Abstract
BACKGROUND: The vertebral artery groove (VAG), located on the posterior arch of the first cervical (atlas) vertebra plays a pivotal role in guiding the vertebral artery's (VA) third part (V3). Deviations in VAG morphology and morphometry (dimensions) can influence vascular dynamics and pose clinical implications. AIM: The current study delves into the morphometric variants and explores the less-explored morphometric variable of the VAG thickness, highlighting possible laterality (asymmetry). METHODS: A morphometric investigation was conducted on 141 dried atlas (73 male and 68 female) vertebrae from a Greek adult population. The VAG's minimum thickness was investigated by considering the laterality (sides' differences), gender, and age impact on it. Measurements were performed by two independent researchers, ensuring the data reliability. RESULTS: A significant asymmetry was identified in the VAG thickness between the left (3.9 ± 0.9 mm) and right (4.1 ± 1.1 mm) (p=0.005) sides, with the left side having the mean minimum thickness. Gender had a significant impact on VAG thickness only on the left side, with females presenting a significantly thinner left-sided VAG (3.6 ± 0.9 mm) than males (4.10 ± 0.7 mm) (p=0.001). Age had no significant impact on the VAG thickness. Conclusion: The present study underscores the significance of asymmetry in the VAG thickness in craniocervical interventions. This less-explored morphometric variable warrants careful consideration by surgeons during preoperative planning to minimize potential complications. The current findings highlight the importance of understanding the VAG thickness asymmetry and its clinical implications, as this osseous variable may be an index of a different diameter of the VA by side. It is recommended that surgeons incorporate this variable into their preoperative assessments to improve the safety and efficacy of craniocervical interventions.