Research Article
Open Access
Morphometric Variations in Clavicle Dimensions: Length, Angles, Curvatures, and Clinical Implications
Swetha B ,
Nagabhushanam N ,
Hema N ,
Pandit Vinodh Bandela
Pages 29 - 35

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Abstract
Background: The clavicle, a uniquely shaped long bone in the human skeleton, plays a critical role in shoulder girdle mechanics and is frequently fractured, particularly in the middle third. These fractures, while often managed conservatively, can lead to significant morbidity, non-union rates, and complications when displaced. Global research emphasizes the need for precise morphometric data to optimize fracture fixation strategies, such as plating and intramedullary nailing. Key anatomical variations include overall length, cross-sectional width, axial bending (most pronounced at the acromial end), and curvatures (medial and lateral), which influence the design of fixation devices. This study aimed to quantitatively assess clavicular dimensions. specifically total length, medial angle (formed by the medial curvature relative to the shaft), and lateral angle (formed by the lateral curvature relative to the shaft). Methods: A total of 320 dry adult clavicles (185 male and 135 female) were sourced from the osteology collections of first-year MBBS students across multiple medical colleges in South India. Measurements were performed using standardized manual techniques: length was determined with a digital caliper along the superior border from sternal to acromial end; medial and lateral angles were measured with a protractor aligned to the shaft's midline. Data were analyzed descriptively, calculating means, standard deviations, and ranges, with comparisons between sexes and sides using unpaired t-tests (p < 0.05 considered significant). Results: Male clavicles demonstrated significantly greater mean length (142.90 ± 10.59 mm) compared to females (132.30 ± 10.44 mm; p < 0.001), reflecting sexual dimorphism. Side-specific analysis revealed minimal asymmetry: right male clavicles averaged 142.10 ± 11.70 mm versus left 143.80 ± 9.55 mm; right female 131.12 ± 12.22 mm versus left 131.10 ± 9.02 mm (no significant side differences, p > 0.05). Medial angle ranges were 136°–163° (right) and 135°–166° (left), indicating greater variability on the left. Lateral angles ranged from 122°–162° (right) and 126°–168° (left), with left-sided angles showing broader dispersion. Overall, curvatures exhibited subtle bilateral differences, with left clavicles displaying slightly more pronounced lateral bending, potentially influencing plate adaptation during surgery. Conclusion: These morphometric findings underscore the importance of gender- and side-specific clavicular dimensions in enhancing the precision of orthopedic fixation devices, reducing intraoperative bending needs, and minimizing complications like non-union or implant failure. The data contribute to a normative database for South Indian populations, benefiting orthopedic surgeons in treatment planning, anatomists in educational models, and anthropologists/forensic experts in skeletal profiling. Future studies incorporating 3D modeling could further refine these parameters for personalized implants.
Research Article
Open Access
Effectiveness of the Jigsaw Method as an Add-on to Traditional Teaching in Learning Histology among First-Year MBBS Students.
Sandhya Vikas Yatagiri,
Veena Srinivas Harwalkar,
Ashwini Bala Saheb Nuchhi,
Ravi Siddanagouda Bulagouda,
Shaik Hussain Saheb
Pages 23 - 28

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Abstract
Background: Despite advancements in pedagogical strategies, traditional didactic lectures remain the cornerstone of medical education, often limiting student engagement and collaborative learning. The Jigsaw method, a cooperative learning technique, encourages active participation by dividing students into "expert" groups to master subtopics before teaching peers in "parent" groups. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Jigsaw method as an adjunct to traditional teaching in enhancing histology comprehension and retention among first-year MBBS students. Aim: The present study was conducted to compare the academic performance of students taught via the Jigsaw method versus traditional lectures, to assess student perceptions of the Jigsaw method’s impact on collaborative learning and knowledge retention and to evaluate the reproducibility of outcomes through a crossover study design. Methods: A comparative interventional study conducted with 139 first-year MBBS students randomly allocated into Group 1 (control: traditional teaching) and Group 2 (intervention: Jigsaw method). Both groups received a histology lecture followed by a pre-test. Group 2 underwent the Jigsaw activity, where students formed expert groups to study subtopics and later taught their parent groups. Post-tests were administered to both groups. In Phase 2, the groups crossed over to validate results. Data were analysed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests (within-group) and Mann-Whitney U tests (between-group). Student feedback was collected via a 5-point Likert scale survey. Results:
• Phase 1: The Jigsaw group (Group 2) showed a significant improvement in post-test scores (mean ± SD: 22.06 ± 2.952) compared to pre-test scores (13.87 ± 3.459; p = 0.001) and outperformed the control group (15.91 ± 4.428; p = 0.001).
• Phase 2 (Crossover): Results were replicated, with Group 1 (now Jigsaw) demonstrating higher post-test scores (13.10 ± 2.632 vs. pre-test: 8.60 ± 3.224; p = 0.001).
• Student Feedback: Over 85% of participants agreed/strongly agreed that the Jigsaw method enhanced understanding (60.2%), teamwork (56.4%), and engagement (53.4%). A majority (55.6%) requested more such sessions.
Conclusion: The Jigsaw method significantly improves histology learning outcomes and fosters collaborative skills compared to traditional lectures. Its integration into medical curricula is recommended to promote active learning and peer interaction.
Research Article
Open Access
Study of E-Cadherin and p53 immuno-histochemical expression in normal and malignant oral epithelium
Pages 14 - 22

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Abstract
Background: Oral cancer ranks among the most prevalent cancers globally. The expression of E-cadherin and p53 plays a crucial role in understanding tumor characteristics such as local invasiveness, metastatic potential, and cellular proliferation. Early detection of high-risk cases for distant metastasis is vital to improving patient prognosis. This study aims to systematically evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of E-cadherin and p53 in both normal and neoplastic oral epithelium, comparing their levels across various tumor grades to assess their potential as independent or combined predictors of the biological behavior of oral epithelial tumors. Methodology: A descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Pathology, Gandhi Hospital, from October 2019 to October 2021, including 60 cases of normal oral epithelium and OSCC diagnosed by H&E staining. Immuno-histochemical staining for E-Cadherin and p53 was performed, and data were analyzed using SPSS 22. Inclusion criteria covered all properly fixed tumor specimens; exclusions included other oral cancers and inadequate biopsies. Results: Among the 60 cases, males predominated (77%), with most patients aged 51–60 years. The tongue was the most common lesion site (40%). E-Cadherin was positive in 82.85% of cases but showed reduced expression in neoplastic tissue. p53 positivity was observed in 77% of cases. A statistically significant correlation was noted between tumor differentiation and marker expression: E-Cadherin positivity decreased from well-differentiated (57.14%) to poorly differentiated tumors (5.7%) (p=0.004), while p53 positivity also correlated significantly with differentiation (p<0.001). p53levels increased as pathological grade increased. Conclusion: Altered expression of E-Cadherin and p53 is significantly associated with tumor differentiation in OSCC, highlighting their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in oral malignancies.
Research Article
Open Access
Efficacy of Intra-Articular Corticosteroid Injection in the Management of Idiopathic Frozen Shoulder
Sanjay Singh Rawat,
Vishnu Meena
Pages 8 - 13

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Abstract
Background: Frozen shoulder (FS), also known as adhesive capsulitis (AC), is a painful disorder of the shoulder joint characterized by gradual onset and progressive restriction of both active and passive shoulder movements. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy, advantages, and disadvantages of intra-articular steroid injection in idiopathic frozen shoulder unresponsive to NSAIDs, using VAS, SPADI, and Oxford Shoulder Score for outcome assessment. Methodology: This prospective study was conducted on the Indian population using radiographic tools at the Orthopedic and Physiotherapy Departments of Medical College and Associated Group of Hospitals, Kota, from November 2022 to January 2024. Result: In this study of 45 patients with idiopathic frozen shoulder, most were middle-aged housewives with the dominant arm affected, presenting mainly with shoulder pain. Corticosteroid injection with physiotherapy produced significant, consistent improvement in pain, function, and range of motion over 12 weeks, confirming its short-term efficacy. Conclusion: Corticosteroid injections are effective for short-term pain relief and functional improvement in adhesive capsulitis, especially when combined with physiotherapy in the early disease stages.
Research Article
Open Access
Assessment of Cardiac Autonomic Dysfunction in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Maria Davis ,
Surumi A Rahim
Pages 1 - 7

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Abstract
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a persistent inflammatory condition linked to heightened cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Cardiac autonomic dysfunction may elevate cardiovascular risk but is still inadequately investigated in RA patients. Methodology: This case-control study comprised 80 RA patients diagnosed by ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria and 80 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The evaluation of cardiac autonomic function was conducted using 24-hour Holter monitoring and heart rate variability analysis. Time-domain parameters (SDNN, RMSSD, pNN50) and frequency-domain parameters (LF, HF, LF/HF ratio) were assessed. The DAS28-ESR score was utilized to evaluate disease activity. The statistical analysis comprised independent t-tests and Pearson correlation coefficients. Results: Patients with RA exhibited markedly reduced heart rate variability measures in comparison to the control group. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, SDNN measured 98.4 ± 24.6 ms, compared to 142.3 ± 28.4 ms in the control group (p < 0.001). RMSSD measured 24.8 ± 8.2 ms compared to 38.6 ± 10.4 ms (p < 0.001). The LF/HF ratio was markedly increased in RA patients (2.8 ± 0.9 compared to 1.6 ± 0.5, p < 0.001), signifying sympathetic dominance. Cardiac autonomic dysfunction exhibited a strong correlation with disease duration (r = -0.52, p < 0.001) and DAS28-ESR score (r = -0.48, p < 0.001). The prevalence of autonomic dysfunction was 62.5% in RA patients compared to 18.8% in the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Patients with RA demonstrate considerable cardiac autonomic dysfunction, marked by diminished heart rate variability and sympathovagal imbalance. The activity and length of illness are critical factors influencing autonomic dysfunction, indicating the necessity for early cardiovascular risk evaluation in the management of RA.