ABSTRACT
Introduction: Cervical vertebrae constitute the skeletal framework of vertebral column in the region. The most important feature to identify the cervical vertebra is the presence of foramen transversarium. Vertebral artery, vertebral vein and sympathetic chain run through this foramen as a single unit. Compartmentalization or absence of the foramen may alter the course of these structures. Material and methods: The study was performed on 240 dry human cervical vertebrae of both sexes, which were collected from Anatomy department of MSYMCH, Meerut and HIMS, Varanasi. The variations in number and shape were observed, recorded and analyzed. The intact cervical vertebrae without any degenerative or traumatic disorders were included in this study. Result: Out of 240 cervical vertebrae, 63 vertebrae were found to have variations in the transverse foramina. Complete double transverse foramina were observed in 48 vertebrae (20%), out of which unilateral double foramina were found in 29 vertebrae (12%) and bilateral double foramina were found in 19 vertebrae (8%). Similarly, incomplete double transverse foramina were observed in 15 vertebrae (6%), of which the foramina were unilateral in 8 vertebrae (4%) and bilateral in 5 vertebrae (2%). Conclusion: In our study, we observed the double foramen transversarium in 26.25% of the cases. These variations may alter the course of vertebral artery. Presence of compartmentalization suggests the chances of compression of neurovascular bundle. Spicules of incomplete septation between the two foramina may pierce the vascular or neural structures resulting into vascular insufficiency or persisting pain. These findings may suggest a cue to the spinal surgeons in planning preoperative procedures for surgeries related to this region
ABSTRACT
The seven cervical vertebrae found in the human body are classified into typical and atypical vertebrae. Their transverse processes contain foramen transversarium (FT) and traditionally there is one foramen present on each side, of similar size. However, variations of this foramen regarding its shape, size, number, laterality, location and osteometric characteristics have been documented in the literature. This morphological and morphometric study was conducted on 126 cervical vertebrae (82 typical and 44 atypical) obtained from the osteological bank at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal to produce a database which may serve as a useful guideline to medical personnel. There were variations observed regarding shape, number of FT, laterality and position, which have not previously been reported. The most types of variations were evident in the typical cervical vertebrae, then secondly, the seventh cervical vertebrae. The axis vertebrae did not display any accessory FT or variations.
Las siete vértebras cervicales que se encuentran en el cuerpo humano se clasifican como vértebras típicas y atípicas. Sus procesos transversos presentan un foramen transverso (FT) y normalmente este foramen es de tamaño similar en cada lado. Sin embargo, se han reportado en la literatura variaciones de este foramen, con respecto a su forma, tamaño, número, lateralidad, ubicación y características osteométricas. Este estudio morfológico y morfométrico se realizó en 126 vértebras cervicales (82 típicas y 44 atípicas) obtenidas del banco de Osteología de la Universidad de Kwa-Zulu Natal, para producir una base de datos que pueda servir como una guía útil para el personal médico. Se observaron variaciones con respecto a la forma, el número de FT, la lateralidad y la posición, que no se habían reportado anteriormente. La mayoría de los tipos de variaciones eran evidentes en las vértebras cervicales típicas y en segundo lugar en las séptimas vértebras cervicales. Los axis no mostraron ningún FT accesorio o variaciones.