are taking additional antibiotics to treat other infections. This decreases the sample size of the study and compromise the study’s generalizability. For instance, in this study, 102 patients were assessed for eligibility but only 43 patients were included in the research.

There is also a risk of loss to follow up (LTFU) due to the long study period. In the study, one patient were excluded from the analysis as he is taking a high dose of prednisolone because of a rapid decrease in renal graft function. This reduces the power of the study as fewer subjects can provide the data for analysis.

There is also bias in this RCT as it is open labelled so all the participants of the study knew beforehand the treatment that they are given so the data collected might affected. However, blinding is difficult to perform as the patient will know whether FMT is performed on themselves or not. Thus, the result of the study may be bias towards the beneficial effects of the treatment.

The efficacy of vancomcycin is lower than normal as many of the patients have more than one relapse and are treated using antibiotics. Thus, the results have to be adjusted as the efficacy of antibiotic on patient with only one relapse is higher compared to those with multiple relapses.

3.5 Alternative study design
A prospective cohort study can be done to investigate the research question. Firstly, individuals who are already undergoing the treatment are chosen. Then, the researcher will periodically follow up on the patient and determine who is cured and those who are still sick. Based on the data collected, the relative risk (RR) can be calculated. If the RR is equals to one, the null hypothesis is accepted while the alternative hypothesis is rejected. This study is weaker than RCT because confounding factors can affect the RR calculation and produce an inaccurate result. Cohort study does not have control of the variables that affect the outcome as it is an observational study and there is no control group. Hence, the strength of the evidence is low.

A case series study which is also an observational study can be done instead of a RCT. One of the advantages of case series study is that it is low cost and less time consuming. The researcher will identify patients who had undergone FMT by examining their medical records to determine patients’ outcome after been given the treatment. However, case series studies are weaker than RCT because they cannot infer causation as there is no control group and is used to generate a hypothesis for initial reporting on novel therapeutic studies which can be further tested by higher evidence study.

3.6 Purpose of using a RCT
RCT is the gold standard for clinical research as it is at the top of the hierarchy of evidence which makes the result of this study reliable. It is also the most definitive method of investigation and experimentation to establish the effectiveness of a new treatment. In addition, it minimises selection bias which reduces confounding factor. The study is able to prove causation and have a high internal validity.

3.7 Results of the study
The main results of the study showed that FMT is highly effective in treating recurrent C. difficile infection compared to vancomycin therapy. 81% (13 out of 16 patients) of the patient who has FMT are cured after the first infusion. Two of the three remaining patients are cured after a second infusion. Overall, FMT cured 94% of patients with C. difficile infection. For the study group who only takes antibiotic, 31% of them are cured whereas only 23% of the patient receiving antibiotic and bowel lavage are cured. This shows that duodenal infusion of donor faeces in patients with recurrent C. difficile infection is more effective in treating the condition compared to using antibiotics with or without bowel lavage.

3.8 Presentation of the results
The results of the study was presented in the form of percentage, rate ratio and p-value. Patients who undergo FMT had 3.05 times the rate of curing compared to those who take vancomycin alone (99.99% confidence interval [CI], 1.08 to 290.05) and 4.05 times the rate of curing compared to those who take vancomycin with bowel lavage (99.99% CI, 1.21 to 290.12). The overall cure rates of donor-faeces infusion compared to the other two control groups have a p-value of 0.001 and the null hypothesis indicator is 1 which does not fall in the CI which shows that the results were statistically significant and the null hypothesis is rejected as the p-value is below 0.05.

3.9 Ethical issues
There is no ethical issue in the study as all participants has given written informed consent before the start of the study. As this is an open label study, the patients knew beforehand the treatments that are performed on them and the possible adverse effect of the treatment such as cramping, belching, constipation and worsening diarrhoea. The study was approved by the ethics committee at the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam and the study is constantly being monitored by the data and safety monitoring board.

Alternative study design such as cohort study cause no ethical issue as long as the participants are willing to participate in the study. Furthermore, it does not involve interventional trial, thereby it minimises the occurrence of ethical issue. In case series studies, there may be a breach in confidentiality as the researcher needs to refer to the patient’s medical record to obtain the data for the study.

4.0 Comparison between the media report and the journal article

4.1 Consistency of the media report with the results of the journal article
The information provided in the media report is consistent with the result of the journal article. Both articles reported on the effective use of healthy donor’s faeces infusion into patient who has C. difficile infection. However, the media did not mention that the treatment was given to a specific group of patients with recurrent C. difficile and there were a high amount of patients and doctors who were reluctant in taking the treatment in the early stage of the disease. As a result of the omission, the public may be misled that FMT is the cure for all stages of C. difficile infection

4.2 Advice on the implications of the results for the patient
Firstly, I would read and analyse the journal article that is cited by the media report before conferring with my patients. I shall brief them on the disease process of C. difficile and inform them on the pros and cons of faecal implantation. I shall impressed on them the high success rate of cure with no major adverse effect noted in the article.

4.3 Effects of the findings on health policy making
Further studies have to be carried out to ascertain the questions that are unresolved in the study such as the optimal protocol for donor-faeces infusion, the efficacy of bowel lavage in treating the condition and outcome of the treatment in other centres around the world. As this modality of treatment is relatively new and unheard of in public and even among medical practitioners, the health policy maker should educate the medical practitioners and the public first before offering the treatment to the public. A clear, standard and precise protocol of treatment should be drafted for all practitioners before the treatment could be offered to the patients.

Total words: 2197




Human Life Span Development

Introduction
My patient is Erin Lee* who is 27 years old and single. She works as a teacher in a private school and is the eldest child in the family with a younger brother and sister. Erin* stays with her family in Taman Bunga Raya* in Selangor. Currently, she is in the early adulthood stage of the Erik Erikson’s model. The interview was done in a church in Mentari after the morning service. All personal information about the interviewee has been de-identified in this report.

Biological
Human life development is affected by biological forces such as genetics and health. Sometimes, the two may be interlinked. For example, Erin* has mild atopic dermatitis (AD) which is most prominent on the lips. This condition is caused by genetics and both her mother and younger brother have the same condition. Patients who have AD have a loss-of-function mutation in filaggrin (National Eczema Organisation, 2018). Nutrition also plays an important role in one’s development. Erin* loves to eat and take snacks often. Her diet isn’t healthy as she seldom takes vegetable or fruit and enjoys eating fast food and junk food. However, she does exercises and plays badminton, basketball and table tennis during the evening when she is free. Unfortunately, her work has been hectic the past few months and she does not have enough time, energy and motivation to exercise. The food that she takes which are high in calories but low in nutrients and her lack of exercise causes her to gain weight (Dacey & Travers, 2002). She does not smoke nor drinks alcohol. Another non-social factor that affects Erin’s* life is the environment that she grew up in. Erin learns how to play the guitar and piano as she attends music classes when she was a young girl. She learns fast as her mother would remind her practice on the upright piano at home and also because her mother has a talent in music.

Psychological

The key aspects of psychological forces that influence human behaviour are the cognitive aspect, emotional aspect and personality (Harms, 2005). Piaget’s theory of cognitive development does not fully illustrate Erin’s* life as her cognitive development does not stop with adolescent. Instead, adult intelligence is multidimensional in which they have several different types of intellectual abilities such as inductive reasoning and spatial orientation which will level off between young adulthood and middle age. Another two concepts that are vital in Erin’s* intellectual development during adulthood are multi-directionality and plasticity. Multi-directionality is demonstrated in Erin’s* life as she becomes more independent and decisive as she grew older due to gaining more experiences. On the other hand, she loses some of her friends in secondary school as they lose contact and grew distance with one another. Her eyesight is also getting worse. Erin* also portrays plasticity as she is slowly improving herself to be more secure and confident in who she is. Emotions and logic are both more readily integrated into the basis for Erin’s* decision making in areas such as work and relationship issues during adulthood compared to when she was a teenager which shows her development shift (Kail & Cavanaugh, 2013). When she was young, she used to be oblivious to the details around her and not sensitive to other’s feeling which gets her into troubles and misunderstandings. Now, she is able to analyse a situation with greater detail and can perceive other people’s feeling. Erin’s* personality on a day to day basis and throughout her lifespan is continuous as her behaviour is often the same. She is an extrovert and cheerful person. She also has a strong sense of duty which gains her superior’s trust in work. Even when she was young, she was a prefect throughout primary and secondary school which shows that she has the same temperament throughout her life.

Sociocultural

The environment and people we are surrounded with can all mould us into the person we are today. This is because the interpersonal, societal, cultural and ethnic factors determine the way we behave and are often interconnected. Urie Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Theory states that the environment a person is planted in can be divided into four different levels, namely, the microsystem, the mesosystem, the exosystem and the macrosystem which can influence and interact with one another (Arnett, 2012). In Erin’s* case, it is the microsystem and mesosystem that plays the most significant role in her present-day life. Her families and friends’ opinion and advises are always taken seriously and influence the decisions she makes. Furthermore, the teachings of her religion which are first taught to her by her parents are the principles she held in her life and the main way she thinks. This is because both of her parents are strong practising Christian believers. The macrosystem reflects how culture affects the person Erin* is today. Being the eldest in the family, she has to take care of her younger siblings and learn how to be independent.

Based on the competence-environmental press theory, a person can adjust most easily to the environment when their abilities are equally matched to the demands that are placed on them by their environment (Papalia & Feldman, 2003). Erin* had to change jobs from a lawyer to a teacher because she couldn’t cope with the stress of being a lawyer. She enjoys her job of being a teacher and she feels satisfied when her students are able to learn something.


Lifespan development

Human development is a lifelong process. It cannot be interpreted within a single framework. There are multiple factors and stages that affect a person’s life. The crisis of the stage Erin* is facing is intimacy vs isolation (Belsky, 2016). Erin has resolved the issue in this stage of life. Although she is not in a romantic relationship with anyone, she has a very close intimate relationship with her best friend, Sharon*. Both of them met in primary school and never lose contact with one another even when Sharon* moved abroad. Instead, their relationship grew stronger and they understand one another on a deeper psychological level. They are comfortable disclosing personal information to one another which enables them to develop a mutually intimate relationship. This acts as Erin’s buffer against mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression and other mood disorder as people are a good source of coping. Erin’s* relationship with her best friend is ideal as they are not too intimate with one another until she loses her own sense of self. She knows the limit and enjoys being alone sometimes. This helps her in learning more about herself and establishing a strong sense of identity which she can then share with those around her.

Another stage of development that is clearly influential in Erin’s* adulthood is infancy where an individual learns either to trust or mistrust people. This is important as, without a basic sense of trust, we don’t allow people to have a close connection with us. We find it difficult to share personal information and always doubt if they will use it in their advantage or if they will abandon us. During infancy, Erin’s* basic need such as a shelter from the environment, nutritious food and clothing were met. She was also loved by her parents. This establishes a sense of trust with the primary caregiver which will then expand to other people in society (Dacey & Travers, 2002). Nevertheless, there is a little element of the negative as not all of the basic need of the infant was satisfied due to difficulty in communicating as the infant still do not know how to talk. However, it is beneficial to the child as they learn to not to be too trusting and to be careful which avoids them from being kidnapped and taken advantaged of by others.

Word Count: 1251





References


Arnett, J.J (2012). Human development: a cultural approach. United States of America: Pearson Education, Inc.

Belsky, J. (2016). Experiencing the lifespan. United States of America: Worth Publisher.

Dacey, J.S. & Travers, J.F.  (2002). Human development: across the lifespan. New York: McGraw-Hill Companies

Harms, L. (2005). Understanding human development: a multidimensional approach. Victoria: Oxford University Press.

Kail, R.V., & Cavanaugh, J.C. (2013). Human development: a life-span view.  United States of America: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

National Eczema Organisation. (2018). Atopic dermatitis. Retrieved from https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/types-of-eczema/atopic-dermatitis/

Papalia, D.E., Olds, S.W., & Feldman, R.D. (2003). Human development. United States of America: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.






Pericardium & Heart

1. BONES
(Use articulated skeletons & bone sets)

Extra:(Ellipsoid joint: Condylar joint)
Bicipital Aponeurosis : Will cause biceps to flex when the forearm supinates
Volar palmar
(Pertaining to the palm)

1.1. Identify the parts of the upper (proximal) radius.
Radial tuberosity, head and neck of radius

1.2.Identify the bone that articulate with the radial head .
Radial notch on ulnar, round capitulum of the humerus

1.2.1.Identify the ligament that surrounds the radial head.
Annular ligament retain radial head along with radial notch of ulnar

1.2.1.1. What is its shape and why is its lower margin free?
Ring shape, partial loss of flexion and extension of elbow and total loss of pronation and supination of arm

Ans feedback: adult- funnel shaped; children- vertical
To allow rotation of the radius

1.3. Identify and give the important relations of the radial neck
It is easily fractured
Inferior to radial head

Ans feedback: Posterior interossues nerve

1.3.1.Identify and list the structures attached to the radial styloid
The radial styloid process projects obliquely downward from the distal end of the radius. It serves as the point of attachment for the brachioradialis muscle, radial collateral ligament and extensor retinaculum.

1.4. Identify the important parts of the upper (proximal) ulna.
Olecranon, trochlear notch, coronoid process, ulnar tuberosity, radial notch

1.4.1.What does the olecranon articulate with?
Olecranon fossa of Humerus

1.4.2.What is attached to the coronoid process?
Pronator teres (Ulnar head) , flexor digitorum superficialis,

1.4.3.What does the ulnar head articulate with?
Ulnar notch of radius

1.4.4.Demonstrate the carrying angle.
The lateral angle made by axis of the extended forearm with axis of the arm


1.4.4.1. What are the anatomical factors responsible for producing the carrying angle?
Superior articular surface of coronoid process of ulna is placed obliquely to long axis of ulna
Medial flange of trochlea is 6 mm below the lateral flange

1.4.4.2. What is the function of the carrying angle?
Avoid rubbing of the hip by the forearm during carrying weight or swinging arms- the angle is wider in females because of their wider pelvis


1.4.4.3. What is its clinical importance?
To determine degree of fracture

1.4.5.What is “Student’s elbow?
Olecranon bursitis- because you rest on your coronoid process


2. FUNCTIONAL ORGANIZATION OF THE FOREARM
(Use articulated skeletons & bone sets,plastinated cross section)

2.1.Draw a labeled cross section of the upper third of the forearm showing the
following:
2.1.1. Radius, Ulna and the Interosseous membrane
2.1.2. Superficial and deep fascia
2.1.3. Anterior and posterior compartments
2.1.4. Neuro-vascular structures





2.2. Identify the interosseous membrane
Between the radius and the ulnar

2.2.1. What are its functions?
Divides the forearm into anterior and posterior compartments
Site of attachment for muscles (FDP, FPL, EI)
Allows supination and pronation of forearm
Transmission & dissipation of force
Accessory ligament of radioulnar joints
Transfers load from distal radius to proximal ulna

3.1. Identify the distal attachments of the biceps
Radial tuberosity, Bicipital aponeurosis

3.1.1.What is the function of the bicipital aponeurosis.
Inserts into the deep fascia + ulna giving increased & more even forearm flexion; protects median nerve and brachial artery

Protect the components in the cubital fossa
Reduce the pressure between the bicep and radial tuberosity during pronation and supination

3.1.2.How does the other attachment enable it to act as a supinator?
Biceps brachii main function is at the elbow where it flexes the forearm and supinates the forearm.

3.1.2.1. What is the anatomical basis that we tighten screws clockwise?
Inserts into the posterior aspect of the radial tuberosity
Biceps is a powerful muscle hence supination is more powerful than pronation

3.1.2.2. Which type of lever mechanism does the biceps form?
Class 3 lever


3.2. Identify and list the boundaries of the cubital fossa.
Lateral border- medial border of the brachioradialis muscle, medial border- lateral border of the pronator teres muscle, superior border- hypothetical line between the epicondyles of the humerus

3.2.1.Identify the contents and show their relationship to each other
Lateral of the cubital fossa is the tendon of the biceps brachii muscle followed by the brachial artery and at medial of the cubital fossa is the median nerve.
Also contain the radial nerve and accompanying veins

3.2.2.What is the clinical importance of the fossa?
Common site for venipuncture (the superficial veins)
Site for recording blood pressure
Contents are jeopardized in supracondylar fracture of the humerus

When taking blood pressure reading from a patient, the clinician places the stethoscope over the brachial artery in the cubital fossa.

3.3. Identify the brachioradialis


3.3.1.What is its action?
Accessory flexor of the elbow joint when forearm is mid pronated

Elbow flexion; brings pronated/supinated forearm to mid-position

3.3.2.What is odd about its nerve supply and why?
It is innervated by the radial nerve even though the bulk of the muscle body is visible from the anterior aspect of the forearm.

Radial nerve; flexor muscle supplied by extensor nerve; muscle is on border between 2 compartments means may have components of both

3.4. Identify the pronator teres


3.4.1.What is its nerve supply?
It is innervated by the median nerve

3.4.2.What is its action?
It pronates the forearm (weak flexor)

3.5. List the muscles of the Anterior (flexor-pronator) compartment.
Do a virtual dissection in 4 D Anatomy (http://4danatomy.com/modules )to explore the muscles of the elbow region : Right cubital fossa (anterior-medial view)

3.6. From lateral to medial, identify the muscles originating from the common flexor origin. (medial epicondyle)
Humeral head of pronator teres, Flexor Carpi Radialis, Palmaris Longus, Humeral head of Flexor Carpi Ulnaris Deep: Flexor digitorum superficialis

3.6.1. What is Golfer’s elbow?
Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) causes pain and inflammation in the tendons that connect the forearm to the elbow.

3.7.Which muscles have 2 heads ?
Pronator teres (deep head from coronoid process), Flexor Carpi Ulnaris (fibrous arch to subcutaneous border of ulna), Flexor Digitorum Superficialis (ulnar collateral ligament, coronoid process, fibrous arch to radial shaft origin)

3.7.1.Which main nerves enter the forearm by passing between the 2 heads of each of these muscles?
Pronator teres (Median), Flexor Carpi Ulnaris (Ulnar), Flexor Digitorum Superficialis (Median), Supinator (radial nerve- deep)

3.7.2.What structures pass under the FDS arch?
Ulnar artery and median nerve

Deep and intermediate flexor muscles

3.8.Which nerve supplies the muscles with the common flexor origin?
Median nerve except for flexor carpi ulnaris (ulnar nerve)

3.9. Identify and list the deep forearm flexor muscles.
Flexor digitorum profundus, Flexor pollicis longus, Pronator quadratus

3.9.1.What is their nerve supply?
Flexor digitorum profundus (Medial: Ulnar nerve, Lateral: Median nerve) , Flexor pollicis longus (Median, Anterior interosseous nerve ), Pronator quadratus (Median, Anterior interosseous nerve )

3.10. Identify pronator quadratus.


3.10.1.  What are its functions?
Pronates the forearm

Distal radioulnar joint stability (fixator)


3.10.2.  What is its nerve supply?
A branch of medial nerve- anterior interosseous nerve

3.10.2.1. From which branch is this nerve derived?
Median Nerve (C8, T1) (C7/8)


3.11. Identify the muscles of the Posterior (extensor- supinator) compartment of the forearm.
Extensor forearm muscles- abductor pollicis longus, extensor pollicis brevis, extensor pollicis longus, extensor indicis

3.11.1. What are the nerve supplies of these muscles?
Radial nerve

3.12. List the muscles originating from the common extensor origin.
Extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor digitorum, extensor digiti minimi, extensor carpi ulnaris

3.12.1. Which nerve supplies the muscles with the common extensor origin?
Extensor Carpi Radialis brevis, Extensor digitorum (Posterior interosseous nerve) , Extensor digiti minimi (Posterior interosseous nerve)
General:(Deep branches of radial nerve)


3.12.2.  Which of these muscles have second heads?
Extensor carpi ulnaris- humeral head: lateral epicondyle of humerus and posterior border; ulnar head- olecranon
Supinator

3.12.3.  What is ‘tennis elbow’?
Tennis elbow is an inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow. The forearm muscles and tendons become damaged from overuse — repeating the same motions again and again. This leads to pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow.

Lateral epicondylitis

3.12.4.  Identify the Lister’s tubercle
Lister's tubercle or dorsal tubercle of radius is a bony prominence located at the distal end of the radius, palpable on the dorsum of the wrist.



3.13. Identify and list (lateral to medial) the extensor tendons running in compartments over the distal forearm.
Extensor carpi ulnaris, extensor digiti minimi, extensor digitorum, extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor carpi radialis longus


4. JOINTS (Use articulated skeletons, joint models & bone sets)
Do a virtual dissection in 4 D Anatomy (http://4danatomy.com/modules ) to explore the deepest layer and the elbow joint : Right cubital fossa (anterior-medial view)

4.1.Identify the three articulations of the elbow joint:
4.1.1.Humeroulnar
Trochlea of the humeral condyle and the trochlear notch of the ulna
4.1.2.Humeroradial
Head of the radius and the capitulum of the humerus
4.1.3.Superior radioulnar
Pivot joint- head of radius articulate with radial notch of ulna
4.1.4.What type of synovial joint is each of these joints?
Humeroulnar (simple hinge)
Humeroradial (Ball and socket joint)
Superior radioulnar (pivot joint)




4.2.Why does an elbow joint effusion become distended posteriorly ?
A joint effusion is the increased intra-articular fluid in a joint which causes swelling. In elbow joint effusion its is usually due to the cause of occult fracture (hidden fracture).  The joint capsule at the posterior and the anterior of the elbow joint are less dense and are prone to become distended if there is a joint effusion, especially at the olecranon fossa where the larger recess is distended easily.

The capsule is weak anteriorly and posteriorly. Hence, it wil be distended at these sites, especially posteriourly as there is loose capsule posteriorly and the antererior aspect is covered by muscles and deep fascia.

5. VESSELS
 5.1. List the blood and nerve supply to each of the compartments of the forearm.

Compartments of the forearm
Arteries blood supply
Nerve supply
Anterior (has 3 layers:
superficial, intermediate, and deep layer)
Radial and ulnar artery
Median nerve (mostly) and Ulnar nerve- flexor carpi ulnari and medial part of flexor digitorum profundus
Posterior (has 2 layers: superficial and deep layer)
Radial artery and posterior and anterior interosseous arteries
Radial nerve
Posterior interosseus nerve

 5.2. Identify the origin of the radial artery and its pathway in the forearm.
ORIGIN PATHWAY
Begins at level of radial neck and passes over pronator teres to run deep to brachioradialis to the wrist.


6. NERVES
6.1. Identify the ULNAR NERVE and trace it in the forearm and wrist



PART B: CLINICAL ANATOMY

7. CLINICAL/SURFACE ANATOMY
 {Where possible palpate on yourself or on your willing and consenting peers or models/ plastinated specimens the following:}

 Palpate/surface mark the following:
 7.1. Palpate the following ARTERIES:
• Axillary a. (3rd part) in the axilla (in front of teres major muscle)
• Brachial a. in the cubital fossa (just medial to tendon of biceps brachii)
• Radial pulse (between FCR & brachioradialis, against the radial styloid)
• Ulnar pulse ( Front of wrist, lateral to tendon of FCU)


7.2. Palpate and describe the normal relationship of these 3 bony points:
• Olecranon process
• Medial epicondyle of the humerus
• Lateral epicondyle of the humerus
In a supra condylar # the triangle relationship is maintained as the # lies above these points


 7.2.1.What is the clinical importance?
To check if there are golfer and tennis elbow
In elbow dislocation, the olecranon shift posterolaterally and comes to lie in line with the epicondyles which is fixed in flexion.


7.3. Palpate the head of the radius

7.3.1.Demonstrate the ROM of :
• supination and pronation
• Flexion and extension
7.3.2.Demonstrate the axis of their movements
7.3.3.Which joints are involved?
7.3.4.Which muscles are involved?

7.4.Demonstrate on yourself, the following movements of the elbow joint and identifying its attachments, verbalise all the muscles involved for each of the following movements:
• Flexion • Extension • Supination • Pronation

 7.5. When a surgeon want to operate on the forearm he needs to have a knowledge of the safe zones for the surgical approach to the bones of the forearm. Give the anatomical basis of the following safe zones of the forearm: https://www2.aofoundation.org/wps/portal/surgery?showPage=approach&contentUrl=srg/21/04-Approaches/21-Safezones.jsp&bone=Radius&segment=Proximal&approach=Safe%20zones%20for%20pin%20insertion&Language=en • Zones in the ulna • Zones in the proximal radius • Zones in the distal radius

7.6. Demonstrate the biceps jerk, triceps jerk, brachioradialis jerk
Biceps jerk
This is most easily done with the patient seated.
Identify the location of the biceps tendon. To do this, have the patient flex at the elbow while you observe and palpate the antecubital fossa. The tendon will look and feel like a thick cord
Support the arm in yours, such that your thumb is resting directly over the biceps tendon (hold their right arm with your right; and vice versa)
Make sure that the biceps muscle is completely relaxed.
It may be difficult to direct your hammer strike such that the force is transmitted directly on to the biceps tendon, and not dissipated amongst the rest of the soft tissue in the area. If you are supporting the patient's arm, place your thumb on the tendon and strike this digit. If the arm is unsupported, place your index or middle fingers firmly against the tendon and strike them with the hammer.
Make sure that the patient's sleeve is rolled up so that you can directly observe the muscle as well as watch the lower arm for movement. A normal response will cause the biceps to contract, drawing the lower arm upwards


Triceps jerk
This is most easily done with the patient seated.
Identify the triceps tendon, a discrete, broad structure that can be palpated (and often seen) as it extends across the elbow to the body of the muscle, located on the back of the upper arm. If you are having trouble clearly identifying the tendon, ask the patient to extend their lower arm at the elbow while you observe and palpate in the appropriate region
The arm can be placed in either of 2 positions:
Gently pull the arm out from the patient's body, such that it roughly forms a right angle at the shoulder. The lower arm should dangle directly downward at the elbow.
Have the patient place their hands on their hips
Either of these techniques will allow the triceps to completely relax.If you are certain as to the precise location of the tendon, strike this area directly with your hammer. If the target is not clearly apparent or the tendon is surrounded by an excessive amount of subcutaneous fat (which might dissipate the force of your strike), place your index or middle finger firmly against the structure. Then strike your finger.
Make sure that the triceps is uncovered, so that you can observe the response. The normal reflex will cause the lower arm to extend at the elbow and swing away from the body. If the patient's hands are on their hips, the arm will not move but the muscle should shorten vigorously


Brachioradialis jerk
This is most easily done with the patient seated. The lower arm should be resting loosely on the patient's lap.
The tendon of the Brachioradialis muscle cannot be seen or well palpated, which makes this reflex a bit tricky to elicit. The tendon crosses the radius (thumb side of the lower arm) approximately 10 cm proximal to the wrist
Strike this area with your reflex hammer. Usually, hitting anywhere in the right vicinity will generate the reflex
Observe the lower arm and body of the Brachioradialis for a response. A normal reflex will cause the lower arm to flex at the elbow and the hand to supinate (turn palm upward)

7.6.1.What are the root values of these reflexes?
Biceps jerk and brachioradialis jerk = C5/C6 Musculotaneous for biceps, radial for brachioradialis
Triceps jerk= C6/C7/C8 (Radial nerve)
 7.6.2.What muscles do these correspond to?
 Biceps = flexion of forearm
Triceps= extension of forearm
Brachioradialis = flexion of elbow




7.7. What is a “pulled elbow?” Under what circumstances does it occur?
Also known as nursemaid’s elbow where the radius is dislocated,  The medical term for the injury is "radial head subluxation and is a common injury of early childhood. Because a young child's bones and muscles are still developing, it typically takes very little force to pull the bones of the elbow partially out of place, making this injury very common. It occurs when a child's hand or wrist and pulls suddenly on the arm. rarely caused by a fall. If a child injures the elbow when falling onto an outstretched hand or directly onto the elbow, it may be a broken bone


7.8. Regarding pronator quadratus.
7.8.1.What is the space of Parona?= mid palmar space
The midpalmar space contains the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th lumbrical muscles and lies posterior to the long flexor tendons to the middle, ring and little fingers. It lies in front of the interossei and the 3rd,  4th and 5th metacarpal bone.


 7.8.1.1. What is its clinical application?
The space can be drained by an incision in either the 3rd or 4th web depending on where the pus points.
Infection of the midpalmar space may result from tenosynovitis of the middle and ring fingers or from a web infection which has spread proximally through the lumbrical canals.

7.8.1.2. What limits more proximal spread?
Flexor digitorum profundus, flexor pollicis longus

7.9. What is ‘Volkmann's contracture’?


 7.9.1. What is the pathology?
Volkmann’s contracture occurs when there is a lack of blood flow (ischemia) to the forearm. This occurs when there is increased pressure due to swelling, a condition called compartment syndrome (pressure increased, blood flow decreased, caused ischemia, lack of oxygen can supply to the muscle & nerve cells)

 7.9.2. Which muscles are involved?
Arm muscle: Superficial and deep flexor muscles on forearm

7.10. Identify the ventral structures at the wrist.


7.10.1. What is their order from medial to lateral?
Ulnar nerve, ulnar artery, flexor digitorum radialis, palmaris longus, median nerve, flexor pollicis longus, radial artery, brachioradialis, abductor pollicis longus, radial nerve (superficial branch)

7.10.2. List the key structures that may be damaged due to “suicide cuts”/deep lacerations of the:
• Radial side of the wrist
Radial artery, radial nerve

• Ulnar side of the wrist
Ulnar nerve, ulnar artery



7.11. How and why would you perform a venipuncture?
How: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ie_nFCL5Hp0
https://phlebotomycoach.com/faqs/what-is-venipuncture
Most of the time, blood is drawn from a vein located on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.
The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic).
An elastic band is put around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area. This makes the vein swell with blood.
A needle is inserted into the vein.
The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle.
The elastic band is removed from your arm.
The needle is taken out and the spot is covered with a bandage to stop bleeding.
In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.
Why: For laboratory testing
Blood is made up of two parts:
Fluid (plasma or serum)
Cells
Plasma is the fluid part that contains substances such as glucose, electrolytes, proteins, and water. Serum is the fluid part that remains after the blood is allowed to clot in a test tube.
Cells in the blood include red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Blood helps move oxygen, nutrients, waste products, and other materials through the body. It helps control body temperature, fluid balance, and the body's acid-base balance.
Tests on blood or parts of blood may give your provider important clues about your health.

7.11.1. What procedures would you do to make the veins more visible /palpable for venepuncture?
An elastic band is put around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area. This makes the vein swell with blood.


7.12. By applying the same procedures as above on your consenting peer, identify and surface mark the following veins as well as the sites where the veins in the upper limb can be seen or palpated for venipuncture:


 • Region of the cubital fossa :




7.12.1. Cephalic vein : ant. to the lat. epicondyle along the anterolateral surface of the biceps brachii
7.12.2. Basilic vein: ant. to the medial epicondyle and medial to the biceps in the lower part of the arm
7.12.3. Medial cubital vein:
The cephalic vein at the lateral side of the forearm passes obliquely across the cubital fossa as the medial cubital vein then continues superiorly to become the basilic vein
7.12.3.1. Why is it commonly used for venipuncture?
-This is because it lies relatively close to the surface and is more prominent (visible) when pressure it’s applied.
-Large enough, can stay in place
(2nd choice is cephalic) (better not to use basilic because brachial artery and median nerve is close to it)

7.12.3.2. Why is the elbow kept extended during venipuncture?
Extension of elbow makes bicipital aponeurosis taut/stretched. Bicipital aponeurosis protects the medial nerve and brachial artery, preventing arterial haemorrhage.


 7.12.3.3. What are the common variations of this vein ?
In the cubital fossa, instead of having medial cubital vein, the median antebrachial vein will divide into median cephalic vein (connect to cephalic vein) and median basilic vein (connect to basilic vein). It has an M shape.

7.12.3.4. What is the median vein of the forearm?
• The cephalic vein in the roof of the anatomical snuff box and just posterior to the radial styloid.
• Dorsal venous network on the dorsum of the hand
Median vein of the forearm (median antebrachial vein) begins at the base of the dorsum of the thumb, curves around the lateral side of the wrist, and ascends between the cephalic and basilic veins (sometimes divides into median cephalic and median basilic veins first before joining cephalic and basilic vein respectively)





7.13. How is an arteriovenous fistula created in the forearm for Haemodialysis?
When the surgeon connects an artery to a vein, the vein grows wider and thicker, making it easier to place the needles for dialysis. The AV fistula also has a large diameter that allows your blood to flow out and back into your body quickly. The goal is to allow high blood flow so that the largest amount of blood can pass through the dialyzer.When the surgeon connects an artery to a vein, the vein grows wider and thicker, making it easier to place the needles for dialysis. The AV fistula also has a large diameter that allows your blood to flow out and back into your body quickly. The goal is to allow high blood flow so that the largest amount of blood can pass through the dialyzer.




7.13.1. What vessels are involved?

When the surgeon connects an artery to a vein, the vein grows wider and thicker, making it easier to place the needles for dialysis. The AV fistula also has a large diameter that allows your blood to flow out and back into your body quickly. The goal is to allow high blood flow so that the largest amount of blood can pass through the dialyzer.

7.13.2. How would you check if the AV fistula is working properly?

7.14. What is the importance of ‘Allen’s test’ ?




8. RADIOLOGY {Refer to radiological images in textbooks, Student web resources in Moodle – Grants Atlas & 'Diagnostic Imaging Pathways' http://www.imagingpathways.health.wa.gov.au/index.php/image-galleries/normal-anatomy }



8.1.Study the following :
8.1.1.Elbow joint : AP and Lateral views

Right forearm, Anterior view






















Lateral view




8.1.2.Supracondylar fracture of humerus




8.1.2.1. What are the possible vascular complications? Injury to brachial artery and therefore the radial and ulnar arteries will also be affected. This can cause ischemia to the arm as well as the forearm within few hours.
8.1.2.2. How can median nerve palsy, mask a pending compartment syndrome ?
Median nerve palsy(paralysis) is caused by the entrapment/compression to the median nerve. The arteries that are near within the median nerve can also be trapped. Therefore, ischemia will occur. Muscles and nerves can tolerate to to 6 hrs of ischemia and after this fibrous scar tissue replaces the necrotic tissues and causes the involved muscles to shorten permanently producing the flexion deformity known as the ischemic compartment syndrome (Volkmann contracture).
8.1.3.Both Bone forearm fractures
8.1.3.1. What are Monteggia and Galeazzi fractures ?
Monteggia fracture of the Ulnar proximal (MU)
Galeazzi fracture of the Radius distal  (GR)



8.1.4.What is a Colles fracture?
Colles fracture is the  fracture of the distal forearm and usually the most common fracture is the transverse complete fracture of the distal 2 cm of radius bone. The fracture is the result of forced extension of the hand when person outstretched the upper limb during a fall.




http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/p476a23436683b/wristfractures.html#i476a24282794c 8.1.4.1. What deformity does it produce?

When colles fracture happens, the ulnar styloid process can be avulsed (broken off). Since the distal part of the radius is fractured, there is an shortening of the radius and without proper support of the ulnar styloid process. Dinner fork deformity can be seen.







8.4.Identify the hypothenar eminence and its muscles.
Opponens Digiti Minimi, Abductor Digiti Minimi, Flexor Digiti Minimi
8.4.1.What is their nerve supply?
Opponens Digiti Minimi, Abductor Digiti Minimi, Flexor Digiti Minimi (Deep Branch of Ulnar Nerve T1)
8.4.2.What other muscles does this nerve supply?
The deep head of flexor pollicis brevis, adductor pollicis, 3rd and 4th lumbricals, Dorsal and palmar interossei, hypothenar eminence




8.5. Identify the thenar eminence and its mucles.

Abductor pollicis brevis, flexor pollicis brevis, opponens pollicis.
8.5.1.What is their nerve supply and their root values?
Recurrent branch of median nerve (C8, T1) (opponens pollicis, Abductor pollicis brevis, Flexor pollicis brevis [Superficial head]).
Deep branch of ulnar nerve (C8, T1) (flexor pollicis brevis [big head]).




Thoracic walls & diaphragm

1. BONES
(Use articulated skeletons & bone sets)

Extra:(Ellipsoid joint: Condylar joint)
Bicipital Aponeurosis : Will cause biceps to flex when the forearm supinates
Volar palmar
(Pertaining to the palm)

1.1. Identify the parts of the upper (proximal) radius.
Radial tuberosity, head and neck of radius

1.2.Identify the bone that articulate with the radial head .
Radial notch on ulnar, round capitulum of the humerus

1.2.1.Identify the ligament that surrounds the radial head.
Annular ligament retain radial head along with radial notch of ulnar

1.2.1.1. What is its shape and why is its lower margin free?
Ring shape, partial loss of flexion and extension of elbow and total loss of pronation and supination of arm

Ans feedback: adult- funnel shaped; children- vertical
To allow rotation of the radius

1.3. Identify and give the important relations of the radial neck
It is easily fractured
Inferior to radial head

Ans feedback: Posterior interossues nerve

1.3.1.Identify and list the structures attached to the radial styloid
The radial styloid process projects obliquely downward from the distal end of the radius. It serves as the point of attachment for the brachioradialis muscle, radial collateral ligament and extensor retinaculum.

1.4. Identify the important parts of the upper (proximal) ulna.
Olecranon, trochlear notch, coronoid process, ulnar tuberosity, radial notch

1.4.1.What does the olecranon articulate with?
Olecranon fossa of Humerus

1.4.2.What is attached to the coronoid process?
Pronator teres (Ulnar head) , flexor digitorum superficialis,

1.4.3.What does the ulnar head articulate with?
Ulnar notch of radius

1.4.4.Demonstrate the carrying angle.
The lateral angle made by axis of the extended forearm with axis of the arm


1.4.4.1. What are the anatomical factors responsible for producing the carrying angle?
Superior articular surface of coronoid process of ulna is placed obliquely to long axis of ulna
Medial flange of trochlea is 6 mm below the lateral flange

1.4.4.2. What is the function of the carrying angle?
Avoid rubbing of the hip by the forearm during carrying weight or swinging arms- the angle is wider in females because of their wider pelvis


1.4.4.3. What is its clinical importance?
To determine degree of fracture

1.4.5.What is “Student’s elbow?
Olecranon bursitis- because you rest on your coronoid process


2. FUNCTIONAL ORGANIZATION OF THE FOREARM
(Use articulated skeletons & bone sets,plastinated cross section)

2.1.Draw a labeled cross section of the upper third of the forearm showing the
following:
2.1.1. Radius, Ulna and the Interosseous membrane
2.1.2. Superficial and deep fascia
2.1.3. Anterior and posterior compartments
2.1.4. Neuro-vascular structures





2.2. Identify the interosseous membrane
Between the radius and the ulnar

2.2.1. What are its functions?
Divides the forearm into anterior and posterior compartments
Site of attachment for muscles (FDP, FPL, EI)
Allows supination and pronation of forearm
Transmission & dissipation of force
Accessory ligament of radioulnar joints
Transfers load from distal radius to proximal ulna

3.1. Identify the distal attachments of the biceps
Radial tuberosity, Bicipital aponeurosis

3.1.1.What is the function of the bicipital aponeurosis.
Inserts into the deep fascia + ulna giving increased & more even forearm flexion; protects median nerve and brachial artery

Protect the components in the cubital fossa
Reduce the pressure between the bicep and radial tuberosity during pronation and supination

3.1.2.How does the other attachment enable it to act as a supinator?
Biceps brachii main function is at the elbow where it flexes the forearm and supinates the forearm.

3.1.2.1. What is the anatomical basis that we tighten screws clockwise?
Inserts into the posterior aspect of the radial tuberosity
Biceps is a powerful muscle hence supination is more powerful than pronation

3.1.2.2. Which type of lever mechanism does the biceps form?
Class 3 lever


3.2. Identify and list the boundaries of the cubital fossa.
Lateral border- medial border of the brachioradialis muscle, medial border- lateral border of the pronator teres muscle, superior border- hypothetical line between the epicondyles of the humerus

3.2.1.Identify the contents and show their relationship to each other
Lateral of the cubital fossa is the tendon of the biceps brachii muscle followed by the brachial artery and at medial of the cubital fossa is the median nerve.
Also contain the radial nerve and accompanying veins

3.2.2.What is the clinical importance of the fossa?
Common site for venipuncture (the superficial veins)
Site for recording blood pressure
Contents are jeopardized in supracondylar fracture of the humerus

When taking blood pressure reading from a patient, the clinician places the stethoscope over the brachial artery in the cubital fossa.

3.3. Identify the brachioradialis


3.3.1.What is its action?
Accessory flexor of the elbow joint when forearm is mid pronated

Elbow flexion; brings pronated/supinated forearm to mid-position

3.3.2.What is odd about its nerve supply and why?
It is innervated by the radial nerve even though the bulk of the muscle body is visible from the anterior aspect of the forearm.

Radial nerve; flexor muscle supplied by extensor nerve; muscle is on border between 2 compartments means may have components of both

3.4. Identify the pronator teres


3.4.1.What is its nerve supply?
It is innervated by the median nerve

3.4.2.What is its action?
It pronates the forearm (weak flexor)

3.5. List the muscles of the Anterior (flexor-pronator) compartment.
Do a virtual dissection in 4 D Anatomy (http://4danatomy.com/modules )to explore the muscles of the elbow region : Right cubital fossa (anterior-medial view)

3.6. From lateral to medial, identify the muscles originating from the common flexor origin. (medial epicondyle)
Humeral head of pronator teres, Flexor Carpi Radialis, Palmaris Longus, Humeral head of Flexor Carpi Ulnaris Deep: Flexor digitorum superficialis

3.6.1. What is Golfer’s elbow?
Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) causes pain and inflammation in the tendons that connect the forearm to the elbow.

3.7.Which muscles have 2 heads ?
Pronator teres (deep head from coronoid process), Flexor Carpi Ulnaris (fibrous arch to subcutaneous border of ulna), Flexor Digitorum Superficialis (ulnar collateral ligament, coronoid process, fibrous arch to radial shaft origin)

3.7.1.Which main nerves enter the forearm by passing between the 2 heads of each of these muscles?
Pronator teres (Median), Flexor Carpi Ulnaris (Ulnar), Flexor Digitorum Superficialis (Median), Supinator (radial nerve- deep)

3.7.2.What structures pass under the FDS arch?
Ulnar artery and median nerve

Deep and intermediate flexor muscles

3.8.Which nerve supplies the muscles with the common flexor origin?
Median nerve except for flexor carpi ulnaris (ulnar nerve)

3.9. Identify and list the deep forearm flexor muscles.
Flexor digitorum profundus, Flexor pollicis longus, Pronator quadratus

3.9.1.What is their nerve supply?
Flexor digitorum profundus (Medial: Ulnar nerve, Lateral: Median nerve) , Flexor pollicis longus (Median, Anterior interosseous nerve ), Pronator quadratus (Median, Anterior interosseous nerve )

3.10. Identify pronator quadratus.


3.10.1.  What are its functions?
Pronates the forearm

Distal radioulnar joint stability (fixator)


3.10.2.  What is its nerve supply?
A branch of medial nerve- anterior interosseous nerve

3.10.2.1. From which branch is this nerve derived?
Median Nerve (C8, T1) (C7/8)


3.11. Identify the muscles of the Posterior (extensor- supinator) compartment of the forearm.
Extensor forearm muscles- abductor pollicis longus, extensor pollicis brevis, extensor pollicis longus, extensor indicis

3.11.1. What are the nerve supplies of these muscles?
Radial nerve

3.12. List the muscles originating from the common extensor origin.
Extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor digitorum, extensor digiti minimi, extensor carpi ulnaris

3.12.1. Which nerve supplies the muscles with the common extensor origin?
Extensor Carpi Radialis brevis, Extensor digitorum (Posterior interosseous nerve) , Extensor digiti minimi (Posterior interosseous nerve)
General:(Deep branches of radial nerve)


3.12.2.  Which of these muscles have second heads?
Extensor carpi ulnaris- humeral head: lateral epicondyle of humerus and posterior border; ulnar head- olecranon
Supinator

3.12.3.  What is ‘tennis elbow’?
Tennis elbow is an inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow. The forearm muscles and tendons become damaged from overuse — repeating the same motions again and again. This leads to pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow.

Lateral epicondylitis

3.12.4.  Identify the Lister’s tubercle
Lister's tubercle or dorsal tubercle of radius is a bony prominence located at the distal end of the radius, palpable on the dorsum of the wrist.



3.13. Identify and list (lateral to medial) the extensor tendons running in compartments over the distal forearm.
Extensor carpi ulnaris, extensor digiti minimi, extensor digitorum, extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor carpi radialis longus


4. JOINTS (Use articulated skeletons, joint models & bone sets)
Do a virtual dissection in 4 D Anatomy (http://4danatomy.com/modules ) to explore the deepest layer and the elbow joint : Right cubital fossa (anterior-medial view)

4.1.Identify the three articulations of the elbow joint:
4.1.1.Humeroulnar
Trochlea of the humeral condyle and the trochlear notch of the ulna
4.1.2.Humeroradial
Head of the radius and the capitulum of the humerus
4.1.3.Superior radioulnar
Pivot joint- head of radius articulate with radial notch of ulna
4.1.4.What type of synovial joint is each of these joints?
Humeroulnar (simple hinge)
Humeroradial (Ball and socket joint)
Superior radioulnar (pivot joint)




4.2.Why does an elbow joint effusion become distended posteriorly ?
A joint effusion is the increased intra-articular fluid in a joint which causes swelling. In elbow joint effusion its is usually due to the cause of occult fracture (hidden fracture).  The joint capsule at the posterior and the anterior of the elbow joint are less dense and are prone to become distended if there is a joint effusion, especially at the olecranon fossa where the larger recess is distended easily.

The capsule is weak anteriorly and posteriorly. Hence, it wil be distended at these sites, especially posteriourly as there is loose capsule posteriorly and the antererior aspect is covered by muscles and deep fascia.

5. VESSELS
 5.1. List the blood and nerve supply to each of the compartments of the forearm.

Compartments of the forearm
Arteries blood supply
Nerve supply
Anterior (has 3 layers:
superficial, intermediate, and deep layer)
Radial and ulnar artery
Median nerve (mostly) and Ulnar nerve- flexor carpi ulnari and medial part of flexor digitorum profundus
Posterior (has 2 layers: superficial and deep layer)
Radial artery and posterior and anterior interosseous arteries
Radial nerve
Posterior interosseus nerve

 5.2. Identify the origin of the radial artery and its pathway in the forearm.
ORIGIN PATHWAY
Begins at level of radial neck and passes over pronator teres to run deep to brachioradialis to the wrist.


6. NERVES
6.1. Identify the ULNAR NERVE and trace it in the forearm and wrist



PART B: CLINICAL ANATOMY

7. CLINICAL/SURFACE ANATOMY
 {Where possible palpate on yourself or on your willing and consenting peers or models/ plastinated specimens the following:}

 Palpate/surface mark the following:
 7.1. Palpate the following ARTERIES:
• Axillary a. (3rd part) in the axilla (in front of teres major muscle)
• Brachial a. in the cubital fossa (just medial to tendon of biceps brachii)
• Radial pulse (between FCR & brachioradialis, against the radial styloid)
• Ulnar pulse ( Front of wrist, lateral to tendon of FCU)


7.2. Palpate and describe the normal relationship of these 3 bony points:
• Olecranon process
• Medial epicondyle of the humerus
• Lateral epicondyle of the humerus
In a supra condylar # the triangle relationship is maintained as the # lies above these points


 7.2.1.What is the clinical importance?
To check if there are golfer and tennis elbow
In elbow dislocation, the olecranon shift posterolaterally and comes to lie in line with the epicondyles which is fixed in flexion.

I do until here ni

7.3. Palpate the head of the radius

7.3.1.Demonstrate the ROM of :
• supination and pronation
• Flexion and extension
7.3.2.Demonstrate the axis of their movements
7.3.3.Which joints are involved?
7.3.4.Which muscles are involved?

7.4.Demonstrate on yourself, the following movements of the elbow joint and identifying its attachments, verbalise all the muscles involved for each of the following movements:
• Flexion • Extension • Supination • Pronation

 7.5. When a surgeon want to operate on the forearm he needs to have a knowledge of the safe zones for the surgical approach to the bones of the forearm. Give the anatomical basis of the following safe zones of the forearm: https://www2.aofoundation.org/wps/portal/surgery?showPage=approach&contentUrl=srg/21/04-Approaches/21-Safezones.jsp&bone=Radius&segment=Proximal&approach=Safe%20zones%20for%20pin%20insertion&Language=en • Zones in the ulna • Zones in the proximal radius • Zones in the distal radius

7.6. Demonstrate the biceps jerk, triceps jerk, brachioradialis jerk
Biceps jerk
This is most easily done with the patient seated.
Identify the location of the biceps tendon. To do this, have the patient flex at the elbow while you observe and palpate the antecubital fossa. The tendon will look and feel like a thick cord
Support the arm in yours, such that your thumb is resting directly over the biceps tendon (hold their right arm with your right; and vice versa)
Make sure that the biceps muscle is completely relaxed.
It may be difficult to direct your hammer strike such that the force is transmitted directly on to the biceps tendon, and not dissipated amongst the rest of the soft tissue in the area. If you are supporting the patient's arm, place your thumb on the tendon and strike this digit. If the arm is unsupported, place your index or middle fingers firmly against the tendon and strike them with the hammer.
Make sure that the patient's sleeve is rolled up so that you can directly observe the muscle as well as watch the lower arm for movement. A normal response will cause the biceps to contract, drawing the lower arm upwards


Triceps jerk
This is most easily done with the patient seated.
Identify the triceps tendon, a discrete, broad structure that can be palpated (and often seen) as it extends across the elbow to the body of the muscle, located on the back of the upper arm. If you are having trouble clearly identifying the tendon, ask the patient to extend their lower arm at the elbow while you observe and palpate in the appropriate region
The arm can be placed in either of 2 positions:
Gently pull the arm out from the patient's body, such that it roughly forms a right angle at the shoulder. The lower arm should dangle directly downward at the elbow.
Have the patient place their hands on their hips
Either of these techniques will allow the triceps to completely relax.If you are certain as to the precise location of the tendon, strike this area directly with your hammer. If the target is not clearly apparent or the tendon is surrounded by an excessive amount of subcutaneous fat (which might dissipate the force of your strike), place your index or middle finger firmly against the structure. Then strike your finger.
Make sure that the triceps is uncovered, so that you can observe the response. The normal reflex will cause the lower arm to extend at the elbow and swing away from the body. If the patient's hands are on their hips, the arm will not move but the muscle should shorten vigorously


Brachioradialis jerk
This is most easily done with the patient seated. The lower arm should be resting loosely on the patient's lap.
The tendon of the Brachioradialis muscle cannot be seen or well palpated, which makes this reflex a bit tricky to elicit. The tendon crosses the radius (thumb side of the lower arm) approximately 10 cm proximal to the wrist
Strike this area with your reflex hammer. Usually, hitting anywhere in the right vicinity will generate the reflex
Observe the lower arm and body of the Brachioradialis for a response. A normal reflex will cause the lower arm to flex at the elbow and the hand to supinate (turn palm upward)

7.6.1.What are the root values of these reflexes?
Biceps jerk and brachioradialis jerk = C5/C6 Musculotaneous for biceps, radial for brachioradialis
Triceps jerk= C6/C7/C8 (Radial nerve)
 7.6.2.What muscles do these correspond to?
 Biceps = flexion of forearm
Triceps= extension of forearm
Brachioradialis = flexion of elbow




7.7. What is a “pulled elbow?” Under what circumstances does it occur?
Also known as nursemaid’s elbow where the radius is dislocated,  The medical term for the injury is "radial head subluxation and is a common injury of early childhood. Because a young child's bones and muscles are still developing, it typically takes very little force to pull the bones of the elbow partially out of place, making this injury very common. It occurs when a child's hand or wrist and pulls suddenly on the arm. rarely caused by a fall. If a child injures the elbow when falling onto an outstretched hand or directly onto the elbow, it may be a broken bone


7.8. Regarding pronator quadratus.
7.8.1.What is the space of Parona?= mid palmar space
The midpalmar space contains the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th lumbrical muscles and lies posterior to the long flexor tendons to the middle, ring and little fingers. It lies in front of the interossei and the 3rd,  4th and 5th metacarpal bone.


 7.8.1.1. What is its clinical application?
The space can be drained by an incision in either the 3rd or 4th web depending on where the pus points.
Infection of the midpalmar space may result from tenosynovitis of the middle and ring fingers or from a web infection which has spread proximally through the lumbrical canals.

7.8.1.2. What limits more proximal spread?
Flexor digitorum profundus, flexor pollicis longus

7.9. What is ‘Volkmann's contracture’?


 7.9.1. What is the pathology?
Volkmann’s contracture occurs when there is a lack of blood flow (ischemia) to the forearm. This occurs when there is increased pressure due to swelling, a condition called compartment syndrome (pressure increased, blood flow decreased, caused ischemia, lack of oxygen can supply to the muscle & nerve cells)

 7.9.2. Which muscles are involved?
Arm muscle: Superficial and deep flexor muscles on forearm

7.10. Identify the ventral structures at the wrist.


7.10.1. What is their order from medial to lateral?
Ulnar nerve, ulnar artery, flexor digitorum radialis, palmaris longus, median nerve, flexor pollicis longus, radial artery, brachioradialis, abductor pollicis longus, radial nerve (superficial branch)

7.10.2. List the key structures that may be damaged due to “suicide cuts”/deep lacerations of the:
• Radial side of the wrist
Radial artery, radial nerve

• Ulnar side of the wrist
Ulnar nerve, ulnar artery



7.11. How and why would you perform a venipuncture?
How: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ie_nFCL5Hp0
https://phlebotomycoach.com/faqs/what-is-venipuncture
Most of the time, blood is drawn from a vein located on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.
The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic).
An elastic band is put around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area. This makes the vein swell with blood.
A needle is inserted into the vein.
The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle.
The elastic band is removed from your arm.
The needle is taken out and the spot is covered with a bandage to stop bleeding.
In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.
Why: For laboratory testing
Blood is made up of two parts:
Fluid (plasma or serum)
Cells
Plasma is the fluid part that contains substances such as glucose, electrolytes, proteins, and water. Serum is the fluid part that remains after the blood is allowed to clot in a test tube.
Cells in the blood include red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Blood helps move oxygen, nutrients, waste products, and other materials through the body. It helps control body temperature, fluid balance, and the body's acid-base balance.
Tests on blood or parts of blood may give your provider important clues about your health.

7.11.1. What procedures would you do to make the veins more visible /palpable for venepuncture?
An elastic band is put around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area. This makes the vein swell with blood.


7.12. By applying the same procedures as above on your consenting peer, identify and surface mark the following veins as well as the sites where the veins in the upper limb can be seen or palpated for venipuncture:


 • Region of the cubital fossa :




7.12.1. Cephalic vein : ant. to the lat. epicondyle along the anterolateral surface of the biceps brachii
7.12.2. Basilic vein: ant. to the medial epicondyle and medial to the biceps in the lower part of the arm
7.12.3. Medial cubital vein:
The cephalic vein at the lateral side of the forearm passes obliquely across the cubital fossa as the medial cubital vein then continues superiorly to become the basilic vein
7.12.3.1. Why is it commonly used for venipuncture?
-This is because it lies relatively close to the surface and is more prominent (visible) when pressure it’s applied.
-Large enough, can stay in place
(2nd choice is cephalic) (better not to use basilic because brachial artery and median nerve is close to it)

7.12.3.2. Why is the elbow kept extended during venipuncture?
Extension of elbow makes bicipital aponeurosis taut/stretched. Bicipital aponeurosis protects the medial nerve and brachial artery, preventing arterial haemorrhage.


 7.12.3.3. What are the common variations of this vein ?
In the cubital fossa, instead of having medial cubital vein, the median antebrachial vein will divide into median cephalic vein (connect to cephalic vein) and median basilic vein (connect to basilic vein). It has an M shape.

7.12.3.4. What is the median vein of the forearm?
• The cephalic vein in the roof of the anatomical snuff box and just posterior to the radial styloid.
• Dorsal venous network on the dorsum of the hand
Median vein of the forearm (median antebrachial vein) begins at the base of the dorsum of the thumb, curves around the lateral side of the wrist, and ascends between the cephalic and basilic veins (sometimes divides into median cephalic and median basilic veins first before joining cephalic and basilic vein respectively)





7.13. How is an arteriovenous fistula created in the forearm for Haemodialysis?
When the surgeon connects an artery to a vein, the vein grows wider and thicker, making it easier to place the needles for dialysis. The AV fistula also has a large diameter that allows your blood to flow out and back into your body quickly. The goal is to allow high blood flow so that the largest amount of blood can pass through the dialyzer.When the surgeon connects an artery to a vein, the vein grows wider and thicker, making it easier to place the needles for dialysis. The AV fistula also has a large diameter that allows your blood to flow out and back into your body quickly. The goal is to allow high blood flow so that the largest amount of blood can pass through the dialyzer.




7.13.1. What vessels are involved?

When the surgeon connects an artery to a vein, the vein grows wider and thicker, making it easier to place the needles for dialysis. The AV fistula also has a large diameter that allows your blood to flow out and back into your body quickly. The goal is to allow high blood flow so that the largest amount of blood can pass through the dialyzer.

7.13.2. How would you check if the AV fistula is working properly?

7.14. What is the importance of ‘Allen’s test’ ?




8. RADIOLOGY {Refer to radiological images in textbooks, Student web resources in Moodle – Grants Atlas & 'Diagnostic Imaging Pathways' http://www.imagingpathways.health.wa.gov.au/index.php/image-galleries/normal-anatomy }



8.1.Study the following :
8.1.1.Elbow joint : AP and Lateral views

Right forearm, Anterior view






















Lateral view




8.1.2.Supracondylar fracture of humerus




8.1.2.1. What are the possible vascular complications? Injury to brachial artery and therefore the radial and ulnar arteries will also be affected. This can cause ischemia to the arm as well as the forearm within few hours.
8.1.2.2. How can median nerve palsy, mask a pending compartment syndrome ?
Median nerve palsy(paralysis) is caused by the entrapment/compression to the median nerve. The arteries that are near within the median nerve can also be trapped. Therefore, ischemia will occur. Muscles and nerves can tolerate to to 6 hrs of ischemia and after this fibrous scar tissue replaces the necrotic tissues and causes the involved muscles to shorten permanently producing the flexion deformity known as the ischemic compartment syndrome (Volkmann contracture).
8.1.3.Both Bone forearm fractures
8.1.3.1. What are Monteggia and Galeazzi fractures ?
Monteggia fracture of the Ulnar proximal (MU)
Galeazzi fracture of the Radius distal  (GR)



8.1.4.What is a Colles fracture?
Colles fracture is the  fracture of the distal forearm and usually the most common fracture is the transverse complete fracture of the distal 2 cm of radius bone. The fracture is the result of forced extension of the hand when person outstretched the upper limb during a fall.




http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/p476a23436683b/wristfractures.html#i476a24282794c 8.1.4.1. What deformity does it produce?

When colles fracture happens, the ulnar styloid process can be avulsed (broken off). Since the distal part of the radius is fractured, there is an shortening of the radius and without proper support of the ulnar styloid process. Dinner fork deformity can be seen.







8.4.Identify the hypothenar eminence and its muscles.
Opponens Digiti Minimi, Abductor Digiti Minimi, Flexor Digiti Minimi
8.4.1.What is their nerve supply?
Opponens Digiti Minimi, Abductor Digiti Minimi, Flexor Digiti Minimi (Deep Branch of Ulnar Nerve T1)
8.4.2.What other muscles does this nerve supply?
The deep head of flexor pollicis brevis, adductor pollicis, 3rd and 4th lumbricals, Dorsal and palmar interossei, hypothenar eminence




8.5. Identify the thenar eminence and its mucles.

Abductor pollicis brevis, flexor pollicis brevis, opponens pollicis.
8.5.1.What is their nerve supply and their root values?
Recurrent branch of median nerve (C8, T1) (opponens pollicis, Abductor pollicis brevis, Flexor pollicis brevis [Superficial head]).
Deep branch of ulnar nerve (C8, T1) (flexor pollicis brevis [big head]).