Background/Objectives: When analyzing human skeletal remains for human identification, the assessment of sexual dimorphism is fundamental because it underlies sex estimation, a key parameter of the biological profile, which reduces the number of candidates to approximately one half. Ideally, the most dimorphic bones (the pelvis and long bones) are used, but this analysis may be compromised when the skeletal remains are badly preserved, which is often the case in older skeletons. It is, therefore, necessary to investigate sexual dimorphism in alternative skeletal elements as the quantity and quality of bone structures present in ancient skeletons represent crucial aspects when assessing biological differences between the sexes. The present study aims to evaluate the degree of sexual dimorphism in selected skeletal elements as a preliminary step toward identifying sexually dimorphic parameters with potential applicability in future research on poorly preserved skeletons. Methods: A metric assessment of sexual dimorphism was performed on the clavicle, sternum, and seventh cervical vertebra from a 20th Century collection of identified skeletons from the Portuguese population from CESPU (CEIC), showing a variable degree of bone preservation. Results: Our preliminary data suggest that although all bones analyzed may have exhibited some degree of sexual dimorphism, five parameters—sternal body length, manubrium width, first stern-vertebrae width, clavicle maximum length, and cervical vertebral body height—showed the most promising results. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to validate these observations, using a bigger sample of badly preserved bones. Conclusions: These results represent a preliminary assessment of sexually dimorphic parameters, which may be of interest in circumstances where skeletal elements are poorly preserved.

This paper examines the relationship between vertical acceleration measured at the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) and ground reaction force (GRF) during parachute landing. The GRF was estimated using mathematical modelling based on the constant coefficient method and was used to quantify the force exerted on parachutists during landing. A total of 21 Malaysian Army parachutists participated in this study, comprising three professional and eighteen amateur parachutists. Two cameras were employed to capture body movements and obtain kinematic data throughout the landing phase. The results indicate that the estimated maximum peak vertical GRF during the foot-strike phase was 3417 N for professional parachutists and 4604 N for amateur parachutists. Furthermore, professional parachutists were observed to flex their hips and knees before ground contact. From a biomechanical perspective, this movement pattern contributes to a reduction in GRF magnitude. The findings suggest that understanding proper landing techniques through biomechanical analysis may help parachutists improve landing performance before formal instruction, thereby enhancing the efficiency of training for both instructors and trainees.

Background: The durability of vertebrae increases their likelihood of being discovered in forensic contexts or natural disasters. Identification procedures can also be facilitated through these structures. The aim of this study, based on this hypothesis, is to determine whether it is possible to identify gender with high accuracy and reliability using geometric morphometry on specific points identified on the 7th cervical vertebra. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using computed tomography images from 300 individuals aged 18-65. The images were converted into three dimensions and superimposed. The images at actual magnification were then converted to TPS format and 30 landmarks were added. Generalized Procrustes Analysis was applied to these raw coordinates, and the coordinates were repositioned around the center of gravity. Principal Component Analysis was then applied to these repositioned data to reduce dimensionality. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was applied to the reduced-dimensionality images to obtain the gender prediction accuracy rate. Results: The study found that 63.674% of the coordinates clustered around the center of gravity could be explained by the first 6 principal components. LDA analysis applied to the new coordinates yielded an 83.33% gender prediction rate. Conclusions: The study achieved a high accuracy rate for gender prediction by applying geometric morphometry to points identified on the 7th cervical vertebra.

Prediction of sex is among important topics of forensic medicine and forensic anthropology. In studies conducted for sex prediction, pelvis and cranium bones are the most preferred bones. In cases when it is difficult to examine the pelvis and cranium bones, vertebrae have been the subject of research in sex analysis studies. The aim of this study is to predict sex by using Computed Tomography (CT) images of the vertebra prominens (C7). Another aim of the study is to make automatic measurements using labeling on C7. This retrospective study included images of 100 female and 100 male individuals (aged 2050 years). CT Images on the personal workstation (Horos Project, Version 3.0) were made orthogonal in the entire plane. They were transferred to the Sekazu program in DICOM format. The labels of the bookmarks determined on C7 were placed on the images by the Radiologist and Anatomist according to their coordinates. Then, automatic measurements were performed in the program and calculations were made. Optimization of the study was achieved by automatic measurements, thus eliminating the effects of intra-observer and/or inter-observer measurement errors. Sixteen length and 3 angle parameters were analysed by using machine learning (ML) algorithms. The accuracy rates in sex prediction using ML algorithms with the parameters obtained as a result of the analysis are as follows: Ada Boost Classification 8791%, Decision Tree 8592%, Extra Trees Classifier 8793%, Gradient Boosting Model 8591%, Gaussian Naive Bayes 8791%, Gaussian Process Classifier 8191%, K-nearest Neighbour Regression 8493%, Linear Discriminant Analysis 8894%, Linear Support Vector Classification 8892%, Non-Linear Support Vector Classification 8393%, Quadratic Discriminant Analysis 8790%, Random Forest 8392%, Support Vector Machines 8492%. In this study, it was predicted that sex prediction could be made up to 94% using ML algorithms from the parameters of vertebra prominens, which is an atypical vertebra. Therefore, we can say that vertebra prominens also shows sexual dimorphism.

Objectives: The present study aimed to analyze the growth dynamics of the ossification centers of the seventh cervical (C7) vertebra in the human fetus, focusing on linear, planar, and volumetric parameters of both the vertebral body and neural processes. Methods: The study was conducted on 55 human fetuses of both sexes (27 males and 28 females), aged 17–30 weeks’ gestation. High-resolution computed tomography, three-dimensional reconstruction, digital image analysis, and appropriate statistical modeling were used to obtain detailed morphometric measurements of the C7 ossification centers. Results: All morphometric parameters—length, cross-sectional area, and volume—of the vertebral body ossification center increased linearly with gestational age, except for the sagittal diameter, which followed a logarithmic growth pattern. Linear growth was likewise observed in all diameters of the neural process ossification centers, including length, width, cross-sectional area, and volume. No statistically significant sex-related or side-related differences were detected. Conclusions: The CT-based morphometric data and growth models for the ossification centers of C7 presented in this study offer preliminary reference values for the vertebra prominens during fetal development. Although limited by sample size, these results establish a baseline that may assist anatomists, radiologists, obstetricians, pediatricians, and spinal surgeons in assessing cervical-spine maturation and in detecting congenital anomalies prenatally. Further studies involving larger and more diverse fetal cohorts are warranted to validate and extend these observations.

Cervical ribs, also known as "accessory ribs" or "supernumerary ribs in the cervical region," are the congenital excessive development of the transverse processes, especially of the seventh cervical vertebra. They occur in approximately 0.5% of the population, are usually bilateral, although often asymmetrical, and are more common in women. The most common cervical rib is type III, followed by type I according to Gruber's classification. They are usually asymptomatic but can cause discomfort in the functioning of the brachial plexus roots or the subclavian artery/vein. This occurs when the most anterior portion of the transverse process exceeds the anterior border of the middle scalene muscle, which can cause superior thoracic outlet syndrome. Therefore, their presence must be documented in the written report. They are diagnosed incidentally on a chest or cervical spine x-ray.

Abstract Penetrating neck injuries in pediatric patients are rare and pose significant risks, particularly when involving structures such as the esophagus and spine. This report details the case of a 3-year-old boy who sustained a gunshot wound to the neck from an air gun. The child was initially treated at a rural trauma center, presenting with stable hemodynamics but with signs suggestive of an esophageal injury. He was later transferred to a specialized center, where a computed tomography angiogram confirmed the presence of extensive pneumo-hemomediastinum and an esophageal perforation with the bullet lodged at the seventh cervical vertebra. A multidisciplinary team performed a combined surgery: left-sided neck exploration, identified and repaired the esophageal injury, and subsequently extracted the bullet from the spine. Postoperatively, the patient was closely monitored, with gradual reintroduction of enteral nutrition, progressing to oral feeding over the course of his recovery. No complications were observed during follow-up. This case underscores the complex nature of pediatric neck trauma, particularly with esophageal involvement, where precise anatomical knowledge and targeted intervention are critical. Successful management necessitates a coordinated, multidisciplinary intervention, to ensure careful handling of complex structures.

Background: Sex estimation from skeletal remains is crucial for estimating an individuals biological profile. Although the pelvis and skull are most commonly used for sex estimation, other skeletal elements, e.g., the vertebrae, have reportedly demonstrated acceptable accuracy rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of using seventh cervical vertebra measurements on computed tomography images for sex estimation. Material and methods: Cervical computed tomography images of 300 female and 300 male patients (= 20 aged 60 = years) were evaluated. Sex estimation modeling was performed with eight measurements of the seventh cervical vertebrae, and indices and corpus volume obtained from the measurements. Corpus length and width, foramen vertebra length and width, corpus height, spinous process angle, and spinous process height and length of each seventh cervical vertebra were measured. Foramen vertebral index, spinous process index, and corpus volume were used as indices. The Independent Sample T test was used to compare the means of two independent groups showing normal distribution, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for data that were not normally distributed. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed using the Forward Wald approach in modeling the categorical dependent variable with independent variables. Results: According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, sex estimation from measurements was 87.7% accurate, whereas index and volume were up to 85.3% accurate. Conclusions: In conclusion, the seventh cervical vertebra is dimorphic with a high accuracy rate for the Turkish population and can be used for sex estimation.

Background: A cervical rib is a congenital anomaly of a cervical spine vertebra, occurring in about 0.5% to 1% of the population. It is most commonly associated with the seventh cervical vertebra. Cervical ribs can lead to localized pain and affect surrounding structures, presenting with a variety of clinical symptoms. Objective: To demonstrate that a cervical rib can cause vertigo, particularly central vertigo. Case: A 55-year-old woman experienced vertigo and nausea for approximately ten years. Physical examination revealed her head tilted to the left, with an inability to maintain a straight position. Positive cerebellar signs were observed. Imaging studies showed a cervical rib on the seventh cervical vertebra in the X-ray and bilateral cerebellar infarctions in a CT scan. Discussion: The patient, a female, had a cervical rib on the right side. The vertigo was linked to a cerebellar stroke caused by the cervical rib. The underlying mechanism likely involved compression of the subclavian artery and poor posture. Conclusion: Vertigo can be a clinical manifestation of cerebellar stroke, resulting from subclavian artery compression due to a cervical rib.

BackgroundCarrying a school bag is often a necessary activity for children and children perform it during everyday productive activities.ObjectiveOf the research is to examine the impact of carrying a school bag on the distribution of force and plantar pressure during the gait of children with different levels of physical activity.MethodsThe prospective comparative study included 150 students aged 11-12 from Banja Luka. According to the protocol, each group of subjects walked at average and maximum speed on flat and 5% inclined terrain. For research purposes, the Physical Activity Questionnaire PAQ-C (The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children), measurement of anthropometric parameters, school bag characteristics and Zebris tape (Zebris Medical GmbH, Germany) were used for gait analysis.ResultsModerately active and especially low active subjects show a significant increase in maximal force and maximal pressure values. Changes in antero-posterior variability are also related to the position of the bag in inactive subjects, in whom this parameter is lower if the bag is worn in the highest position, up to 5 cm from the seventh cervical vertebra (Mdn1 to 5 cm). = 5.05, M dn2 from 5-10 cm = 14.15, M dn3 over 10 cm = 13.20 χ 2 (2) = 7.95, p = 0.019, ε 2 = 0.16.ConclusionsExternal load did not lead to a change in dynamic parameters in highly active subjects, except for an increase in the maximum force on certain parts of the foot, when the subjects carried their own bag.

It is necessary to produce basic anatomical information for clinical examinations and necessary surgeries owing to the presence of the red fox in the wild and the health risks for these animals. In addition to being important in diagnosing animal injuries, imaging techniques provide the usual anatomical view of different body structures used in many studies. This study investigated the typical morphological and morphometric characteristics of normal, immature, and healthy male fox cervical vertebrae using a CT scan. A CT scanner with two detectors was used in the study. Several parameters were measured in five normal immature male and healthy foxes, and the results were evaluated. Some parameters, including vertebral body height (VBH) and vertebral body length (VBL), did not show any significant difference (p > 0.05) in the cervical site, but some parameters, including spinous process height (SPH), transverse process length (TPL), and transverse process width (TPW), had significant differences (p < 0.05) in the cervical site. VBH had a constant measure from the second cervical vertebra to the seventh vertebra. The value of TPL varied from the first to the seventh cervical vertebra, and the highest measure was observed in the first vertebra. This study presents a complete and precise description and morphometric evaluation of cervical vertebrae in immature male red foxes using a CT scan. No specimen was killed, and anatomical studies were conducted through a CT scan technique as an essential feature of this study.

Spinal cord gliomas are commonly malignant tumors of the spinal cord, leading to a high rate of disability. However, uniform treatment guidelines and comprehensive data on spinal cord gliomas remain limited due to the lack of suitable preclinical animal models. Developing a simple and reproducible animal model has become essential for advancing basic and translational research. A murine model is ideal, as the murine spinal cord shares structural similarities with the human spinal cord. This protocol describes the generation of a reproducible murine model of spinal cord glioma by directly injecting tumor cells into the intervertebral space using the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra as a guide. Compared to other methods, this approach is more effective and convenient, involving a smaller incision, reduced invasiveness and blood loss, faster recovery, and more stable tumor formation. This model is expected to advance the understanding of disease mechanisms, optimize surgical strategies, and support the development of therapeutic drugs for spinal cord gliomas.

Objective. To describe the topographic anatomy of the esophagus after thyroidectomy. Materials and methods. The data of pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging of the soft tissues of the neck were studied in 61 patients operated on for multinodular colloid goiter, autoimmune thyroiditis, diffuse toxic goiter with a thyroid volume of more than 100 cm3. All the patients underwent thyroidectomy. On tomograms before the surgery, two, six and twelve months after it, the topography of the esophagus was assessed in three planes: axial, frontal and sagittal. Transverse, antero-posterior and angular disposition of the esophagus were measured quantitatively. The displacement was estimated relative to the horizontal and vertical lines drawn through the middle of the body and the anterior edge of the cervical vertebra. Skeletotopically, the section was referred to the sixth, seventh cervical vertebrae and the first thoracic one. The numerical indicators ​​obtained during the measurements were analyzed dynamically. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistica 6.0 program. Results. The lumen of the esophagus in the postoperative period increased in the antero-posterior direction and shifted to the left lateral wall of the trachea. The organ took a spherical shape. In 73% of cases, the esophagus was parallel to the trachea 12 months after thyroidectomy. Conclusion. Within a year after thyroidectomy, changes in the shape, diameter and topography of the cervical part of the esophagus occur. 12 months after thyroid removal, the anteroposterior size of the esophagus becomes six times larger in comparison with the preoperative one, it shifts to the left lateral wall of the trachea by 2.12 cm relative to the vertical axis. The results obtained can be useful for repeated surgical interventions in this area.

Introduction: Cervical rib is an additional rib which is the costal element of seventh cervical vertebra. Hence cervical ribs may first be revealed by nervous (particularly on eighth cervical and first thoracic spinal nerve) and vascular symptoms. Cervical rib is more often unilateral and somewhat more frequent on the right. In 90% of cases cervical rib probably causes no trouble. So the present study addresses the prevalence of cervical rib/ribs among both adult male and female and Radiological measurement of costal elements and its association with neurological involvements. Aim: the main aim of this study is to find out the prevalence and relation of length of costal process of 7th cervical rib with neurological symptoms among KPC Medical College outdoor patients. Methods: A prospective study has been carried out using technically adequate cervical spine AP and chest x rays PA view taken in department of Radiology, KPC Medical College and Hospital. Results: In this study all numerical and nonnumeric data of 495 patients has been plotted in Excel of Office 13. Observed 13 cases of cervical rib/ribs in which 7 were unilateral and 6 bilateral. Out of these 13 cases 12 cases had rudimentary cervical ribs.

Cervical rib is an anomalous rib which arises from the seventh cervical vertebra. However, it may also arise from the fourth, fifth or sixth cervical vertebra.

There is controversy about the clinical relevance of congenital variants of the ventral laminae of the sixth (C6) and seventh (C7) cervical vertebrae and their relationship with other radiological abnormalities. To document the prevalence of congenital variants of C6 and C7 and that of other radiological abnormalities from C6 to the second thoracic vertebra (T2). Cross-sectional. The study included Warmblood horses ≥3 years of age undergoing clinical assessment at two referral institutions: 127 control horses and 96 cases (neurologic, neck pain or stiffness, or neck-related forelimb lameness). All horses underwent a standardised orthopaedic and neurologic examination. Lateral-lateral and lateral 45°-55° ventral-lateral dorsal (left to right and right to left) radiographic views of C5 to T2 were acquired and assessed blinded to the horse's clinical category using a predetermined grading system. The ventral profile of C7 was abnormal in 54 horses (24.2%). Cases were less likely to have congenital variants than control horses, p = 0.0002, relative risk (RR): 0.63 (95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 0.4, 1.0). There was no association between the presence of a congenital variant of C7 and the presence of modelling of the articular processes (APs) of C6-C7, C7-T1 or T1-T2. Cases were more likely to have severe modelling of the APs at C6-C7, p = 0.01, RR: 1.94, CI: 1.1, 3.5 and C7-T1, p = 0.04, RR: 1.97, CI: 1.2, 3.2 compared with control horses. Radiographs were read by one assessor independently at each institution. There was no association between the presence of congenital variants of C7 and any other radiological findings. Congenital variants occurred less frequently in cases compared with control horses. There was no association between the presence or absence of a congenital variant and the type of case.

Abstract The skeletal anatomy of wild animals plays a major role in their adaptation to their habitats. Information regarding the skeletal architecture of the Egyptian long‐eared hedgehog ( Hemiechinus auratus aegyptius ), a terrestrial and nocturnal insectivorous mammal, was lacking. Current work described the detailed bone formation of this species' skeleton grossly and morphometrically. Skeletons of five adults, apparently healthy hedgehogs of both sexes, aged 10 ± 2 months, were obtained. Preparation of the bones was accomplished by using a hot water maceration procedure. The skull was elongated. The external sagittal crest and temporal lines were unclear. The mental foramen was ventral to P2. The angular process of the mandible was large. The vertebral formula was C7, T13, L6, S3, Ca 13–15. The transverse foramen was absent in the seventh cervical vertebra. The sternum was formed of five sternal segments. There was a supratrochlear foramen on the distal part of the humerus diaphysis, connecting the radial and the olecranon fossae. The radius and ulna were fused by connective tissue. The carpals had three bones in the proximal row and four bones in the distal row. There were five metacarpals with five digits. The acetabulum was circular and had deep acetabular fossa. The foramen obturatum was ovoid. The pelvic symphysis was confined only to the ischium. The greater trochanter of the femur was lower than the level of the femoral head. The trochanteric fossa was deep and oval. Tibia and fibula fused distally. Two tarsals were in the proximal row and four in the distal row. There were five metatarsals with five digits. These findings provide the anatomical basis for understanding the adaptation mechanisms of this hedgehog species to their feeding habits and habitats and aim to help veterinarians, taxonomists, and wildlife biologists' in future biomedical and comparative skeletal anatomical studies.

In recent years, equine complex vertebral malformation (ECVM) has been of concern in the equine community, with studies identifying numerous associative morphological variations. Here, we examine the morphological association between C6 and C7 for dependency in ECVM cases, where the partially absent ventral process of C6 transposes on the ventral surface of C7. A C6 ventral process presents two tubercles, one cranial (CrVT) and one caudal (CVT). In this study, the C6 osseous specimens (n = 85) demonstrated a partial or completely absent CVT (aCVT) graded 1-4 that often extended cranially creating a partially absent cranial ventral tubercle (aCrVT) graded 1-3. In the 85 C6 osseous specimens examined, the corresponding C7s demonstrated either a complete or incomplete transposition of the ventral process from C6 in 44/85, with 30/44 replicating a transverse foramen. A strong statistical dependency existed between C6 grade 4 aCVTs and grades 1-3 aCrVTs and C7 transpositions with replicated transverse foramen. Sidedness was also demonstrated, where a left sided absent C6 associated with transposition on the left ventral surface of C7. This likewise applied to right sidedness and most bilateral cases. These findings might benefit practitioners when radiographing the extent of the ECVM configuration in patients presenting caudal cervical pain.

The cervical rib is an additional rib arising from the transverse process of the seventh cervical vertebra. This rib may terminate free in soft tissue or may be attached to the first rib. The cervical rib is a congenital anomaly that occurs in less than 1% of the general population and sometimes causes severe symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome. Hereby, we report a 13-year-old boy with an atypical articulation between the left seventh cervical rib and the left first thoracic rib.

The foramen transversarium is a vital feature found in the cervical vertebrae of the spine. It serves as a protective passageway for the vertebral artery and vertebral vein, supplying blood to the brain and spinal cord. Any compromise to these structures within the foramen can lead to severe neurological complications, emphasizing its clinical significance. The study was carried out on 83 subjects of typical cervical vertebrae. Among them were 42 males and 41 females. All the foramen transversaria were observed for any anatomical variations. The anteroposterior, transverse diameters of all the foramen transversaria and the distance between the medial margin of uncinate process to the foramen transversarium were measured. The average transverse diameter of typical cervical vertebrae and seventh cervical vertebrae were ± 0.84mm and 5.13 ± 1.22 mm respectively. The average anteroposterior diameters of typical and seventh cervical vertebrae were 4.84 ± 0.69 mm and 3.91 ± 1.17 mm respectively. The distance from medial border of uncinate process to foramen transversaria was 4.28 ± 0.77 mm in typical and 5.44 ± 1.28 mm in seventh cervical vertebrae. The incidence of double bubble foramen in typical cervical vertebrae was reported to be17.5%. The incidence of double foramen transversaria was 12.5% in the seventh cervical vertebrae. Osteophytes were obstructing the foramen transversarium and narrowing it in 25% of vertebrae. In cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), the foramen transversarium plays a pivotal role in precise imaging of the cervical spine. Its significance lies in providing clear visualization of anatomical structures and potential abnormalities, aiding in the accurate diagnosis and treatment planning for various spinal conditions, thus enhancing patient care.