Variation In Superior Articular Facets of Atlas Vertebrae In Terms of Its Morphology
Variation In Superior Articular Facets of Atlas
Keywords:
superior articular facets of atlas vertebra, constriction or notches, degree of separation, pressure facetsAbstract
Background: Hypermobility of Atlanto-Occipital joints give rise to symptoms related to vascular compromise viz syncope, vertigo, transient impairment of visual field, altered consciousness. Surgical management of congenital anomalies of craniovertebral junction requires a precise identification of underlying pathophysiological condition. For this reason variation in superior articular facets of atlas vertebrae in terms of its morphology should be known. Method: The morphology of 100 atlas vertebrae had been studied and observations of total 200 facets were noted. Measurements were taken with a vernier callipers and a compass. Result :In the present study, typical oval, elongated or kidney shaped outline was found in 74.5% facets. Constrictions or notches were present on 48% facets. Complete separation (4.5%) is suggestive of tendency towards possible restriction of movement at atlanto-occipital joint as part of evolutionary changes. Roughly circular pressure facets had been observed in 78% of vertebrae indicating possibly greater pressure at this site during movement at atlanto-occipital joint.Conclusion: Knowledge of this variation in craniovertebral junction is of significant importance for Neurosurgeons and Orthopaedic surgeons doing various surgeries in this region.
References
cervical vertebrae. In: Standring S, Ellis H,
Haely JC, Johnson D, Willams A, Gray’s
Anatomy. 39th E; 2005:742-746.
2. Bohiman HH. Acute fractures and dislocations
of the cervical spine. J Bone and Joint Surgery
1979; 61-A(8): 1119-1141.
3. Landells CD, Peteghem KV. Fractures of the
atlas: classification, treatment and morbidity.
Spine 1988; 13(5): 450-452.
4. Bryce TH. Osteology the skeleton – Vertebral
column. In: Schaffer EA, Symington J, Bryce TH,
Editors. Quains elements of anatomy. 11th E.
London: Longmans Green & Co; 1915; 5-34.
5. Singh S. Variations of the superior articular
facets of the atlas vertebrae. J Anat 1965;
99(3): 565-571.
6. Lalit M, Piplani S, Kullas J S, Arora A K, Mannan
R. The Morphological Analysis of the Superior
Articular Facet of the adult Human Atlas
Vertebra. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic
Research. 2011 Apr, Vol-5(2):274-277.
7. Paraskevas G, Papaziogas B, Tzaveas A, Natsis
K, Spanidou S, Kitsoulis P. Morphological
parameters of the superior articular facets of
the atlas and potential clinical significance.
Surg Radiol Anat. 2008 Nov; 30 (8):611-7. Epub
2008 Jun 4.
8. Billman F,Le Minor JM, Steinwachs M.
Bipartition of the superior articular facets of
first cervical vertebra ( atlas or c1): A human
variant probably specific among primates. Ann
Anat. 2007;189(1): 79-85.
