title: Neurosurgical relevance of the dissection of the diencephalic white matter tracts using the Klingler technique.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The Klingler fiber dissection technique is a relevant and reliable method for neurosurgery to identify with accuracy the fine structure of the brain anatomy highlighting white matter tracts. In order to demonstrate the significance of the application of this technique, we aimed to observe the course and relations of the mammillothalamic and habenulo-interpeduncular tracts as there are very few papers showing these important diencephalic tracts.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve formalin-fixed brains were dissected using the Klingler technique in order to expose the medial diencephalic surface. Diencephalic white matter tracts, particularly the mammillothalamic and habenulo-interpeduncular tracts, were dissected using wooden spatulas and metallic dissectors with different sizes and tips. Several measurements were performed in both dissected hemispheres relative to the mammillothalamic and habenulo-interpeduncular tracts.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The course and length of these two tracts were visualized and the relations with other fiber systems and with the neighboring gray matter structures quantified and registered. The mammillothalamic tract approximately marks the anteroposterior coordinate of the anterior pole of the subthalamic nucleus in the anterior commissure - posterior commissure plane.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present study helps to understand the three-dimensional architecture of the white matter systems of tracts when the Klingler technique is used. The numerical data obtained may be helpful to neurosurgeons while approaching brain paraventricular and ventricular lesions and deep brain stimulation. Finally, the anatomical knowledge can lower surgical complications and improve patient care particularly in the field of neurosurgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedicine, Unit of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Dr Plácido da Costa, s/n, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: Susana M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedicine, Unit of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: Diogo
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cunha-Cabral
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedicine, Unit of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Dr Plácido da Costa, s/n, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal. Electronic address: jandrade@med.up.pt.
authors.forename: José Paulo
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Andrade
mesh_terms: D002102:Cadaver; D065850:Cerebral Peduncle / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D004027:Diencephalon / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery*; D004210:Dissection / Q000379:methods; D019262:Habenula / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008326:Mammillary Bodies / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011712:Pyramidal Tracts / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery*; D013788:Thalamus / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D016707:Tissue Fixation; D066127:White Matter / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: Fasciculus retroflexus; Fiber dissection; Habenulo-interpeduncular tract; Klingler technique; Mammillothalamic tract