Contours of vertebral artery groove: A morphometric study in atlas vertebrae

Background

The vertebral artery groove (VAG) on the superior surface of the posterior arch of the atlas lodges the third part of the vertebral artery (VA), its venous plexus, and the suboccipital nerve. Accurate morphometric assessment of this groove is essential for defining safe zones during posterior arch screw placement. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to record different morphometric data of VAG, the present researcher conducted the study. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional observational study was conducted on 60 dry adult human atlas vertebrae after ethical clearance. Measurements of inner length (ILG), outer length (OLG), width (WG), inner distance (IDG), and outer distance (ODG) of the VAG were taken using a digital Vernier caliper by two independent observers at different times, with mean values recorded. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 21.