An Exploratory Morphometric Study of the Atlantal Part of Vertebral Artery

Abstract

Purpose: The vertebral artery (VA) is a major artery in the neck region. It arises from the first segment of the subclavian artery. The artery then traverses through the transverse foramina of each cervical vertebra leaving the transverse foramina of seventh cervical vertebrae. At the level of lower border of pons, the VA from opposite sides unite its fellow artery to form the basilar artery. There are a quite good number of CT studies of this region, whereas there are limited cadaveric studies of this region. Thus, this study aims to fill up the research gap, by doing morphometric cadaveric study of V3 segmental VA in reference to length diameter and length. And Angle of the vertical and horizontal part of V3 (Atlantal) segment of vertebral artery Methods: The study was conducted in the 40 vertebral arteries from 20 embalmed cadavers . Results: The mean length of right and left VA on each part was almost similar except for the mean length of H part (R- 38.937mm & L-40.237mm) and total length of V3 segment (R- 66.87mm & L-70.350mm). Conclusion: This will be of great importance to neurosurgeons who intend to operate a limited part (any of the 3 parts) of V3 segment of VA. The mean values of parameters resulted in this study gives an average measurements or safe limits to the surgeons for the safe surgical procedures like occipital condyle screw technique