An Anatomical Study of the Suboccipital musculature and its Clinical Implications

Abstract

Background: Muscles of suboccipital region play an important role in the movements of atlanto occipital and atlanto axial joints. Tension type of headache could be an indication of referred pain from the muscles of the suboccipital region. There are no cadaveric studies which have been done to determine the morphometry of the muscles of this region. This study aims to highlight these values along- with its clinical implications Methods: The study was conducted on 10 cadavers. The morphological variations and morphometry of the suboccipital muscles was determined. Total length, thickness and width of the muscles at its attachments were measured. Results: The thickness of rectus capitis posterior major and minor was more on the left side. Obliquus capitis superior was longer on right side and obliquus capitis inferior width was more on the left side. The area of the suboccipital triangle was 1580.92 mm2 and 1504.05mm2 on right and left side respectively. Conclusion: Unlike the previous studies which were done mostly on the morphological variations of the muscles of SOR this study puts emphasis on the morphometric parameters. It provides reference measurements for surgeons during craniovertebral surgeries and researchers for future studies.