Abstract
Introduction: Foramen transversarium are the characteristic bony feature of the cervical vertebrae. They are located on the transverse process of cervical vertebrae through which second part of vertebral artery passes along with vertebral venous and sympathetic plexus. Their variations are common with regard to size, shape, incomplete, duplicated and may even absent. Material & Methods: Two hundred foramen transversarium of one hundred atlas vertebrae were examined for morphological variations. Results: Out of hundred atlas vertebrae examined, foramen transversarium was present in all. Absence of costal element was noticed in four atlas vertebrae. Four atlas vertebrae showed incomplete bilateral foramen transversarium while four showed unilateral duplicated foramen transversarium. Conclusion: The increasing incidence of neck injuries and related syndromes necessitates the study of bony variations of the atlas vertebra and its foramen transversarium. The second part of vertebral artery is prone to be damaged during neck surgeries and posterior cervical injuries due to incomplete formation of the foramen transversarium, hence the knowledge of such variations is important for surgeons, otorhinolaryngologists, neurologists, orthopedicians, radiologists and physicians.
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