Submit to Diagnostics Review for Diagnostics Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Clinical Anatomy and Diagnosis in 2025

Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Related Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Clinical Diagnosis and Prognosis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2026) | Viewed by 9179

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Ji-Hyun Lee

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Anatomy and Acupoint, College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Republic of Korea
Interests: human anatomy; clinical anatomy; neuroanatomy; aesthetic anatomy; rehabilitation anatomy; botulinum toxin injection
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, “Clinical Anatomy and Diagnosis in 2025”, aims to explore innovative approaches and new perspectives on patient diagnosis, treatment, and anatomy through next-generation anatomical research.

This Special Issue will feature studies that advance diagnosis and treatment by investigating anatomical mechanisms, utilizing cutting-edge imaging technologies, and conducting novel anatomical research incorporating 3D modeling and artificial intelligence.

It will also include original and comprehensive research on clinical anatomy and diagnostic methods alongside diverse teaching and learning strategies aimed at advancing these fields.

Aligned with the objectives of Diagnostics, this Special Issue aims to foster discussions on both fundamental and advanced aspects of clinical anatomy, with a particular emphasis on diagnosis.

We cordially invite contributions that will help define the future directions of anatomical research and establish new benchmarks for progress in this field.

Dr. Ji-Hyun Lee
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diagnostics is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

anatomy
advanced anatomy
anatomical development
anatomy for diagnostic methods
anatomical research innovation
mechanisms of anatomical pathogenesis

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Related Special Issue

Clinical Anatomy and Diagnosis in 2026 in Diagnostics

Published Papers (8 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Other

15 pages, 2466 KB

Open AccessArticle

Layer-Specific Architecture and Nerve Innervation of the Popliteus Muscle: Neuroanatomical Basis for Precision-Guided Interventions for the Knee Joint

by Soo-Jung Kim, Ji-Hyun Lee and In-Seung Yeo

Diagnostics 2026, 16(6), 834; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16060834 - 11 Mar 2026

Viewed by 102

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The popliteus muscle (PM) plays a crucial role in stabilizing the posterolateral aspect of the knee. However, its layered structure and innervation are not well understood due to its location, size, and proximity to neighboring anatomical features. This study aimed to clarify the layered morphology, intramuscular innervation, and fiber-type composition of the PM, providing anatomical insights for clinical interventions. Methods: We examined 32 lower extremities from sixteen formalin-embalmed cadavers using a multimodal approach that included gross dissection, Sihler’s staining, ultrasonography, and histochemical analysis. Results: On average, 2.8 ± 1.1 branches of the tibial nerve entered the PM, with a consistently high-density entry zone located at 56–64% of the muscle length. Sihler’s staining and ultrasonographic analyses revealed a distinct separation between the superficial and deep layers across the central tendon, each exhibiting compartmentalized intramuscular branching territories. The superficial layer was primarily composed of type IIx fibers and exhibited a larger pennation angle, while the deep layer was richer in type IIA fibers with a smaller pennation angle. These findings illustrate that the PM functions as a dual motor unit rather than a uniform structure. Conclusions: The PM exhibits a distinct compartmentalized organization, functioning as a multifunctional motor unit. The identification of specific intramuscular entry zones and the organization of muscle layers provide strong anatomical evidence for improved targeting in neuromuscular-modulating interventions. This enhances the precision, safety, and efficacy of clinical strategies aimed at addressing posterior knee stability and pathologies related to the posterolateral complex (PLC). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Anatomy and Diagnosis in 2025)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 5767 KB

Open AccessArticle

Anatomical Features of the Sacroiliac Joint and Machine Learning-Based Classification of Disease Types

by Rabia Koca, Fatih Ateş, Yavuz Bahadır Koca, Zeliha Fazlıoğulları and Mehmet Sedat Durmaz

Diagnostics 2026, 16(5), 687; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16050687 - 26 Feb 2026

Viewed by 254

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Understanding the structural differences in the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is essential for distinguishing inflammatory from degenerative disorders. This study aimed to evaluate disease-related morphological patterns and morphometric characteristics of the sacroiliac joint. Additionally, machine learning models were applied to classify inflammatory, degenerative, and control groups based on the morphological and morphometric characteristics of the sacroiliac joint. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) images of 209 individuals (a total of 418 sacroiliac joints) between the ages of 18 and 75. Participants’ age, sex, disease-related sacroiliac joint morphological features (joint surface type), erosion, sclerosis and inflammation in the joint were determined. Right/left joint space and right/left joint length were measured. According to these anatomical features, machine learning models and a deep neural network were used to classify joints as control, inflammatory, or degenerative. Stratified 5-fold cross-validation was used. Results were reported as mean ± SD with macro averaged precision, recall, and F1-score. Results: The degenerative group was significantly higher than the other groups in terms of mean age (p = 0.001). Both right and left sacroiliac joint spaces were significantly narrower in the inflammatory and degenerative groups than in controls (right SIJ space: p = 0.002; left SIJ space: p = 0.001). Erosion was significantly more frequent in pathological groups (p = 0.001). Although the iliosacral complex was the most common joint type in all groups, no significant difference was observed between the disease groups (right, p = 0.852; left, p = 0.935). In classification, SVM (RBF) and XGBoost achieved the highest accuracy (both: 0.9518 ± 0.0380 and 0.9518 ± 0.0436, respectively) and macro-F1 (0.9509 ± 0.0387 and 0.9506 ± 0.0443). Conclusions: Disease-related morphological and morphometric changes in the sacroiliac joint can be reliably assessed with MRI. These features can then be used in machine learning models to differentiate between inflammatory and degenerative joint disorders. Carefully examining these anatomical features plays a key role in reaching an accurate diagnosis. Machine learning supports this process by helping to interpret the findings in a more consistent and objective way. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Anatomy and Diagnosis in 2025)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

18 pages, 1244 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ventricular Anatomy Across CT and MRI in Hydrocephalus: A Retrospective Study

by Andrada-Iasmina Roşu, Laura Andreea Ghenciu, Dan Cristian Roşu, Emil-Radu Iacob, Emil Robert Stoicescu, Roxana Stoicescu, Alexandra Ioana Dănilă and Sorin Lucian Bolintineanu

Diagnostics 2026, 16(3), 491; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16030491 - 5 Feb 2026

Viewed by 450

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Hydrocephalus is a complex neurological disorder marked by abnormal cerebrospinal fluid dynamics and ventricular enlargement. Despite breakthroughs in neuroimaging, diagnosis and longitudinal the application of imaging markers for the diagnosis and longitudinal monitoring of hydrocephalus remains challenging in routine clinical practice. The present study examines the behavior and cross-modality agreement of commonly used linear ventricular measurements under routine imaging conditions, at a single Romanian tertiary-care center characterized by heterogeneous acquisition protocols and limited availability of advanced volumetric techniques. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective observational study of 68 adults with hydrocephalus. Linear ventricular metrics, including Evans index and third-ventricle width, were measured on all available CT and MRI scans. CT–MRI agreement was assessed using paired examinations within a 90-day window. Longitudinal changes were analyzed using first–last and pre–post VP shunt comparisons. Associations between baseline imaging features and VP shunt placement were evaluated using rule-based and odds ratio analyses. Results: CT and MRI measurements demonstrated strong agreement for both Evans index (r = 0.93) and third-ventricle width (r = 0.90), with minimal systematic bias. Longitudinal analyses demonstrated small-magnitude changes in ventricular size following intervention, with substantial inter-individual variability. VP utilization increased across Evans index strata, reaching 100% in patients with values ≥0.50. Transependymal cerebrospinal fluid exudation showed the strongest association with subsequent VP shunting. Imaging-based rules exhibited expected trade-offs between sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions: Standard linear ventricular parameters exhibited adequate cross-modality agreement and clinically important longitudinal behavior in this cohort. While insufficient as standalone predictors, these readily available imaging markers remain important tools when combined with a comprehensive clinical assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Anatomy and Diagnosis in 2025)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1353 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cranial Morphological Patterns Based on Cranial Index and Petrous Ridge–Midline Angle in Koreans: Implications for Clinical and Forensic Applications

by Digud Kim, Jeonghyun Park, Jaeho Cho, Yu-Jin Choi, Hyung-Wook Kwon, Yunil Choe, Sookyoung Lee and Kwang-Rak Park

Diagnostics 2025, 15(21), 2802; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15212802 - 5 Nov 2025

Viewed by 636

Abstract

Background: The human skull has a very complex and diverse structure, and morphological characteristics vary by population. The purpose of this study is to comprehensively analyze the cranial morphology using postmortem computed tomography (PMCT), and to identify anatomical characteristics through a multifaceted approach in Koreans. Methods: 358 PMCT cross-sectional images (179 males, 179 females) provided by the National Forensic Service were analyzed, and the average age was 55.1 ± 18.9 years. The maximum cranial length was divided by the maximum cranial width and multiplied by 100 to calculate the cranial index (CI). Petrous ridge–midline angle (PMA) was measured as the angle between the petrous ridge and the midline. Results: In both the classification of skull shape using CI and PMA, the brachycranic type showed the highest frequency (p < 0.001). Classified by CI, there were no significant differences in frequency by sex (p = 0.533), or age (p = 0.110). However, classified by PMA, the frequency of the brachycranic type in men was significantly higher than in women (p = 0.022), and there was a significant difference in the frequency of cranial morphology by age (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results of cranial morphology classification targeting Koreans are expected to provide useful basic data for clinical and forensic use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Anatomy and Diagnosis in 2025)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 1425 KB

Open AccessArticle

Reconstructing the Gait Pattern of a Korean Cadaver with Bilateral Lower Limb Asymmetry Using a Virtual Humanoid Modeling Program

by Min Woo Seo, Changmin Lee and Hyun Jin Park

Diagnostics 2025, 15(15), 1943; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15151943 - 2 Aug 2025

Viewed by 845

Abstract

Background and Objective: This study presents a combined osteometric and biomechanical analysis of a Korean female cadaver exhibiting bilateral lower limb bone asymmetry with abnormal curvature and callus formation on the left femoral midshaft. Methods: To investigate bilateral bone length differences, osteometric measurements were conducted at standardized landmarks. Additionally, we developed three gait models using Meta Motivo, an open-source reinforcement learning platform, to analyze how skeletal asymmetry influences stride dynamics and directional control. Results: Detailed measurements revealed that the left lower limb bones were consistently shorter and narrower than their right counterparts. The calculated lower limb lengths showed a bilateral discrepancy ranging from 39 mm to 42 mm—specifically a 6 mm difference in the femur, 33 mm in the tibia, and 36 mm in the fibula. In the gait pattern analysis, the normal model exhibited a straight-line gait without lateral deviation. In contrast, the unbalanced, non-learned model demonstrated compensatory overuse and increased stride length of the left lower limb and a tendency to veer leftward. The unbalanced, learned model showed partial gait normalization, characterized by reduced limb dominance and improved right stride, although directional control remained compromised. Conclusions: This integrative approach highlights the biomechanical consequences of lower limb bone discrepancy and demonstrates the utility of virtual agent-based modeling in elucidating compensatory gait adaptations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Anatomy and Diagnosis in 2025)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research

16 pages, 3989 KB

Open AccessCase Report

Bone Mass, Microarchitecture, and Morphometric Insights on a Right Unilateral Bifid Mandibular Condyle: A Micro-CT Analysis Report and Literature Review

by Carlos Torres-Villar, Juan Pacheco Muñoz, Eva Maranillo and Nicolás E. Ottone

Diagnostics 2025, 15(19), 2440; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15192440 - 25 Sep 2025

Viewed by 1122

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The bifid mandibular condyle (BMC) is a rare anatomical variation characterized by a division of the mandibular condyle into two distinct heads. Although frequently identified through radiographic studies or in dry skulls, its etiology remains unclear, and few studies have examined its internal bone structure. This study aimed to perform a detailed morphologic and microarchitectural analysis of a right unilateral bifid mandibular condyle using micro-CT and to contrast the findings with the relevant morphological and clinical literature. Case Presentation: A human mandible from an anatomical collection was analyzed. The mandible was scanned using a Bruker 1273 micro-CT system, and a 3D reconstruction was performed. Morphometric analysis was carried out on both the bifid right and normal left condyles, evaluating cortical and trabecular components separately. Parameters included bone volume, absolute bone volume, bone surface, trabecular thickness, separation, and number. The right condyle was divided into medial and lateral heads with independent necks, displaying asymmetry in size and shape. Micro-CT revealed reduced cortical volume and greater trabecular separation in the BMC, suggesting lower bone density compared to the left condyle. Conclusions: This case reveals significant differences in bone architecture between the BMC and the contralateral condyle, indicating a potentially reduced biomechanical capacity on the affected side. These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating microstructural evaluation in anatomical and clinical assessments of BMCs and provide novel insights that may inform diagnosis, treatment planning, and understanding of temporomandibular joint disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Anatomy and Diagnosis in 2025)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1189 KB

Open AccessCase Report

Anatomy-Guided Microsurgical Resection of a Dominant Frontal Lobe Tumor Without Intraoperative Adjuncts: A Case Report from a Resource-Limited Context

by Matei Șerban, Corneliu Toader and Răzvan-Adrian Covache-Busuioc

Diagnostics 2025, 15(18), 2393; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15182393 - 19 Sep 2025

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1423

Abstract

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM), IDH-wildtype, is one of the most aggressive primary brain malignancies, and maximal safe resection is consistently recognized as a significant prognostic factor. Intraoperative adjuncts including functional mapping, neuronavigation, and fluorescence-guidance are not always present in many centers around the world. The aim is not to suggest equivalence to adjunct-assisted resections, but rather to illustrate the feasibility of anatomy-guided surgery in carefully selected cases and to contribute to the broader discussion on safe operative strategies in resource-limited environments. Methods: We present the case of a 54-year-old right-handed male who presented with progressive non-fluent aphasia, seizures, and signs of intracranial hypertension. Pre-operative MRI showed a heterogeneously hyperintense, frontobasal intra-axial mass involving the dominant inferior frontal gyrus, extending toward the corpus callosum and orbitofrontal cortex, and early subfalcine shift. Surgery was performed via a left frontobasal craniotomy, using subpial dissection and cortical–sulcal anatomical landmarks while aiming to preserve eloquent subcortical tracts (frontal aslant tract, superior longitudinal fasciculus). Nueronavigation, functional mapping or fluorescence was not used. We defined our outcomes by the extent of resection, functional preservation, and early radiological stability. Results: The procedure achieved a subtotal-near-total resection (>95% estimated volume) while maintaining functional motor function from prior to surgery and the patient’s baseline expressive aphasia, with no new neurological deficits. Early post-operative CT showed decompression of the resection cavity without hemorrhage or shift. At three months post-operative, CT showed stability of the cavity and resolution of the most perilesional edema with no evidence of recurrence. Clinically, the patient showed gradual improvement in verbal fluency, he remained seizure free, and maintained independence, which allowed for timeliness of the initiation of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Conclusions: We intend for the case to illustrate that, in selected dominant frontal GBM, following microsurgical anatomical principles closely may provide a high extent of resection with the preservation of function, even without advanced intraoperative adjuncts. We hope that our experience may support our colleagues who practice in resource-limited settings and contribute to our shared goal of both oncological outcomes and the quality of life of our patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Anatomy and Diagnosis in 2025)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2246 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Anatomy of the Stylohyoid Chain: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

by George Triantafyllou, Ioannis Paschopoulos, Fabrice Duparc, George Tsakotos, Panagiotis Papadopoulos-Manolarakis and Maria Piagkou

Diagnostics 2025, 15(7), 925; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15070925 - 3 Apr 2025

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2327

Abstract

Background: The temporal bone’s styloid process (SP) is an important structure that extends from the skull base to the parapharyngeal space. The stylohyoid ligament (SHL) attaches it to the hyoid bone. The SP and SHL are considered the stylohyoid chain (SHC) components. The SP’s close relationship with vital head and neck structures has important clinical implications. Specifically, SP and SHC variants are linked with clinical conditions. Therefore, adequate knowledge of these variations is of paramount importance. Methods: Using the latest guidelines, a systematic literature review was performed in four online databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science) to identify studies referring to the SP’s typical anatomy and possible SHC morphological variants. The meta-analysis was conducted using R programming software to calculate the prevalence of typical anatomy and possible variants and the pooled mean length of the SP. Results: A total of 104 studies were included, with a total sample of 136,010 heminecks. The typical SP (under 30 mm) was estimated to have a pooled prevalence of 74.97%. SP elongation was observed in 25.03%. The subgroup analysis identified significant differences based on the study type, with computed tomography (CT) studies having the highest pooled prevalence. The SP length was calculated to have a pooled mean of 28.91 mm. For SHC ossification, the pseudo-articulated type was identified to have a pooled prevalence of 4.39%, and that of the segmented type was detected to be 3.89%. The geographical distribution and study type affected the estimated pooled prevalence. Conclusions: The current evidence-based systematic review with meta-analysis investigated the SHC’s typical anatomy and possible variants. The elongated SP pooled prevalence of 25.03% indicates that it is not a rare variant, and CT is the optimal method to investigate such a variant. These details demonstrated by the current meta-analysis could be of importance for clinicians. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Anatomy and Diagnosis in 2025)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Clinical Anatomy and Diagnosis in 2025

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (8 papers)

Research

Other

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI