European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: The cervical vertebrae are identified by the presence of foramen transversarium (FT) in the transverse processes. The present study was conducted to assess morphometry of foramen transversarium of sub axial vertebrae and its variations.
Materials & Methods: 62 dry human adult cervical vertebrae consisting of 108 foramen transversaria were studied and the anteroposterior and transverse diameters of all the foramen transversaria were measured to determine the size of the foramen transversaria. The size of right and left sides were compared. The distance between medial margin of uncinate process to medial margin of foramen transversarium was also measured.
Results: The mean transverse diameter of FT of typical cervical vertebrae of right side was 5.32 mm and left side was 5.50mm. Anteroposterior diameter of FT of right side was 4.86 mm and left side was 4.82 mm. Distance between medial margin of uncinate process to FT was 4.18 mm and left side was 4.41 mm. The difference was non- significant (P> 0.05). The mean transverse diameter of FT of seventh cervical vertebrae of right side was Transverse diameter of FT was 5.24 mm and left side was 5.10 mm. Anteroposterior diameter of FT of right side was 4.12 mm and left side was 3.92 mm. Distance between medial margin of uncinate process to FT of right side was 5.24 mm and left side was 5.62 mm. The difference was significant (P< 0.05).
Conclusion: The knowledge on the variations, dimensions and the distance between the medial borders of the uncinate process to foramen may be helpful for the neurosurgeons while performing decompression of artery through anterior approach to cervical spine.