INTRODUCTION: Several surgical techniques have been carried through in the skull-cervical region due to various pathologies. During the surgical access to this region, a potential risk of iatrogenic injury of the vertebral artery exists, related to extended lateral access and the inadequate evaluation of the local anatomy. Variations in the groove of the vertebral artery lead to a greater risk of vascular injury during surgery. Preoperative image study of the vertebral artery anatomy and its groove has been realized to enhance surgical safety. OBJECTIVE: to study the morphometry of atlas vertebral artery on computed tomography scan images of the vertebral artery groove (VAG) in 30 dry atlas. METHODS: VAG and its relationship with the midline were evaluated through eight linear and two angular measures, bilaterally. The average, maximum and minimum values, and standard deviation were calculated for each parameter. RESULTS: VAG has shown to be wider and thicker on the left side (p<0,05). CONCLUSION: our data suggest that the posterior and superior dissection of the posterior arch must be made at lateral distance of 11,2mm and 7,4mm to the midline in order to provide safety during the procedure.
Spine; Atlas; Vertebral artery; Spinal fusion
