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Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience

 

Year 3 pre-clinical students may do either an experimental research project or a library-based project, under supervision.

 

Research: Part II projects

Each year anatomical projects are offered to students reading NST Part II PDN. The findings are written up in the form of a research report of up to 8,500 words.

2021-22

with Dr Richard Adams, University lecturer, PDN

Corinna Dunzendorfer

  • 3D scanning of the wrist joint (cadaveric dissection and 3D scanning)

With Mr Nick Sarkies, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Addenbrookes Hospital

Beth Griffiths (CL)

  • Novel investigation of the dimensions of the optic canal using 3D reconstructions from microCT scans’ 

With Dr Andrew Grainger,  Consultant Musculoskeletal Radiologist, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge and Mr Simon Lambert, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, University College London Hospital

Lucas Hutchinson

  • Detailed morphology of the subscapularis muscle and relationship to movement at the glenohumeral joint (cadaveric dissection, ultrasound and fluoroscopy)

With with Mr Harry Lyall, Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon. Mid Essex Hospitals NHS Trust

Aiswarya Lakshmi (DOW)

  • Is there a correlation between the range of movement of the first metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint and the morphology of the thumb muscles?

With Tobia Nava, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Mr Alan Norrish, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King's Lynn  and Mr Chandra Pasapula, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King's Lynn

Luke Maxwell (CAI)

  • Developing a protocol to compare the strength of internal fixation constructs in talar neck fractures (cadaveric dissection and testing stand)

with Mr Kai Wong, Consultant in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Addenbrooke's Hospital

Ansh Tandon (JE)

  • Investigating the lumbar artery perforator flap using cadaveric dissection and Doppler ultrasound assessment:  an alternative flap for autologous breast reconstruction

2020-21

Projects underway (due to COVID restrictions, it has not been possible to undertake dissection or ultrasound projects this year)

With Mr Jai Chitnavis, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Cambridge Knee Clinic

Daniel Maghsoudi (DOW) and Cavan West (PEM)

  • The finer vascular architecture of the knee as seen in magnetic resonance imaging

Winner of the President’s Prize for his oral presentation at the British Association of Clinical Anatomists meeting on 8 September 2021 (abstract)

With Prof Jonathan Brown, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Gloucester Royal Hospital and Dr Alastair Gregory, Research Fellow, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge

Firnaaz Mohideen (JN)

  • Modelling of the ileocaecal valve with data analysis from previous investigations of morphology and competence in cadaveric specimens 

Winner of the Conrad Lewin Prize for his oral presentation at the British Association of Clinical Anatomists meeting on 8 September 2021 (abstract)

With Dr Matthew Mason, University Physiologist, Department of PDN, University of Cambridge & Mr Roger Gray, formerly ENT Surgeon, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge

Lewis Witton (PEM)

  • Using microCT scans to investigate the thickness of cortical bone surrounding the sense organs of the inner ear in humans and other mammals

With Dr Richard Adams, University Lecturer, Department of PDN, Cambridge

Michael Batavanis (DOW)

  • Developing 3D computational methods for anatomy teaching

Oral presentation at the British Association of Clinical Anatomists meeting on 8 September 2021 (abstract)

With Dr Richard Lloyd, Human Anatomy Centre Manager, Department of PDN, Cambridge

Amelia Whitehead (CTH)

  • Comparative analysis of the anatomical works of Leonardo da Vinci and Andreas Vesalius

Oral presentation at the British Association of Clinical Anatomists meeting on 8 September 2021 (abstract)

2019-20

With Mr Jai Chitnavis, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Cambridge Knee Clinic

Mary Adeniji (N) and Ana Maria Lopez-Ruiz (SID)

  • The extraosseous vasculature of the knee as seen on magnetic resonance imaging
  • Investigating the intraosseous patterns of vascularity of the knee joint in MRI

Oral presentations at the British Association of Clinical Anatomists meeting on 9 September 2020 (abstract)

With Mr Kevin Sherman, formerly Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust & Dr Anand Sardesai, Consultant Anaesthetist, Addenbrooke's Hospital

Anosh Bonshahi (JN)

  • Can the medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm be avoided during cubital tunnel surgery?

Oral presentation at the British Association of Clinical Anatomists meeting on 9 September 2020 (abstract)

With Dr Duncan Hamilton, Consultant Anaesthetist, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough & Dr Anand Sardesai, Consultant Anaesthetist, Addenbrooke's Hospital

Arun Thirunavukarasu (CC)

  • Unlocking the jaw: macro and microscopic imaging of the temporomandibular joint

Paper published in Clinical Anatomy

Paper published in the British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

With Mr Robert Whitaker, formerly Consultant in Paediatric Urology, Addenbrooke's Hospital and author of Instant Anatomy

Jack Devin (CL)

  • How might different passive ureteric features contribute to vesicoureteral reflux?

Oral presentation at the British Association of Clinical Anatomists meeting on 9 September 2020 (abstract)

With Mr John Scott, formerly Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Bedford Hospital, Dr Alastair Gregory, Research Fellow, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, and Dr Krishnaa Mahbubani, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge

Anthony Lim (CAI)

  • Determining the ideal site for fibular osteotomy in treating delayed and non-union of tibial fractures

Winner of the Conrad Lewin prize for his oral presentation at the British Association of Clinical Anatomists meeting on 9 September 2020 (abstract)

With Mr Christopher Gooding, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon & Mr Ahid Abood, Consultant in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge

Alexandria Smith (CAI)

  • Which is the optimal muscle flap for interposition myoplasty after hip joint excision arthroplasty: vastus lateralis or rectus femoris?

Oral presentation at the British Association of Clinical Anatomists meeting on 9 September 2020 (abstract)

 

2018-19

With Prof Jonathan Brown, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Gloucester Royal Hospital 

Mythiri Sutharson (SID) and Shaan Patel (M)

  • Anatomical factors that determine the efficacy and safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography for extraction of common bile duct stones

Oral presentations at the Winter Meeting of the Anatomical Society meeting in Lancaster 2019 (abstract)

With Mr Mike Gaunt, Consultant Vascular Surgeon, Spire Cambridge Lea and Cambridge Nuffield Hospitals, & Mr Ian Grant, Consultant in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Surgery of the Hand, Addenbrooke's Hospital

Shahzaib Ahmed (JN) and Akos Marton (CHR)

  • Are common variations in the neurological and vascular anatomy of the forearm and hand related or independent?

Oral and poster presentations at the Winter Meeting of the Anatomical Society meeting in Lancaster 2019 (abstract)

With Dr Jumbo Jenner, formerly Consultant in Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Addenbrooke's Hospital

Tabitha Brough (Q) and Katie James (CAI)

  • Does a bursa facilitate smooth movement at the scapulothoracic articulation?

Poster presentation at the Winter Meeting of the Anatomical Society meeting in Lancaster 2019 (abstract

With Mr John Scott, formerly Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Bedford Hospital, and Dr Krishnaa Mahbubani, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge

Garance Biosse-Duplan (T)

  • What is the ideal site for fibular osteotomy in treatment of non-union in tibial fractures?

With Mr Robert Whitaker, formerly Consultant Paediatric Urologist, Addenbrooke's Hospital and author of Instant Anatomy

Anoop Sumal (SE)

  • Analysis of tendons that support the medial longitudinal and transverse arches of the foot

Paper in Clinical Anatomy (abstract)

 

2017-18

With Prof Jonathan Brown, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Gloucester Royal Hospital 

Amil Sinha (DOW)

  • How do the morphological characteristics of the major duodenal papilla affect the ease of selective common bile duct cannulation during ERCP?

Dylan Thiarya (M)

  • Can the morphology of the duodenal papilla predict the ease and extent of endoscopic sphincterotomy?

Oral presentation at The British Association of Clinical Anatomists Summer Scientific Meeting, Cambridge, June 2018 (abstract)

Oral presentation at The Anatomical Society Winter Meeting, York, 17-19 December 2018 (abstract)

 

With Mr Vijay Santhanam, Consultant Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon, Addenbrooke's Hospital 

Jonathan Chu (DOW)

  • What is an 'average' chin?

Oral presentation at The British Association of Clinical Anatomists Winter Scientific Meeting, Northumbria University, 13 December 2018 (abstract: Conrad Lewin Prize winner, for the best oral presentation by a young researcher)

Samuel Moore (JN)

  • A novel investigation of the mental foramina in the mandible with clinical implications

Oral presentation at The Anatomical Society Winter Meeting, York, 17-19 December 2018 (abstract)

 

With Mr Jai Chitnavis, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Cambridge Knee Clinic, and Prof Ceri Davies, Professor of Anatomy, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London

Patrick Warren (EM)

  • A cadaveric dissection study of the soft tissues which surround the patella in extension of the knee

Oral presentation at The Anatomical Society Winter Meeting, York, 17-19 December 2018 (abstract: winner of the Young Investigator Prize)

Jenny Wilkins (TH)

  • What are the depths of penetration into the knee cavity and through the infrapatellar fat pad for the different portal positions in arthroscopic surgery? 

Oral presentation at The British Association of Clinical Anatomists Winter Scientific Meeting, Northumbria University, 13 December 2018 (abstract)

 

With Dr Annja Neumann, Research Associate: Schnitzler Digital Edition Project; Affiliate Lecturer at the Department of German and Dutch, Faculty of Modern & Medieval Languages

Maahi Qureshi (M)

  • The spectacle of dissection  

Oral presentation at The Anatomical Society Winter Meeting, York, 17-19 December 2018 (abstract)

 

With Dr Matthew Mason, University Physiologist

Will Ashley-Fenn (CTH)

  • Clinical vestibular anatomy investigated with microcomputed tomography and 3D reconstruction

 

2016-17

Projects completed

In collaboration with Mr Ahid Abood, Consultant in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Addenbrooke’s Hospital

Max Stewart (SID)

  • Detailed characterisation of the neurovascular anatomy of the anterolateral thigh flap used in plastic and reconstructive surgery

Oral presentation at the Institute of Anatomical Sciences Spring Meeting April 2017 (abstract)

Oral presentation at the British Association of Clinical Anatomists Winter Meeting, Burton-on-Trent, 14 December 2017 (abstract)

 

In collaboration with Mr Vijay Santhanam, Consultant in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Addenbrooke’s Hospital

Milan Kapur (K) and Rahul Shah (G)

  • Determination of a reliable anatomical landmark for identification of the mandibular foramen

Oral presentation at the Institute of Anatomical Sciences Spring Meeting April 2017 (abstract)

Oral presentation at The Anatomical Society Winter Meeting, 18-20 Dec 2017, University of Dundee (abstract)

Oral presentations at the British Association of Clinical Anatomists Winter Meeting, Burton-on-Trent, 14 December 2017 (abstract)

 

In collaboration with Dr Teresa Tiffert, Professor Jonathan Brown and Mr Charles West

Amanda Choo (M) and Eunice Wong (CTH)

  • Investigation of the mechanical properties and histological features of the ileocaecal valve

Oral presentations at the British Association of Clinical Anatomists Winter Meeting, Burton-on-Trent, 14 December 2017 (abstract)

Oral presentation at The Anatomical Society Winter Meeting, 18-20 Dec 2017, University of Dundee (abstract)

 

In collaboration with Ms Emily Evans and Mr Robert Whitaker

Samantha Summers (M)

Part II BBS: Ali Alam (JE) and Eleanor Cox (EM)

  • Aspects of Anatomical Illustration
  • (a) Investigation and evaluation of the transition from hand-drawn to computer generated images

Oral presentation at the Institute of Anatomical Sciences Spring Meeting April 2017 (abstract)

Poster presentation at The British Association of Clinical Anatomists Summer Scientific Meeting July 2018 (abstract)

  • (b) Critical analysis of the increasing use of anatomical art in popular culture

 

In collaboration with Dr Matthew Mason

Prabhvir Marway (T)

  • Structure and variability in the human inner ear

Oral presentation at the Institute of Anatomical Science Spring Meeting April 2017 (abstract)

 

2015-16

Projects completed

In collaboration with Mr Jai Chitnavis, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Cambridge Knee Clinic

Two projects investigating the clinical features of patients with meniscal tears of the knee:

Isabelle Terry (PEM)

  • Clinical and magnetic resonance (MRI) correlations in patients with symptomatic meniscal tears of the knee

Oral presentation at the BACA (British Association of Clinical Anatomists) Winter Scientific Meeting 2016, Leeds Institute of Medical Education, University of Leeds

Samuel Webb (SE)

  • A critical evaluation of the clinical features of patients presenting for elective surgery to treat meniscal tears (abstract)

Oral presentation at the Anatomical Society Winter Meeting, 20 December 2016 at Guy's Campus, King's College London (abstract)

 

In collaboration with Dr Josh Nall, Curator of Modern Sciences, Department of History and Philosophy of Science

One BBS dissertation topic investigating aspects of anatomical education in Cambridge

Rituja Kamble (DOW)

  • Evaluation of the Pedagogical Approaches to Anatomical Education in post-1830s Cambridge

 

2014-15

Projects completed

In collaboration with Dr Michelle Spear, formerly Deputy Clinical Anatomist, Cambridge and with invaluable assistance from Mr Martin Clayton, Senior Curator of Prints and Drawings, the Royal Collection, Windsor Castle; Professor Sachiko Kusukawa, Faculty of History; and Dr Ron Philo, Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Texas

Two projects comparing the anatomical works of Leonardo da Vinci and Andreas Vesalius:

Rachel Scott (SE)

  • Critical evaluation of the depiction of abdominopelvic viscera in the anatomical works of Leonardo da Vinci and Andreas Vesalius (abstract)

Oral presentation at the Anatomical Society Winter Meeting 14-16 December 2015

Emma Sewart (K)

  • Comparative analysis of methodologies employed by Leonardo da Vinci and Andreas Vesalius in their studies of craniospinal anatomy (abstract)

Poster presentation at the Anatomical Society Winter Meeting 14-16 December 2015

 

In collaboration with Professor Jonathan Brown and Dr Michelle Spear:

Two projects investigating the looping patterns in colonoscopies performed using ScopeGuide

Jacob Lam (JE) and James Wilkinson (CTH)

  • Real-time analysis of the frequency distributions of looping patterns of the colon during colonoscopy (abstract)

Oral presentation at the Anatomical Society Winter Meeting 14-16 December 2015

  • Configurations of colonic segments in undisturbed cadaveric abdomens and the implications for difficulties encountered in colonoscopy (abstract)

Poster presentation at the Anatomical Society Winter Meeting 14-16 December 2015

Further research arising from this project has led to a poster presentation at the British Society of Gastroenterology Annual Meeting 20-23 June 2016

  • Analysis of looping patterns in colonoscopy using ScopeGuide; their relation to completion times and configurations in cadaveric colons

Oral presentation at the Institute of Anatomical Sciences Spring Meeting April 2017 (abstract)