Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Cervical vertebrae constitute the skeletal framework of vertebral column in the region. The most important feature to identify the cervical vertebra is the presence of foramen transversarium. The foramen transversarium (FT) is an identification feature of cervical vertebrae which differentiate it from the other vertebrae. The present study was conducted to assess variation of foramen transversarium in cervical vertebrae. Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted in the department of Anatomy. It comprised of 140 cervical vertebrae of either gender. Vertebrae were assessed carefully and photographed. The variation in shape and number of FT was assessed and recorded. Results: Typical cervical vertebrae were 64 and atypical cervical vertebrae were 6 in number. Typical cervical vertebrae were unilateral double FT in 66% and bilateral double FT in 34%. Atypical cervical vertebrae were unilateral double FT in 12% and bilateral double FT in 78%. Conclusion: Author found typical cervical vertebrae in maximum cases. Other variation was occurrence of bilateral double vertebrae. Knowledge of this type of anatomical variation in foramen transversarium is important for cervical approach during spine surgery to prevent injury of vascular structures.