Variable Morphology of the Axis Vertebrae in 100 Specimens: Implications for Clinical Palpation and Diagnostic Imaging
Received 13 January 2009; received in revised form 12 August 2009
Abstract
Objective
The purpose of this study was to investigate and measure the variable morphologies of axis vertebrae and explore the clinical significance of variations as it may pertain to clinical palpation and diagnostic imaging.
Methods
The common variable morphologies in 100 specimens of intact dry adult axis vertebrae (Chinese) were investigated and measured. The frequencies in deviation of odontoid processes, deviation of spinous processes, and presence of bifid spinous processes were observed. The distances between the apices of transverse processes and inferior articular facets were also measured.
Results
Variable morphologies of C2 that we observed were deviation of odontoid processes (14 cases, 14.0%), deviation of spinous processes (3 cases, 3.0%), and bifid spinous processes (95 cases, 95.0%). Of the bifid spinous processes, 56 had a process on the left side equal to the right side, 21 were longer on the left, and 18 were longer on the right. The distances between apices of transverse processes and inferior articular facets in the left side of C2 were 17.67 ± 2.47 mm, and that of the right side were 17.81 ± 2.55 mm.
Conclusions
Because variable morphology of the axis is common, congenital deviation of the odontoid process, deviation of the spinous process, and asymmetrical bifid spinous processes should be taken into account during clinical palpation and diagnostic imaging.
aSpecialist, Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
bSpecialist, Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
cSpecialist, Department of Orthopedics, Guangzhou Liu Hua Qiao Hospital, Guangzhou, China
dProfessor, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
eProfessor, Department of Orthopedics, Jiangmen Central Hospital (Affiliated Jiangmen Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University), Jiangmen, China
fAssociate Professor, Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
gSpecialist, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
Submit requests for reprints to: Li Yi-Kai, PhD, Professor, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, No. 1838, North of Guangzhou Great Road, BaiYun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510515, China
ABSTRACT