Cervical vertebrae of South Indian population: A morphometric study with its implications on spine surgeries

Arathi Mariappan Senthiappan; Manickam Subramanian; Nandini Nagarajan; Janani Yoganandham; Sowjanya Bandlamudi

doi:10.53730/ijhs.v6nS3.5276

Authors

Arathi Mariappan Senthiappan Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (Deemed University), Kelambakkam – 603 103, Tamil Nadu, India
Manickam Subramanian
gandhiayu@hotmail.com
B.A.M.S., M.Sc., Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (Deemed University), Kelambakkam – 603 103, Tamil Nadu, India
Nandini Nagarajan BDS Final year student,Chettinad Dental College and Research Institute, Kelambakkam – 603 103, Tamil Nadu, India
Janani Yoganandham M.B.B.S., M.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (Deemed University), Kelambakkam – 603 103, Tamil Nadu, India
Sowjanya Bandlamudi M.B.B.S., M.D. Professor, Department of Anatomy, Sri Sathya Sai Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Ammapettai – 603 108, Tamil Nadu, India

Keywords:

cervical vertebrae, foramen transversarium, morphometry, clinical implications

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical vertebrae owing to their small size and complex anatomy pose a serious challenge for instrumentation during surgery and increase the risk of injury to the adjacent neurovascular structures. The aim of the study is to evaluate the linear measurements of the body, pedicle and foramen transversarium of C1 to C7 vertebrae and to correlate the data clinically. Methods: 138 vertebrae of unknown sex and age were classified into individual cervical vertebrae and the linear dimensions of vertebral body, pedicle and foramen transversarium were measured using digital vernier caliper. Shape of foramen transversarium and presence of accessory foramen were noted. Descriptive statistics and t test were performed to assess the difference between the sides. Results: The transverse length and height of the vertebral body and width of the pedicle were increasing from C3 to C7 vertebrae. Pedicle width of C2 to C6 vertebrae was less than 5.0 mm. Medio-lateral diameter of foramen transversarium increased from C6 to C4 and then decreased from C4 to C1. Unilateral accessory foramen transversarium were observed frequently in C5 vertebra and more commonly on right side.

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