Anatomical Variations of the Vertebral Artery Segment in the Lower Cervical Spine

• DOI: 10.1097/brs.0b013e31818938d1
• Publication Date: 2008-10-11T15:43:30Z
• Authors: Jae Taek Hong; Daniel K. Park; Michael J. Lee; Sang Woo Kim; Howard S. An
• Keywords: Foramen

In Brief Study Design. Observational study with retrospective computerized tomography (CT) angiography analysis. Objective. The purpose of this is to examine the vertebral artery's course in V2 segment and define anatomic variations adult population using CT angiography. Summary Background Data. artery (VA) usually extends from transverse processes C6–C2; however, presence abnormal VA has been reported. These may predispose a patient higher risk iatrogenic vascular injury during anterior cervical surgery. Methods. Retrospectively, 700 arteries on 350 three-dimensional angiographies were analyzed. Measurements taken describing relationship between extraosseous portions surgical landmarks. addition, diameter foramen was measured axial images. Results. entered C6 process 94.9% specimens (664 out courses). Abnormal entrance observed 5.1% (36 courses), into C4, C5, or C7 1.6%, 3.3%, 0.3%, respectively. 2 36 cases (5.6%) entrance, formed an unusual medial loop, center positioned longus colli muscle. Furthermore, foramens filled significantly larger than unfilled (P < 0.01), but there no significant difference foraminal area above = 0.768). Conclusion. present confirms anomalous routes segment. A preoperativethree-dimensional images be useful identify route when suspected magnetic resonance imaging CT. Delineation anomaly reduce intraoperative injury. This patients previous studies incidence Vertebral If preoperative imaging, additional such as angiogram should considered its spine.