Research areas
1 Applied Anatomy
The anatomical and neurophysiological basis of the free TRAM flap (in collaboration with Mr LH Yap, Specialist Registrar Plastic Surgery Unit, Ninewells Hospital Dundee)
We carried out a detailed study to determine the anatomical basis of the sensory innervation of the abdominal wall. The transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous free flap (TRAM flap) is used in autologous breast reconstruction following mastectomy. Our anatomical and neurophysiological studies have practical implications for the improvement of sensation in the reconstructed breast.
Structural Patterns of Cancellous Bone. Can microcalluses in the distal radius be used as an indicator of the relative weakness of cancellous bone? (in collaboration with Mr C. Wigderowitz, Senior Lecturer, University of Dundee Department of Orthopaedics, Ninewells Hospital Dundee).
There is considerable interest in developing a simple method of assessing bone loss and screening for fracture risk in osteoporosis. It has been suggested that optical analysis of standard radiographic images may offer a possible method of assessment. We are assessing the presence of microcalluses in the cancellous bone of the radius in order to provide information about non-weight bearing bones. The structural findings will be correlated with bone mass measurements and computerised analysis of radiographs.
2 Embryology
Computer aided 3 dimensional reconstruction of the human embryo using virtual reality techniques (in collaboration with Dr J Aiton, Dr John McLachlan Steve Smart and Julie Scarborough)
Congenital heart defects are complex and poorly understood. Finding the best way to repair these defects surgically, may be improved by a better understanding how they could arise in the embryo. Using sectioned human embryos we have created interactive 3D models of human heart development.
As part of our research activity we created and maintain the British Universities Human Embryo Database which can be accessed via the Web. For further information see our website
Selected publications
-
Guidelines for chest drain insertion may not prevent damage to abdominal viscera
Bowness, J., Kilgour, P. M., Whiten, S., Parkin, I., Mooney, J. & Driscoll, P., Aug 2015, In : Emergency Medicine Journal. 32, 8, p. 620-625 6 p.Research output: Contribution to journal ? Article
-
Histopathology from the dissecting room: Are cadavers a suitable source of educationally useful histopathology specimens?
Wood, A., Whiten, S. C., McVee, J., Issberner, J. P., Jackson, D. & Herrington, C. S., 2015, In : Journal of Anatomy. 9, 1, p. 26 ? 33 7 p.Research output: Contribution to journal ? Article
-
Introducing Gross Pathology to Undergraduate Medical Students in the Dissecting Room
Wood, A., Struthers, K., Whiten, S., Jackson, D. & Herrington, C. S., 2010, In : Anatomical Sciences Education. 3, 2, p. 97-100 4 p.Research output: Contribution to journal ? Article
-
Generic Research Skills for Medicine: a vertical curriculum strand
Aiton, J. F., Whiten, S. C. & Struthers, J., 1 Sep 2008.Research output: Contribution to conference ? Abstract
-
Using an ePortfolio to encourage independent learning, self evaluation and peer review Jim Aiton*
Aiton, J. F., Struthers, J., Whiten, S. C., Cotteril, S. & Horner, P., 28 Feb 2008.Research output: Contribution to conference ? Abstract
-
Using an ePortfolio to encourage independent learning, self evaluation and peer review Jim Aiton*
Aiton, J. F., Struthers, J., Whiten, S. C., Cotteril, S. & Horner, P., 28 Feb 2008.Research output: Contribution to conference ? Paper
-
The conjoint junction of the triceps surae: Implications for gastrocnemius tendon lengthening
Elson, D. W., Whiten, S., Hillman, S. J., Johnson, R. J., Lo, S. S. & Robb, J. E., Nov 2007, In : Clinical Anatomy. 20, 8, p. 924-928 5 p.Research output: Contribution to journal ? Article
-
A Flexile Component-Based ePortfolio: Embedding in the Curriculum
Cotterill, S., Aiton, J. F., Bradley, P. M., McDonald, A. M., Struthers, J. & Whiten, S. C., 2006, USA and UK: Ideal Group Reference. 12 p.Research output: Book/Report ? Commissioned report
-
A web-based timetable provides a solution to curriculum management
Struthers, J., Whiten, S. C., Aiton, J. F. & Suda, N., 14 Sep 2006.Research output: Contribution to conference ? Abstract
-
Re: Hinduja K, Samuel R, Mitchell S. Problem based learning: Is anatomy a casualty? Surgeon 2005; 3(4): 84-87. Re: Spielmann PH, Oliver CW. The carpal bones: A basic test of medical students' and junior doctors knowledge of anatomy. Surgeon 2005; 3(4): 257-59. - Reply
Elson, D. & Whiten, S., Apr 2006, In : Surgeon. 4, p. 125-125 1 p.Research output: Contribution to journal ? Letter