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

Abstract

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.