Sixth cervical vertebra with unilateral double foramen transversarium and non–bifid spine : A rare case

Md. Jawed Akhtar; Premjeet Kumar Madhukar; Ahtasham Anwar

Volume : IV, Issue : II, February - 2015

Sixth cervical vertebra with unilateral double foramen transversarium and non–bifid spine : A rare case

Md. Jawed Akhtar, Premjeet Kumar Madhukar, Ahtasham Anwar

Abstract :

The foramen transversarium (FT) is the characteristic feature of cervical verteae, which differentiates them from other verteae. The verteal artery, verteal vein and sympathetic plexus passes though these foramen. Variation in shape, size & number affects the anatomical course of the verteal vessels and consequently may cause pathological conditions like Verteobasilar insufficiency. Knowledge of variations in foramen transversarium is very important for neurosurgeons and radiologists for reporting and planning for surgeries around the cervical spine and avoiding complications after surgeries. In the present case, we observed very uncommon finding of unilateral double foramen transversarium along with a nonbifid spinous process in sixth cervical vertea. Right as well as left main foramen transversarium are rounded in shape but right sided foramen is slightly larger than the left. Finding of present study is helpful for spine surgeons in planning surgery around the cervical verteae. These variations are also of importance and helpful for anatomist, anthropologist and radiologist.