Morphometric study of cervical vertebrae C3-C7 in South Indian population –A clinico-anatomical approach

Knowledge about the dimensions of the vertebral elements is necessary for the development of instrumentation related to cervical spine. Ethnic variations have been reported in these dimensions. This study included 350 dry cervical vertebras (C3-C7) of unknown age and sex, collected from the department of Anatomy, Mahathma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry and other medical colleges in and around Puducherry. The dimensions of vertebral bodies, pedicles, laminae, spinous process, superior and inferior articular processes were measured and compared. No significant difference was noted between the measurements taken on the right and left side. The dimensions of the vertebral bodies were seen to be larger at lower levels. The larger dimensions of the pedicle were seen in C3 and thereafter decreased at lower levels. Height and length of lamina progressively increased from C3 to C7. The spinous process length was greatest at C7. The height of pedicle, superior and inferior articular processes decreased towards the lower cervical level.