The Prevalence and Morphometry of the Atlas Vertebra Retrotransverse Foramen

Authors

  • Christos Lyrtzis Department of Anatomy and Surgical Anatomy, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
  • George Tsakotos Department of Anatomy, Kapodistrian University of Athens
  • Michael Kostares Department of Anatomy, Kapodistrian University of Athens
  • Maria Piagkou Department of Anatomy, Kapodistrian University of Athens
  • Chrysovalantis Mariorakis Department of Anatomy and Surgical Anatomy, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
  • Konstantinos Natsis Department of Anatomy and Surgical Anatomy, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5644/ama2006-124.388

Keywords:

Retrotransverse Foramen, Accessory Foramen, Variation, Atlas Vertebra, Morphometry, Regression Analysis

Abstract

Objective. The current study records the prevalence of the accessory foramen, located posterior to the transverse foramen (TF), the so-called the retrotransverse foramen (RTF), its morphometry, exact location, and coexistence with ossified posterior bridges. Additionally, factors associated with the length of the RTF are investigated.

Materials. One-hundred and forty-one dried atlas vertebrae were examined.

Results. Thirty-seven out of the 141 vertebrae (26.2%) had at least one RTF. The RTF was unilateral in 67.6% and bilateral in 32.4%. The mean RTF anteroposterior diameter (length) was 4.2±1.4 mm on the right and 3.8±1.0 mm on the left side. The mean RTF laterolateral diameter (width) was 2.6±1.2 mm on the right and 2.5±0.8 mm on the left side. Both dimensions were symmetrical. The RTF was symmetrically located from the TF, at a mean distance of 4.6±1.1 mm on the right and of 4.5±0.9 mm on the left side. For the given TF-RTF distance, laterality, and presence of posterior bridges, each mm increase in the RTF width was associated with a 0.74 mm increase in the relevant length.

Conclusion. The estimated prevalence was higher than most of those reported in other studies. However, the between-studies prevalence varies to a significant degree. Hence, a systematic review and meta-analysis should be performed to identify a more precise estimate due to the clinical importance of the RTF.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Downloads

Published

2023-03-21

How to Cite

Lyrtzis, C. ., Tsakotos, G. ., Kostares, M. ., Piagkou, M. ., Mariorakis, C. ., & Natsis, K. . (2023). The Prevalence and Morphometry of the Atlas Vertebra Retrotransverse Foramen. Acta Medica Academica, 51(3), 189–198. https://doi.org/10.5644/ama2006-124.388

Issue

Section

Clinical Medicine

Most read articles by the same author(s)

1 2 > >> 

Similar Articles

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.