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: distal epiphysis of the humerus is mainly represented by the condyle of the humerus. It contains a variety of bone structures that are responsible for receiving the radius and ulna forming the elbow joint. Different morphological patterns according to the region studied, nutrition and ethnicity of the populations are described in the literature. Then, thecurrent study aims to analyze the morphometry and morphology of the distal epiphysis of humerus in a population in Northeast Brazil. Material and Methods: a total of 135 adult humeri were analyzed in this study. Olecranon fossa was classified in two types (triangular or oval) and linear measurements were collected bilaterally using a digital caliper. Values of p≤0.05 were considered significant. Results: the present study revealed a predominance of the triangular shape of the olecranon fossa (51.8%). No differences between sides were found for the morphometric parameters analyzed (p>0.05). Conclusion: for the first time, an analysis of the morphometric parameters of the distal humerus epiphysis and the main bone structures that compose the elbow joint in the Northeast region of Brazil was carried out. The knowledge of the morphological patterns of the distal epiphysis in this specific population might improve the work of several health professionals such as orthopedists, physiotherapists and radiologists. Diagnosis and treatment could have a better planning with this data, improving, for example, the creation of prostheses in articular fractures of the elbow joint.

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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.

Introduction: the patella is a bone located in thickness of the tendon of the quadriceps femoral muscle, being a constituent of the patellofemoral joint. Knowledge of its morphology is important to comprehend better the clinical and surgical conditions that affect this joint. The objective of the present study was to analyze the morphology of patella in human skeletons in a population in Northeastern Brazil. Material and Methods: 59 patella in a population in Northeastern Brazil were analyzed. The quantitative analysis includes measurements of the medial articular facet and the lateral articular facet of the patella. Qualitatively, the parameters observed were the patella shape, the presence of emargination and the type of patella, based on the width of the articular facets (Types I, II or III). Values of p<0,05 were considered significant. Results: the predominance of triangular shape in both sides (52.6%). We have accounted 54.2% emarginated patella, with a higher frequency on the left side (64.5%). There has been a higher amount of Type II (84.8%) patella, in which the medial articular facet is considerably smaller than the lateral one. The mean width of the medial articular facet was 18.20±0.52mm (11.90-24.20mm) on the right side, and 18.71±0.51mm (14.40-26.20mm) on the left side (p=0.48), whereas the lateral articular facet mean width was 24. 49±0.34mm (20.80-27.70mm) on the right side, and 23. 88±0.51mm (17.20-29.60mm) on the left side (p=0.33). Conclusion:For the first time, the morphometry of the patella was observed and registried in a population in Northeastern Brazil. The overall predominance of patella in this population is a triangular shape, with emargination and Type II or B.