Introduction: vertebral arteries (VA) are the formation factors of the Transverse Foramens (TF) and the largerst anatomical structures that occupy them. Variations in the presence, size and course of VAs affect the morphology of TFs considerably, besides being the probable cause of formation of the accessory transverse foramen (ATF). Knowledge of the presence of the ATF and its variations are important for a safe surgery. Material and Methods: the present study has analyzed 165 cervical vertebrae. The ATF has been classified as unilateral or bilateral, complete or incomplete and anterior, posterior or lateral regarding the transverse foramen of the respective cervical vertebrae analyzed. Quantitative data was collected through a digital caliper. Results: 36 (21.82%) of the vertebrae presented the ATF, with 25 (15.15%) of them carrying the ATF unilaterally, while the remaining 11 (6.67%) had the foramen bilaterally. 28 (59.57%) ATF were classified as incomplete and 19 (40.43%) were classified as complete. 44 (93.62%) were identified as posterior and 3 (6.38%) were anterior to the TF. Regarding the morphometric data, there was no difference between the longitudinal measurement (LM) and transverse measurement (TM) on the right and left sides of the vertebrae analyzed. Conclusion: it has been shown for the first time the prevalence of ATF in individuals in a population of Northeastern Brazil. The morphological knowledge can be surgical and clinically important as it may suggest alterations in the vertebral artery and in the venous plexuses that surround it in its vertebral segment of passage in the transverse foramina.
Introduction: the suprascapular notch (SSN) lies on the superior border of scapula, close to the root of coracoid process. The suprascapular nerve passes through the notch, below superior transverse scapular ligament. The objective of the present study was to analyze the main morphological aspects of SSN in scapulae of Northeast Brazil. Material and Methods: a total of 97 adult unpaired scapulae of unknown age and sex were randomly selected. The shape of SSN was determined by direct inspection and the vertical and transverse diameters of the SSN were measured. The type of SSN was determined by using the classification of Natsis et al. (2007) and Iqbal et al. (2010). The results were recorded and statistically analyzed. Results: in the studied scapulae, the SSN was revealed in 70.10%, absent in 29.90% and none of scapulae has bony foramen. Considering Natsis et al., type II SSN was the most common finding on 62.88% scapulae, followed by type I SSN with 29.90% and type III with 7.22%. Types IV and V were not found. According Iqbal et al., only 68 scapulae were macroscopically analyzed, 58.82% were J-shaped and 41.18% were U-shaped. There was not any V-shaped scapula found. The SSN had a longest transverse diameter (type II) in 62.88% and had a longest vertical diameter (type III) in 7.22%. Conclusion: knowledge of the anatomical variations of the SSN is useful for anatomists, orthopedic surgeons, radiologists and neurosurgeons for a better diagnosis and management of the entrapment syndrome.
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