Studies of directional asymmetry in the human upper limb have extensively examined bones of the arm, forearm, and hand, but have rarely considered the clavicle. Physiologically, the clavicle is an integrated element of the upper limb, transmitting loads to the axial skeleton and supporting the distal bones. However, clavicles develop in a manner that is unique among the bones of the upper limb....

background: previous anatomic and radiological studies have described the relationship of the clavicle to major neurovascular structures in healthy subjects. we were curious about this relationship in patients with a clavicle fracture and if it is different from non-fractured clavicles.   methods: we retrospectively identified all patients with a clavicle fracture between july 2001 and october ...

Cleidocranial dysplasia is an extremely rare familial disorder characterized by partial or complete absence of clavicles, characteristic craniofacial deformities, and the presence of numerous supernumerary and unerupted teeth. Here, the author reviews the striking radiographic findings of cleidocranial dysplasia in a 16-year-old adolescent boy who presented with delayed teeth eruption.

The derived proportions of the human hand may provide supportive buttressing that protects the hand from injury when striking with a fist. Flexion of digits 2-5 results in buttressing of the pads of the distal phalanges against the central palm and the palmar pads of the proximal phalanges. Additionally, adduction of the thenar eminence to abut the dorsal surface of the distal phalanges of digi...

The forelimb of whales and dolphins is a flipper that shows hyperphalangy (numerous finger bones). Hyperphalangy is also present in marine reptiles, including ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs. The developmental basis of hyper-phalangy is unclear. Kükenthal suggested that phalanx anlagen split into three pieces during cetacean development, thereby multiplying the ancestral number. Alternatively, Hol...

INTRODUCTION Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant health concern. While 70-90% of TBI cases are considered mild, decision-making regarding imaging can be difficult. This survey aimed to assess whether clinicians' decision-making was consistent with the most recent American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) clinical recommendations regarding indications for a non-contrast head comp...

Purpose There are multiple skeletal maturity grading systems, but none of them utilizes the phalanges of the foot. To minimize radiation, it would be ideal if one could assess the skeletal maturity of a foot based on bones seen on routine foot radiographs, if guided growth is being considered as a treatment option. We developed a system that correlates changes of the appearance of the foot phal...