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A study of the discomalleolar ligament in the adult human
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Abstract
The objectives of our study were to determine: (1) the frequency of occurrence and morphology of the discomalleolar ligament, (2) its attachments, (3) the morphology of Pinto’s ligament in endoscopic visualisation, and (4) whether tension applied to the discomalleolar ligament could elicit movement of the malleus. Fourteen adult human temporomandibular joint and tympanic cavity specimens were examined with the use of an endoscope and then by gross dissection with the superior approach and with the use of the operating microscope.
Endoscopic visualisation showed in four cases a band of tissue in the upper temporomandibular joint compartment, known as Pinto’s ligament. The dissections exposed a discomalleolar ligament in 11 specimens. We were able to identify two main types of this ligament on the basis of its shape. The discomalleolar ligament was either triangular in shape, as in the first group of seven specimens, or longitudinal in shape, as in the second group of four specimens. We observed that tension applied to the discomalleolar ligament resulted in movement of the malleus in three specimens.
Abstract
The objectives of our study were to determine: (1) the frequency of occurrence and morphology of the discomalleolar ligament, (2) its attachments, (3) the morphology of Pinto’s ligament in endoscopic visualisation, and (4) whether tension applied to the discomalleolar ligament could elicit movement of the malleus. Fourteen adult human temporomandibular joint and tympanic cavity specimens were examined with the use of an endoscope and then by gross dissection with the superior approach and with the use of the operating microscope.
Endoscopic visualisation showed in four cases a band of tissue in the upper temporomandibular joint compartment, known as Pinto’s ligament. The dissections exposed a discomalleolar ligament in 11 specimens. We were able to identify two main types of this ligament on the basis of its shape. The discomalleolar ligament was either triangular in shape, as in the first group of seven specimens, or longitudinal in shape, as in the second group of four specimens. We observed that tension applied to the discomalleolar ligament resulted in movement of the malleus in three specimens.
Keywords
Pinto’s ligament; anterior malleolar ligament; petrotympanic fissure; Meckel’s cartilage; temporomandibular joint
Title
A study of the discomalleolar ligament in the adult human
Journal
Issue
Article type
Original article
Pages
121-125
Published online
2006-03-09
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780
Article views/downloads
5589
Bibliographic record
Folia Morphol 2006;65(2):121-125.
Keywords
Pinto’s ligament
anterior malleolar ligament
petrotympanic fissure
Meckel’s cartilage
temporomandibular joint
Authors
T. Rowicki
J. Zakrzewska