An Osteological Study On Morphometry Of Foramen Transversarium Of Sub Axial Vertebrae And Its Variations

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Cervical vertebrae are having foramen transversarium in their transverse process. Foramentransversarium’s dimensions and its variations are important for clinicians while handling vertebro basilarinsufficiency cases and also useful for spinal surgeons in spinal decompression procedures like foraminectomy,foraminotomyMaterials & Methods: The present study was done in 90 sub axial vertebrae (C3 to C7) which was collected fromRajah Muthiah Medical College, Chidambaram. Among 90, 56 were typical type and 34 were seventh cervicalvertebrae. Damaged vertebrae were excluded. Antero posterior length, transverse length & depth of foramentransversarium were measured using double tipped compass and digital vernier caliper. Double foramens andabsent foramens were noted.Result: The average antero posterior length of foramen transversarium of typical cervical vertebrae and seventhcervical vertebrae were 5.45 mm ± 0.12 mm and 5.66 mm ± 0.88 mm respectively. The average transverse lengthof foramen transversarium of typical and seventh cervical vertebrae was 6.72 mm ± 0.22 mm and 6.76 mm ± 0.08mm respectively.Conclusion: Anatomical knowledge on the dimensions of foramen transversarium and its variations are importantfor clinicians and neurologists for the various clinical conditions and spinal decompression procedures.