Muhammad Saeed, Musaad Al-fayez, Ashraf Hussain, Ramez Iqbal Hashmi, Syeda Arooj.
The Anatomy of Vertebral Artery. a study of 48 Cadaver Dissections.
Surgimed Med Dent J Jan ;1(2):7-10.

Objective: To study the patterns of origin, course and distribution of vertebral artery in neck and its anomalous occurrences in different ethnic groups though cadaver dissection. Study Design: A prospective study. Place of Study: The multicenter study was conducted at the laboratories of Human Anatomy, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh; Shifa College of Medicine, Islamabad and Islamic International Medical & Dental College, Riphah International University, Islamabad, from January, 2005 through January, 2009. Material and Methods: Forty eight bodies of different geographic and ethnic origin and of a mix gender were dissected macroscopically to find out the patterns of vertebral artery in neck. Results: Classical picture of origin, course and distribution of prevertebral segment of both vertebral arteries was observed in about 90% of the cadavers (Pakistani, Thai & Caucassian Germans). Only 10% left and 12% right vertebral arteries exhibited differing levels of entery into foramina transversaria of cervical spine. However, one caucassian, male cadaver had unilateral anomalous right vertebral artery. Conclusion: Anomalous origin, course and /or branching pattern of vertebral artery may lead to disturbance in vertebro-basilar haemodynamics, risking cerebrovascular insufficiency. The information about its course is crucial during diagnostic interventions and surgical procedures in the head and neck region.

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