A morphological study of ponticuli of the human atlas vertebrae

• Author Details:   
• Mohini Madhukarrao Joshi ^*
• Sandeep Pakhale
• Kamal Pawar

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Background: Dried human atlas vertebrae have been used in this study on ponticuli. Knowing these anatomic variations may help interpret radiological findings, prevent vertebral artery damage during posterior atlas instrumentation, and prevent craniovertebral manipulation as the number of surgeries on the atlanto-axial junction has increased.

Aim and Objectives: The following observations about the specimens were the focus of the present study.

The presence of unilateral or bilateral ponticuli, right or left side ponticuli, posterior, lateral posterolateral, complete, or incomplete ponticuli.

Materials and Methods: For the present study, 60 dried human atlas vertebrae were used. The following parameters were noted: the presence of ponticuli, whether they were complete or incomplete, and whether they were on the right or left side.

Inclusion Criteria: The study included human atlas vertebrae that appeared to be normal and devoid of any acquired or congenital abnormalities.

Exclusion Criteria: The study did not include human atlas vertebrae that were fractured or distorted, occipitalized, or joined with axis vertebrae.

Results: 18 (30%) of the 60 human atlas vertebrae that were examined in this study exhibited ponticuli. The ponticulus was complete in four (6.66%) atlas vertebrae and incomplete in fourteen (23.33%) vertebrae. 13% were bilateral, and 5% were unilateral. Three of the eighteen ponticuli were located on the right side, two on the left, and thirteen on each side.

Conclusion: The current study contributes to our understanding of the anatomy and variations of the atlas vertebra. Neurologists, neurosurgeons, and the medical community at large must be familiar with the normal anatomy and variations of the atlas.

Keywords: Atlas vertebra, Ponticuli, Incidence