ABSTRACT
Background: Atlas is the first cervical vertebra. The vertebral artery lies in the groove on posterior arch of the atlas. The vertebral artery groove may sometimes get converted into a foramen. This is commonly known as ponticulus posterior (ponticulus posticus) or arcuate foramen of the atlas. These foramina may be complete or incomplete. This can lead to compression of the vertebral artery and produce symptoms like headache, syncope, altered consciousness etc. It can also complicate manipulations of the cervical spine by reducing the blood flow during extreme rotations of head and neck. It is also associated with vertebrobasilar artery stroke So, neurosurgeons or orthopaedic surgeons who operate in this area should have a detailed knowledge of variations of groove for the vertebral artery. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on 50 dried and fully ossified adult human atlas of unknown age and sex collected from the department of Anatomy, Government Medical college, Nagpur. Each atlas vertebra was carefully observed for the presence or absence of complete or incomplete ponticuli on superior surface of posterior arch of atlas. Results: Out of the 50 vertebra studied 7(14%) showed the presence of Ponticuli. Ponticuli were incomplete in all 7 atlas vertebras. Complete ring was not observed in any of the atlas vertebra .Out of the 7 ponticuli 6(12%) were found to be unilateral and in only 1 (2%) case it was found to be bilateral. Out of the 6 ponticuli 4(8%) were noticed on the Left side and 2(4%) were present on the right side. Conclusion: Presence of incomplete ponticulus posterior might cause cervical pain and even cerebrovascular disorders due to pressure on third part of vertebral artery present in the vertebral artery groove. This anatomical knowledge is important for neurosurgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, radiologists and clinicians while dealing with this region.
ABSTRACT
Background and objectives: Stature of an individual is an important parameter of personal identification. In this study stature was estimated from the percutaneous measurement of length of Tibia in living. Methodology:400 students (200 male and 200female) in age group of 18-21 years were studied. Heights of the subject in standing position, percutaneous length of Tibia were measured on both sides. Regression formulae and Multiplication factors were derived for both sexes for right and left Tibia for estimation of stature Results: In both sexes stature estimated by regression formulae for percutaneous length of tibia was similar to average measured stature with an error of less than 1 cm. In both sexes stature estimated by derived multiplication factor for length of tibia was similar to average measured stature with an error of less than 1cm. There was no significant difference in the percutaneous measurement of length of right and left tibia in both sexes, thus showing bilateral symmetry in the length of Tibia in both sexes. Interpretation and Conclusion: This study will be of help to the forensic experts when whole leg only is available for forensic investigation for estimation of stature and in anthropological studies. Regression formulae are more dependable than multiplication factor for estimation of stature.