Variations in Transverse Foramina of Cervical Vertebrae: Morphology & Clinical Importance

Background: The purpose of this study is to investigate variations in transverse foramina in the cervical vertebrae and its morphological and clinical importance. Materials and Method : The variations in the number and size of transverse foramina was studied in total 200 human dried cervical vertebrae, which were taken from the Department of Anatomy, B.J.Medical College, Ahmedabad. All the vertebrae were observed for variation in number and size of transverse foramina. Results: Out of 200 cervical vertebrae, complete double transverse foramina were observed in 40 vertebrae (20%), among them unilateral double foramina were found in 31 vertebrae (15.5%) and the bilateral double foramina were found in 9 vertebrae (4.5%). Incomplete double transverse foramina were observed in 22 vertebrae (11%), among them unilateral double foramina were found in 16 vertebrae (8%) and bilateral double foramina were observed in 6 vertebrae (3%). Conclusion: Complete unilateral double transverse foramina of cervical vertebrae were more common than bilateral. Also unilateral small size transverse foramina of cervical vertebrae were also common. This variation is important for the neurosurgeon during cervical surgery. Under such condition the course of the vertebral artery may be distorted. It is also useful for Radiologist during CT and MRI scan