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- Title
Bony Ponticles and Bridges on the Posterior Arch of the Atlas Vertebra: Their Phylogeny, Developmental Basis & Clinical Significance.
- Authors
Kaur, Jasbir; Yadav, Yogesh; Agarwal, Sneh
- Abstract
Objective: To observe and report bony ponticles and bridges on the posterior arch of the atlas vertebra: An embryological insight, their phylogeny, and clinical significance are elucidated. Material and Methods: Sixty-seven dried, atlas vertebrae of Indian origin were examined for the presence of different types (lateral, posterior and complete) of bridging Results: It was observed in twenty (29.85%) vertebrae. Partial posterior bridging was present in nine (13.43%) and complete posterior in seven (10.44%) of them. The incidence of complete lateral bridging was lower (2.98%). Combined (complete posterior and lateral) bridging, was also present in two (2.98%) of them. The bridging exhibited side dimorphism, the incidence was three times higher on the left side (14.92%) when compared to the right (5.91%). Conclusion: These bridges and ponticles occurred normally in monkeys and other lower animals. In quadrupeds, the superior margin of the posterior bridge provides greater surface area for the attachment of posterior atlanto-occipital membrane thus helping to support the weight of head. In humans this weight is received by the superior articular facets of the atlas vertebra, thus the bridge has disappeared. These anatomical variations, if present may cause disturbances in the normal functioning of the vertebral artery (as it passes along the posterior arch of the atlas vertebra) during extreme rotational movements of head and neck. The patient may present with the symptoms of headache, retro-orbital pain, and vasomotor disturbances of face due to alteration of blood flow in the artery and associated disturbance of the peri-arterial nerve plexus. The clinical significance and surgical correction of such bridging is discussed in the present study.
- Subjects
CERVICAL vertebrae; DEAD; VERTEBRAL artery; ANATOMY; HISTOLOGY
- Publication
International Medical Journal, 2010, Vol 17, Issue 3, p229
- ISSN
1341-2051
- Publication type
Article