J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg 2023; 84(03): 227-233
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1739214
Original Article

Morphometric Anatomy of the Posterior Aspect of the Atlas and the Vertebral Artery Groove in Relation to Lateral Mass Screw Placement

Selda Aksoy
1   Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences Gulhane Health Sciences Institute, Gulhane Medical Faculty, Ankara, Turkey
,
Bulent Yalcin
1   Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences Gulhane Health Sciences Institute, Gulhane Medical Faculty, Ankara, Turkey
› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Background Atlantoaxial instability is an important disorder that causes serious symptoms such as difficulties in walking, limited neck mobility, sensory deficits, etc. Atlantal lateral mass screw fixation is a surgical technique that has gained important recognition and popularity. Because accurate drilling area for screw placement is of utmost importance for a successful surgery, we aimed to investigate morphometry of especially the posterior part of C1.

Methods One hundred and fifty-eight human adult C1 dried vertebrae were obtained. Measurements were performed directly on dry atlas vertebrae, and all parameters were measured by using a digital caliper accurate to 0.01 mm for linear measurements.

Results The mean distance between the tip of the posterior arch and the medial inner edge of the groove was found to be 10.59 ± 2.26 and 10.49 ± 2.20 mm on the right and left, respectively. The mean distance between the tip of the posterior arch and the anterolateral outer edge of the groove was 21.27 ± 2.28 mm (right: 20.96 ± 2.22 mm; left: 21.32 ± 2.27 mm). The mean height of the screw entry zone on the right and left sides, respectively, were 3.86 ± 0.81 and 3.84 ± 0.77 mm. The mean width of the screw entry zone on both sides was 13.15 ± 1.17 and 13.25 ± 1.3 mm.

Conclusion Our result provided the literature with a detailed database for the morphometry of C1, especially in relation to the vertebral artery groove. We believe that the data in the present study can help surgeons to adopt a more accurate approach in terms of accurate lateral mass screw placement in atlantoaxial instability.

Ethical Issues

The study is as an anatomical research on dry bones and does not require approval.




Publication History

Received: 09 March 2021

Accepted: 23 June 2021

Article published online:
20 December 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 
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