Foramen Transversarium Of Cervical Vertebra Research Articles

Morphological and Morphometric Variations in Foramen Transversarium: A Cross-sectional Study in Dried Cervical Vertebrae of Western Odisha Origin

Introduction: Foramen transversarium refers to bilateral foramina found lateral to the vertebral body in the transverse process of the cervical vertebrae. Many variations are observed in these foramina which may lead to vertebrobasilar insufficiency, labyrinthine or hearing disturbances along with neurological symptoms due to compression or tortuosity of vertebral artery as it passes through the foramen. Aim: To study the morphological and morphometric variations of the foramen transversarium in cervical vertebrae. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Anatomy, Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Burla, Odisha, India, from June 2022 to August 2022. A total of 367 human cervical vertebrae were procured from the anthropology section of Department of Anatomy. Vertebrae with any damage to foramen transversarium were discarded. Each vertebra was observed for shape, size, symmetry, number of foramen transversarium and osteophytic encroachment. Distance of foramen transversarium from the medial margin of uncinate process was measured bilaterally in C3 to C7 vertebrae. Data collected was tabulated and analysed by Microsoft excel software 2019. Results: Mean anteroposterior diameter and transverse diameter in left-side were 5.45 mm and 5.42 mm respectively and in right-side the measurements were 5.29 mm and 5.23 mm respectively. Double foramen transversarium was observed in 40 (10.9%) vertebrae. Among them 18 (4.9%) was bilateral and 22 (6.0%) was unilateral. In 2 (0.54%) vertebrae there was triplication of foramen transversarium. In 34 vertebrae (9.26%) there was incomplete duplication of which 9 (2.45%) were bilateral and 25 (6.81%) were unilateral. Six different shapes of foramen transversarium were observed out of which round shape (62.1%) was the most common finding. In 261 (71.1%) of vertebrae the main foramen transversarium was symmetrical in both sides but in 106 (28.9%) it was asymmetrical. Osteophytic encroachment was found in 14 (3.81%) vertebrae. The mean distance of the foramen from medial margin of uncinate process was 5.32 mm on the left and 5.42 mm on the right-side. Conclusion: The morphological data like very narrow foramina and such a high number of accessory foramina produced through the present study definitely points towards the variations of vertebral vessels.

Morphological features and anatomical variations of the Foramen Transversarium in Cervical vertebrae: A study in Eastern Indian population

Introduction: The foramina transversaria (FT) is a cardinal feature of the Cervical Vertebra. It transmits the vertebral vascular bundle (vertebral artery, and veins) and the sympathetic plexus which accompanies the vessels. Variations in number, size, shape & other morphological details of foramen transversarium give rise to neurological as well as hearing impairment. We in the index study, deliberated over the variations of FT as well as accessory FT. This in turn will help neurology surgeons as well as orthopedic surgeons while performing surgeries on the cervical spine. Objectives: Study of variations in number, size, shape & other morphological details of foramen transversarium in order to facilitate spinal surgery of cervical vertebra. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional, single center, observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital with 160 sets, exactly 1099 human cervical vertebrae. All cervical vertebrae were observed macroscopically, on both the sides for presence of: Variations in number, size, shape & other morphological details of foramen transversarium. Variations in number, size, shape & other morphological details of accessory foramen transversarium. Results: According to our observation type 4 is the most prevalent category in the right side (39.67%); whereas type 5 (30.12%) is the commonest category in the left side, being closely seconded by type 1(28.57%). The incidence of AFT (Accessory Foramina Transversarium) varied from 2.5% to 17.61 %. There is progressive increase in incidence from C1 to C7 except C2 where the incidence was zero. Conclusion: The data provided by the present study on the morphology of foramen transversarium can be helpful in the interpretation of radiographic pictures and in computerized tomography for the diagnostic purposes. They may also be of assistance in determining a more accurate surgical approach to the removal of osteophytes or spurs compressing the vertebral arteries, or for other interventions in that area.

Morphological Cross-Sectional Study of Anatomical Landmarks for Foramen Transversarium in Dry Human Cervical Vertebrae and its Surgical Importance

Background: Surgeries such as discectomy, intervertebral fusion, anterior microforaminotomy, and anterior screw fixation can damage neurovascular content of foramen transversarium of cervical vertebrae. The aim of this study was to measure outer limit and strength of foramen transversarium with help of uncinate process, anterior tubercle, and anterior root thickness. Methodology: A total of 54 dried human cervical vertebrae collected from anatomy department. Only third to seventh cervical vertebrae were included. Digital vernier caliper was used to measure transverse length (TL) of body, bilateral distance of uncinate process, and anterior tubercle from mid of cervical vertebral body and thickness of mid of anterior root. Results: Mean TL of body of cervical vertebrae was 23.87 mm, mean distance of uncinate process from vertebral body was 9.14 mm on right and 8.49 mm on left (P < 0.0001), mean distance of anterior tubercle from vertebral body was 20.81 mm on right and 20.36 mm on left (P < 0.014), mean thickness of anterior root was 1.48 mm on right and 1.36 mm on left (P < 0.1003) whereas mean distance between uncinate process was 18.4 mm. Conclusion: Mean TL of cervical vertebrae was 23.8 mm, distance of uncinate process was 8.81 mm from the center, distance of anterior tubercle to uncinate process was 20.72 mm and thickness of anterior root was 1.43 mm. Uncinate process and anterior tubercle distance from mid of cervical vertebrae body can help surgeons to identify zone and avoid injury to contents.

An Osteological Study of Anatomical Variations of Foramen Transversarium of Cervical Vertebrae and its Clinical Implications

Background: In cervical vertebrae, the costal and transverse elements are connected to each other around the foramen transversarium of the transverse process. The adult cervical vertebrae are characterized by the presence of Foramen Transversarium (FT) in transverse process. These transverse foramina are found to have variations in size, shape and numbers and may be absent, incomplete or duplicate, which may lead to various symptoms. Aim: To study the anatomical variations of cervical vertebrae. Materials and methods: The present observational study was performed on 182 dry human cervical vertebrae of unknown sex and age. Intact cervical vertebrae without any degenerative or traumatic disorders were included in this study. Deformed and damaged vertebrae were excluded from the study Results: Out of these 364 foramen transversarium, 98 (27%) foramen transversarium were of type-I. Type -I was the most common presentation in the present study. Type -II foramen transversarium were seen in 33 (09%) foramen transversarium. Out of 364 foramen transversarium 88 (24%) foramen transversarium were of type-III. Type-IV foramen transversarium were seen in 62 (17%) foramen transversarium. Type-V foramen transversarium were seen on 83 (23%) foramen transversarium. Out of 182 vertebrae 40 (22%) showed complete double foramen transversarium. Incomplete double foramen transversarium were seen in 24 (13%) of vertebrae. One side complete & other side incomplete foramen transversarium were seen in 04 (02%) vertebrae. Conclusion: Knowledge of such variations is important for Physicians, Neurologists Otorhinolaryngologists, radiologists and Orthopedicians. Presence of accessory foramen transversarium especially of incomplete variety, the second part of vertebral artery may be dislodged and prone to get damaged easily during posterior cervical injuries. It helps in radiological imaging, neurological diagnosis and complex surgical procedures in the cervical area. KEY WORDS: Cervical Vertebrae, Foramen transversarium, Accessory Foramen Transversarium.

Anatomical variations of the foramen transversarium of cervical vertebrae from the ancient population of Herculaneum (79 CE; Naples, Italy).

Variations in the number, size and shape of the foramina transversaria of cervical vertebrae can affect the anatomical course of vital blood vessels and nerves, with the risk for pathological conditions, like vertebrobasilar insufficiency. This can result in compression of the vertebral artery during neck movements, which is characterised by headache, migraine, difficulties in swallowing, problems with speech and sight, balance disturbances and hearing disorders, among others. The aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence of the diverse anatomical variants of the foramen transversarium in 446 cervical vertebrae from the skeletal remains of 83 victims who died on the ancient beach of Herculaneum (Italy) during the eruption of Vesuvius Volcano in 79 CE. There were complete and incomplete double foramina transversaria in 20.6% of the vertebrae, and absence of foramen transversarium in an atlas (0.2%), a very rare condition in the literature. As the foramen transversarium is a key determinant for correct development of the vertebral artery, evaluations of variations in its number, size and shape provide useful information on the prevalence of these variations in the life and health conditions in the ancient population of Herculaneum.

Morphometry of foramen transversarium of cervical vertebrae and its clinical significance in South Indian population

Literature shows multiple variations within the foramen transversarium of the cervical vertebrae. To study the morphometry of foramen transversarium of the cervical vertebrae on both sides. The foramen transversarium of three-hundred-fifty dry human cervical vertebras of unknown age and sex was studied. The dimensions of the main foramen and the incidence of accessory foramen transversarium were measured and tabulated. Among 350 vertebrae studied, the accessory foramina was noted in 66 (19%) vertebrae. On 21 (6%) vertebrae the accessory foramen was noted on both sides of the vertebra and in the remaining 45 (13%), it was observed on one side. When observing unilateral cases, 30 were present on the right side and 15 were on the left side. In both unilateral and bilateral cases, the increased incidence of accessory foramina was noted more in the C6 vertebra. A significant increase in the diameter of the foramen transversarium was observed on the left side of all vertebras studied. Successful surgical management in degenerative, traumatic, and neoplastic diseases of the cervical spine needs well-detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the cervical spinal column.In our study, we found a noted increase in the incidence of accessory foramen transversarium. These morphometric parameters will be added data and can serve as a helpful guide while performing various surgeries of the neck region and for proper interpretation of X-rays and CT scan.

Morphometric Study of Foramina Transversaria in Cervical Vertebrae and its Clinical Significance

Introduction: The characteristic feature of the cervical vertebrae is the presence of Foramen Transversarium (FT) in the transverse process. This foramen usually contains vertebral artery (except in C7 vertebra), veins and sympathetic plexus. The deformity and variations of this foramen may result in derangement of neurovascular structures passing through it, which may lead to various symptoms. The aetiology of morphological variations is related to developmental factors, mechanical stress and variations in the course of vertebral artery. Some studies have been done on accessory FT, but few give detailed analysis of morphometric variations of FT in cervical vertebrae. Aim: The aim of the study was to examine the morphological and morphometric variations in the FT of cervical vertebrae (typical and atypical). Materials and Methods: This was a retrospectively designed osteological observational study. The duration of the study was six months, from Dec 2019 to May 2020. The study was conducted on 750 cervical vertebrae (265 typical and 485 atypical). In each cervical vertebrae, the FT was observed for the following parameters; shape, size, maximum anteroposterior diameter, maximum transverse diameter, area and number. Digital vernier caliper was used for morphometric measurements. Photographs were taken and archived. Descriptive analysis and evaluation was done with SPSS statistics programme. results: In 300 (40%) vertebrae, shape of the FT was bilaterally symmetrical and in 450 (60%) vertebrae, it was asymmetrical on both sides. It was observed that maximum anteroposterior diameter and transverse diameter were seen in C1 vertebrae. There was no significant statistical difference between the mean diameters of the left and right side. Maximum area was also seen in C1 vertebrae, with values of 34.76 mm2 on left and 34.84 mm2 on right. Out of the 750 cervical vertebrae, 113 (15%) showed an accessory FT in the transverse process. Amongst these, in 30 (4%) cervical vertebrae, the accessory FT were present bilaterally and in 83 (11%) seen on one side only. conclusion: The present study demonstrates that different cervical vertebrae (typical and atypical) show considerable morphological variations in terms of shape, size, area and number of FT. Awareness of such variations is of significance to anatomists, clinicians and surgeons.

Morphological study of anatomical variation of foramen transversarium in cervical vertebrae and its clinical implication

Introduction: The Foramen Transversarium (FT) is a identification feature of cervical vertebrae which differentiate it from the other vertebrae. It is present in the the transverse process of vertebrae. Vertebral artery is pass through this foramen which important for blood supply for brain. Aim and Objective: To study the anatomical variation in foramen transversarium in cervical vertebrae very important for purpose of diagnostic and surgical important for Surgeon, Radiologist and Neurosurgeon. Material and Method: In our study, we included 175 dried cervical vertebrae from department of anatomy to detect double foramen FT present in transverse process in cervical vertebrae. Vertebrae with anatomical variation were photographed. Result: In our study, we found total 24 vertebrae having double FT out of 175 cervical vertebrae. Which include 12 vertebrae having bilateral double FT and 12 vertebrae having unilateral double FT. Conclusion: Knowledge of this type of anatomical variation in foramen transversarium is important for cervical approach during spine surgery to prevent injury of vascular structures. Keywords: Foramen Transversarium, Vertebral artery, Cervical vertebrae.

Variations among Foramen Transversarium in Cervical Vertebrae and its Clinical Significance

Variations among Foramen Transversarium in Cervical Vertebrae and its Clinical Significance

Anatomical and Morphometric Evaluation of the Foramen Transversarium of Cervical Vertebrae

Anatomical and Morphometric Evaluation of the Foramen Transversarium of Cervical Vertebrae

Anatomical variations of the foramen transversarium in cervical vertebrae: findings, review of the literature, and clinical significance during cervical spine surgery.

To describe certain anatomical variations of the foramen transversarium, in spine cervical vertebrae in a contemporary specimen of an Indo-European population and approach their clinical importance during cervical spine surgery. 102 cervical vertebrae (C2-C7) from 17 different skeletons, intact without any degenerative or traumatic disorders, which belonged to the collection of the Department of Anatomy, were examined. The age of specimens at the time of their death was between 25 and 65years. All foramina were measured with a digital caliper. The average size of the normal foramina was: 6.49mm×5.74mm on the right side and 6.65mm×5.76mm on the left side. Regarding the variations, we found two cervical vertebrae (1.96%), one C3 and one C6, in which the right foramen transversarium is clearly smaller than the left. The exact dimensions of these foramina are: 2.3mm×2.5mm on the right side and 6.54mm×8mm on the left side in the first vertebra and 2.8mm×3.74mm on the right side and 6mm×7.5mm on the left side, in the second one. We also observed double foramina in 14 vertebrae (13.72%). In seven vertebrae, the duplication was bilateral (6.86%). We finally found one vertebra (0.98%) with triplication of the foramen transversarium on the left side. Summarizing, 10 out of our 17 skeletons were presented with variations (extremely narrow or multiple foramina). This finding of hypoplastic, duplicated and triplicated foramina transversaria in unexpectedly high rates raises questions about the integrity of the contained structures, the possibility of a different path for them. These variations may induce an extra-osseous position of the vertebra artery, and the ignorance of such an event may have catastrophic consequences during a surgery in the cervical spine.

A study on variations of foramen transversarium of cervical vertebrae

Abstract Background and aims: Foramen transversarium of cervical vertebra is a bony enclosure for the vertebral artery. These foramina are known to exhibit variations in size, shape and may be multiple in number or absent. The aim of this study is to record these variations of foramen transversarium of cervical vertebrae. Material and methods: This study was carried out on 150 cervical vertebrae available in the department of anatomy at Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences. Results: Among 150 cervical vertebrae, 19 vertebrae were found to possess double foramina transversaria. Among these 15 were typical and four were atypical vertebrae. Among 15 typical cervical vertebra 12 (80%) had double foramina on right side, one (6.6%) on left side and two (13.3%) bilaterally. Among four atypical vertebra three (75%) possessed double foramina on right side and one (25%) bilaterally. In one typical vertebra there was an enmeshed foramen. Conclusions: The knowledge of these variations is important for radiologists in interpreting computed tomographs and magnetic resonance images.

A study on variations of foramen transversarium of cervical vertebrae

A study on variations of foramen transversarium of cervical vertebrae