Reporting anatomical variations: Should unified standards and protocol (checklist) for anatomical studies and case reports be established?

Abstract

Background

Although research on anatomical variability has a long tradition, the reports on anatomical variations differ considerably in the detail of the descriptions provided. Modern anatomical studies and case reports should include in-depth morphological analysis and involve a wide range of scientific tools that could complement and expand the knowledge of the specific anatomical variant.

Aim

This report aims to highlight the opportunities of modern research techniques in reporting anatomical variations. The main goal is to draw attention to the need for research in the spirit of evidence-based anatomy and to provide a proposed checklist that can inspire the study and reporting of anatomical variations in a more in-depth and sophisticated manner.

Conclusions

There is a need for a generally accepted protocol (checklist) for describing anatomical variations in the spirit of evidence-based anatomy. Such a checklist could help standardize the way anatomical variations are reported.