A MORPHOMETRIC STUDY ON ANATOMICAL VARIATIONS OF TRANSVERSE FORAMINA IN DRIED TYPICAL CERVICAL VERTEBRAE C3-C6

Abstract

Background and Objective: Foramen Transversarium is a cardinal feature of cervical vertebrae, transmitting

the vertebral artery along with other contents. Variations in the size and shape of foramen transversarium are

associated with the development or course of the vertebral artery, with its compartmentalization potentially

causing compression on the vascular structure, leading to vertebrobasilar insufficiency. The study identifies

morphometric variations in cervical vertebrae transverse foramina, aiding CT and MRI interpretation by

neurosurgeons and radiologists.

Methods: 170 intact cervical vertebrae (C3-C6) of unknown gender and age were used after approval of

Ethical Review Board. They were scrutinized for the presence of any accessory foramina, as well as for the

morphology and dimensions of the foramen transversaria on both sides. The transverse and anteroposterior

diameters of the foramen transversarium were measured and documented using a digital vernier calliper.

Statistical analysis was done using SPSS.

Results: The average anteroposterior diameter was found to be 3.70 ± 0.989mm on the right side and 3.97 ±

0.985mm on the left side. There was a statistically significant difference in the anteroposterior diameters

between the two sides. About 19(11.2%) vertebrae on the left side and 15(8.8%) vertebrae on the right side

showed notched or incomplete transverse foramina. Additionally, around 10% of cases featured accessory

foramina, with five instances being bilateral.

Conclusion: Considerable variations were present in the vertebrae transverse foramina. Vertebral artery

injury is uncommon but may be a disastrous complication during cervical spinal surgery. Therefore, proper

preoperative investigations and planning is essential for the surgeons.