INCIDENCE AND MORPHOLOGY OF ACCESSORY FORAMEN TRANSVERSARIUM IN TYPICAL CERVICAL VERTEBRAE

Introduction: Cervical vertebrae shows presence of foramen transversarium on transverse process. It is formed by the fusion of the costal element with the true transverse process of cervical vertebrae. the vertebral artery, vertebral vein,and sympathetic nerves passes through the foramen. In seventh cervical vertebrae passes vertebral vein. These foramina shows variations in size, shape and number. Variation of these foramina may lead to many symptom.

Material and Method: Our study include 440 typical cervical vertebrae from various medical collage of Gujarat. All these vertebrae observed macroscopically for variation of foramina transversarium. Findings were noted and photographed.

Result: Accessory foramen transversarium is found in 89 (20.22%) vertebrae. Out of 89 typical cervical vertebrae, 62(14%) vertebrae shows complete Accessory foramen transversarium and 27(6.13) vertebra shows incomplete accessory foramen transversarium. Bilateral complete foramen transversarium is found in 24 vertebrae. 22 vertebrae shows right side complete AFT and 16 vertebra with left side complete AFT. Bilateral incomplete foramen transversarium is found in 8 vertebrae. 8 vertebrae with right side incomplete AFT and 11 vertebra with left side incomplete AFT.

Conclusion: Knowledge of these variation is helpful for the neurosurgeon and radiologist for interpretation of x-ray and planning surgery.