ABSTRACT
Introduction: Anatomical and morphometric aspects of seventh cervical vertebra are important for considerationof ventro-lateral approach in cervical spine surgery. Therefore, a detailed anatomical information of thedimensions of the vertebral elements is very important for successful surgical management in the degenerative,traumatic and neoplastic diseases of the cervical spine. Ethnic variations have also been reported in thesedimensions and there have been no morphometric studies performed in this area in the North Indian population.Materials and Methods: 60 dry Vertebra prominens vertebrae (C7) were obtained by maceration of the cadavers,made available for the purpose of dissection. Dimensions of vertebral body, lamina, spinous process andvertebral foramen of vertebra prominens(C7) were quantified for each vertebra. Morphological features includedmacroscopic appearance of Shape of vertebral foramen of vertebra prominens.Results: The length (VBL), superior width(VBSW), inferior width(VBIW), anterior height(VBAH) and posteriorheight(VBPH) of vertebral body of vertebra prominens (C7) was 14.21+2.95mm, 25.17+3.45, 24.89+3.25mm,11.72+1.88mm and 12.61+1.87mm respectively. Height(LH), length(LL) and width(LW) of lamina of were measuredas 14.47±1.72 mm, 22.23±2.46mm and 3.74±0.46mm. Length of the spine of vertebra prominens was found to be28.59+3.72mm. Maximum(widthmax) and minimum(widthmin) width of spine were 12.15+1.99mm and 6.22+1.53mm.Foramen diameter anteroposterior (FDAP) and transverse (FDT) was found to be 12.97+1.66mm and 22.85+2.46mmrespectively.Conclusion: Taking these measurements of vertebra prominens(C7) into consideration with combined effects ofaxial computed tomography, the diameters are valuable in correct estimation of spinal deformities and are ofinterest from anatomical, anthropological aspect and also from medicolegal point of view