Investigation of the anatomy of the carpal region in rabbits by imaging methods

Objective: In this thesis, it is aimed to examine the morphological and morphometric structure of the wrist region of rabbits using different imaging methods. Material and Methods: In this thesis, 16 rabbit cadavers were used to examine the carpal region. The carpal region was examined by dividing into six different regions according to the order of the bones in the skeleton from proximal to distal. For this purpose, anatomical dissection, histological section, CT and MR (3 Tesla) imaging methods were used. The data obtained from the sections and images taken from these regions were comparatively examined and evaluated statistically. Results: In this study, anatomical formations in the carpal region were examined morphologically and morphometrically, and comparisons were made between methods. The very small size of the carpal region in rabbits has caused limitations in imaging methods in this direction. Especially in MR imaging methods, there were difficulties in reaching the desired soft tissue data. Therefore, histological section methods have been very useful in examining the region. In terms of its clinical importance in the carpal region, the carpal tunnel was examined in more detail and the structures passing through the tunnel and the retinaculum flexorum surrounding the tunnel in the palmar direction were examined. It has been noted that the carpal tunnel in rabbits resembles humans. It has been determined that while the area of the bony roof of the carpal tunnel narrows towards the distal, the depth of the canal increases, and this depth is determined by the os carpi accessorium. In addition, with the measurements made, the n. medianus has been shown to be a entrapment neuropathy site. It is thought that a cartilage structure is seen slightly distal to the carpal tunnel in rabbits and that this structure protects structures coming out of the carpal tunnel, such as the torus carpeus in dogs. Conclusion: In this thesis, the morphological and morphometric structure of the carpal region of rabbits, especially the carpal tunnel located here, is presented in detail. It is thought that the data obtained will shed light on clinical and experimental studies of the carpal region in the future. Keywords: Anatomy, Carpal Tunnel, Computed Tomography, Histology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Rabbit