Presence of Double Foramen Transversarium in Cervical Vertebra in the Population of Upper Assam of India

Abstract

The cervical vertebrae are the smallest of the moveable vertebrae, and are characterized by a foramen in each transverse process. The transverse process is morphologically composite around the foramen transversarium. AIM The present study has been undertaken to know the incidence of double foramen transversarium in dried cervical vertebrae in upper Assam population. MATERIALS & METHODS A total number of 210 dried cervical vertebrae of unknown age and sex were collected from the anatomy department. All the collected cervical vertebrae were examined macroscopically for the existence of the double foramen transversarium on both sides. The data was then compiled and later analyzed. RESULTS Out of 210 cervical vertebrae, the double foramen transversarium was found in 12(5.7%) vertebrae. Among these 12 specimens, the double foramen is by the addition of a small one behind the ordinary foramen in eight (0.6%) vertebrae; whereas in rest four (0.3%) vertebrae, on one side, there is an hour-glass contraction marking off two foramina. The incidence of unilateral duplication was higher than bilateral.