Santona Thakuria1, Rajat Dutta Roy2, Debabani Bora3
INTRODUCTION
The cervical vertebrae are the smallest of the moveable vertebrae, and are characterized by a foramen in each transverse process. The transverse process is morphologically composite around the foramen transversarium.
AIM
The present study has been undertaken to know the incidence of double foramen transversarium in dried cervical vertebrae in upper Assam population.
MATERIALS & METHODS
A total number of 210 dried cervical vertebrae of unknown age and sex were collected from the anatomy department. All the collected cervical vertebrae were examined macroscopically for the existence of the double foramen transversarium on both sides. The data was then compiled and later analyzed.
RESULTS
Out of 210 cervical vertebrae, the double foramen transversarium was found in 12(5.7%) vertebrae. Among these 12 specimens, the double foramen is by the addition of a small one behind the ordinary foramen in eight (0.6%) vertebrae; whereas in rest four (0.3%) vertebrae, on one side, there is an hour-glass contraction marking off two foramina. The incidence of unilateral duplication was higher than bilateral.
DISCUSSION
The incidence of double foramen transversarium reported by the various authors varies from 1.5% to 23.15%.
CONCLUSION
We know that the transverse foramina are unique to the cervical vertebrae and these foramina enclose and protect the vertebral artery; so the morphological knowledge of transverse foramina is clinically important to rule out any variation in the course of the vertebral artery. This will help to guide the radiologist and spine surgeon in making a diagnosis as well as surgeries of this region.
