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Morphological Study of Superior Articular Facet of Atlas

Vasudha T.K., Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Subbaiah Institute of Medical Sciences, Shivamogga, Karnataka 577222, India. , Divya Shanthi D’Sa1 , Vasudha T.K.2

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Indian Journal of Anatomy 7(4):p 376-380, July - August 2018. | DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ija.2320.0022.7418.3

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Abstract

Aim: The variations of superior articular facets of the Atlas vertebra has been less described in most of the anatomy textbooks though it is significant clinically. Different authors have described the superior articular facets based on constrictions, grooves and shapes. Present study deals with the division of the facet, constrictions , grooves, division, shapes and depth, its frequency and possible explanation. Materials and Methods: 100 superior articular facets of 50 dried, adult atlas vertebrae were collected from the bone library, Department of Anatomy, Subbaiah Institute of Medical Sciences, Shimoga. Results: Constrictions on medial margin were more frequent, 54% bilaterally followed by constrictions on both the margins about 46% on right side and 44% on left side. Grooves were observed about 46% on right and 44% on left side on the superior articular facets. According to constriction and groove, the facets were divided into complete, incomplete and non division. Non divisions were frequently seen, 54% on right and 56% on left side and complete divisions were less frequent, 8% on right and 2% on left side. Shapes of the facets were also defined according to its division. Kidney- shaped facets (54% bilaterally) were commonly observed followed by dumb-bell shape with left side predominance (36%). Depth of the facets was studied where concave was more common. Conclusion: The knowledge of variations of superior articular facets of Atlas is of importance to anatomists, anthropologists and clinicians since asymmetry may lead to restricted movements of  atlanto-occipital joint and incomplete decompression of neuro-vascular structures.

 

 

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ija.2320.0022.7418.3

Keywords

Cervical Vertebrae; Atlas; Superior Articular Facets; Constrictions; Grooves.

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