Abstract
BACKGROUND: Fusion of consecutive vertebral segments results in block vertebrae or vertebral synostosis or spinal fusion. The fusion may be complete or incomplete involving the bodies of the vertebrae alone or along with vertebral arch. It affects most commonly the cervical region, followed by thoracic and lumbar regions. AIM: The present study was aimed to assess the incidence of block vertebrae in south Indian population. METHODS AND MATERIAL: We examined a total of 2400 fully ossified dried vertebrae collected for a period of 4 years in Department of Anatomy, Dr. VRK Women's Medical College. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed 6 different specimens of block vertebrae, with 4 cervical, 1 cervico-thoracic and 1 thoracic vertebral synostosis. The features of these block vertebrae were analysed in detail and photographed from different aspects. The total incidence of block vertebrae was found to be 0.25%. The embryological significance and clinical implications of block vertebrae at various levels have been discussed in this paper.
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