BackgroundThe vertebral artery (VA) forms the caudal part of the circle of Willis and is responsible for one-third of the blood supply of the cerebellum, pons, middle ear, and the upper part of the spinal cord and its meninges. The highest potential risk of injury to VA during cervical pedicle screw implantation is at C3 and then at C6. Knowledge about the morphometry of VA provides a better understanding of clinical conditions such as vertebra basilar insufficiency (VBI). Similarly, the knowledge of variation in the VA is needed during cervical pedicle screw implantation, which possesses the highest potential risk to VA at the C3 level. The origin of the vertebral artery from the aortic arch reached the upper cervical vertebra than the vertebral artery of subclavian origin. The length of the VA is greater on the left side than the right-side artery. Understanding and reporting of the same are essential to creating awareness that can aid in endarterectomy, angioplasty, and radiological procedures. Variations are noted in morphometry between sides. AimTo determine the morphometry of the vertebral artery (VA) with emphasis on the fourth segment (V4) and its variations using computed tomography angiogram (CTA). Materials and methodsThis present retrospective study was conducted in the Departments of Anatomy and Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital. Participants were patients who took a head and neck CT for various clinical reasons. About 50 CT images, 33 male and 17 females, were selected from the archives. The length, diameter, and entry level of VA were studied. The data were tabulated and statistically analyzed. ResultThe mean length of VA was 24.49 ± 3.02 (cm) on the left side and 24.28 ± 3.91 (cm) on the right side in female subjects and was found to be 22.78 ± 1.7 (cm) on the left side and 21.5 ± 2.7 (cm) on the right side in male subjects. The mean diameter of VA at the level of the foramen magnum was 0.32 ± 0.05 (cm) on the right side and 0.322 ± 0.07 (cm) on the left side in females, 0.3 ± 0.064 (cm) on the left side and 0.26 ± 0.086 (cm) on the right side in males. ConclusionThe length of VA was found to be statistically more on the left side than on the right side. The variations in morphometry seen can aid in various surgical and radiological procedures.

BackgroundThe patella is also known as the kneecap. It lies in front of the knee joint and protects the joint from damage. It is the largest sesamoid bone in the body and is embedded within the quadriceps tendon. The morphometry of the patella is crucial in forensic analysis, designing of implants, and subsequent reconstruction procedures in the knee as it is a sesamoid bone, without periosteum, whereby the natural healing process becomes difficult. The dimensions of the implant are very crucial for a successful knee replacement procedure. This study aims to provide a comprehensive morphometric analysis of the patella and further compare the same between right and left-sided patella specimens. MethodologyIn total, 50 dry patella specimens, with 26 left-sided specimens and 24 right-sided specimens, were obtained for the study from the Department of Anatomy, Saveetha Medical College, Chennai. The parameters analyzed in the study included height, width, the thickness of the patella, length and width of the articular facets on medial and lateral aspects, and central ridge length. ResultsThe morphometric analysis showed the mean height, width, and thickness of patella specimens were 4.07 cm, 4.12 cm, and 2.03 cm, respectively. The dimensions of the articular facet on the lateral aspect were found to show statistical variation compared to the dimensions of the medial articular facet, where p-values of <0.05 were taken as statistically significant. Based on Koyunco's Classification, 92% of patella specimens were of Type B. ConclusionsThe morphometric analysis of the patella in this study can be helpful in designing implants for reconstruction and for treating orthopedics in patellar reconstruction and fixation procedures.