Despite attempts to develop the plastination technique in Bolivia, standardized results have not yet been achieved that could be communicated via scientific publications. There is a great deal of misunderstanding around the technique, confusing it with classic techniques of inclusion in different types of resin, such as polyester and epoxy, but these protocols are not plastination. The aim of this work was to communicate the first standardized room-temperature plastination protocol with silicone in Bolivia, with the unique feature of doing so at the altitude of the city of La Paz, thus constituting the first communication of a plastination technique at 4,150 m.a.s.l. sub sede La Paz, La Paz, Bolivia.

Background/Objectives: The abductor pollicis longus (APL) muscle exhibits a high degree of anatomical variation, particularly in the number and configuration of its tendons. Understanding these variants is crucial in surgical contexts, especially for tendon transfer and reconstruction procedures. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and morphometric characteristics of the accessory abductor pollicis longus (AAPL) muscle in a Bolivian cadaveric population. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed on 16 forearms from eight adult cadavers (six males and two females) preserved in 10% formalin. Cadaveric dissection was conducted following the AQUA guidelines, with measurements obtained for the AAPL proximal tendon length (PTL), distal tendon length (DTL), muscle length (ML), and transverse muscle length (TML) using a digital caliper. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS v26. Results: The AAPL muscle was present in 50% of forearms. Most were unilateral, with one bilateral case. The muscle exhibited a fusiform shape, with fibers aligned longitudinally. Morphometric analysis revealed a mean PTL of 1.20 ± 0.08 cm, DTL of 3.91 ± 0.52 cm, ML of 5.30 ± 0.45 cm, and TML of 0.55 ± 0.056 cm. One case (6.25%) exhibited a multicaudal APL with an additional tendon measuring 6.23 cm. No significant correlations were found between muscle and tendon measurements. Conclusions: AAPL muscles are relatively common and demonstrate notable morphometric variation. While the proximal tendon may be inadequate for grafting due to its short length, the distal tendon offers a viable alternative for reconstructive procedures. Recognition of such variants is clinically relevant, as they may contribute to pathologies like De Quervain’s tenosynovitis or serve as graft sources in surgical interventions.

Background/Objectives: Plastination with polyester resin is a consolidated technique for anatomical preservation, particularly valuable in neuroanatomy education and radiological correlation. This review synthesizes the principles, technical evolution, methodological variations, applications, and limitations of polyester-based sheet plastination methods (P35, P40, P45). Methods: Key documents were analyzed to trace the transition from P35, recognized for excellent gray-white matter contrast but technical complexity, to P40, offering greater transparency, lower viscosity, improved strength, and simplified UV-curing. P45 was also reviewed, especially for large body sections using water-bath curing. Innovations included vertical curing chambers, active-passive vacuum cycles, resin reformulations, and strategies to reduce tissue shrinkage. Methodological quality was assessed with the AQUA tool, which evaluates five domains: Objectives, Study Design, Methodology, Descriptive Anatomy, and Results Reporting. Results: Plastination proved applicable in medical and veterinary education, as well as morphometric and imaging-based research, improving anatomical understanding and CT/MRI correlation. AQUA analysis revealed low risk of bias in Objectives and Descriptive Anatomy, but frequent unclear or high-risk assessments in Study Design, Methodology, and Results Reporting, mainly due to limited details on sample selection, resin handling, curing, and reproducibility. Publications after 2010 showed improved methodological rigor, reflecting growing standardization and better reporting. Conclusions: Polyester sheet plastination remains a versatile, high-impact tool, though it requires specialized infrastructure, trained personnel, and strict environmental control. Future development should focus on protocol standardization, international dissemination, integration with digital technologies (3D models, virtual reality), and sustainable alternatives. Progress depends on inter-institutional collaboration, technical training, and open access to updated resources.