Study of Human Atlas Vertebrae for the Presence of Retroarticular Groove or Canal in North Indians

Abstract

Background Atlas is the first cervical vertebra articulating above with the occipital condyles of the skull and below with the axis vertebra. Anatomy of this first cervical vertebra show great morphological variations. Atlas bony out growths known as Ponticles which can be lateral or posterior are commonly found. These ponticles can compress the third part of vertebral artery leading to vertebrobasilar insufficiency. Atlas vertebra is approached in a number of surgical procedures like transpedicular screw fixation, transarticular screw fixation interlaminar clamp and for interspinous wiring. Aim: To find out the incidence of retroarticular groove or canals in North Indian population in order to avoid postoperative complications arising due to these anatomical variations. Material and Methods: The present study was done on fifty dry adult human atlas vertebrae of unknown sex taken from Department of Anatomy, Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Amritsar. They were carefully studied for the presence of retroarticular groove or canal. Results: The retroarticular groove or canal were found in eight vertebrae (16%). Presence of these retroarticular canals predisposes to Barre-Lieou and Cervicogenic syndromes especially in neck movements. Conclusion: These bony bridges embracing the vertebral artery are responsible for vertigo and vertebrobasilar insufficiency. The present study can be helpful to radiologists, anthropologists and neurosurgeons to avoid many postoperative complications.

Systematic review and meta‐analysis of the prevalence of the retrotransverse foramen of the atlas

“…Our meta‐analysis showed that the retrotransverse foramen (RTF) of the atlas is quite prevalent, reaching 11.4% in pooled sampled studies. This result is much more pronounced than some of the recent data published by many authors including Sanchis‐Gimeno et al (2017), Seema and Mahajan (2016) and Bharathi et al (2016). This outcome may be caused by atlas being one of the most variable of the cervical vertebrae (Wysocki et al, 2003), however, the following notion is not completely understood.…”

“…Furthermore, RTF can be clinically implicated in radiological misdiagnosis. Seema and Mahajan (2016) and Wysocki et al (2003) described a possible scenario in which a patient with an RTF subjected to a traumatic neck injury undergoes imaging, and the findings are interpreted as an atlas fracture due to the accident, the anatomical variant that is the RTF being unrecognized. Hence, one of the aims of this study was to spread awareness of the RTF and additionally link its presence to clinical presentations, ensuring that relevant healthcare professionals can recognize it and appreciate its implications.…”

“…Furthermore, RTF can be clinically implicated in radiological misdiagnosis Seema and Mahajan (2016). and Wysocki et al (2003) described a possible scenario in which a patient with an RTF subjected to a traumatic neck injury undergoes imaging, and the findings are interpreted as an atlas fracture due to the accident, the anatomical variant that is the RTF being unrecognized.…”