Transverse process anatomy as a guide to vertebral artery exposure during anterior cervical spine approach

Safe exposure of the vertebral artery (VA) is needed during resection of tumors close to the artery and during repair of lacerations. We defined the anatomy of the anterior root of each transverse process (TP) from C3 to C6 for identification and exposure of the VA during the anterior approach. We examined the anatomy of the TP and assessed two approaches for safe identification of the VA, lateral to medial and medial to lateral dissection of the TP, in 20 cadavers. The safe zone at each level of the cervical spine was defined as an area in which the surgeon can start to dissect at the midline of that level on the TP and safely cross the VA laterally. For the lateral to medial approach the surgical safe zone lies between the mid axis of the TPs and a line 2 mm parallel to and above it. The average TP angle was 11 ± 10.2 degrees. The mean distance of the lateral border of the VA from the TP tip was 3.78–5.28 mm. For the medial to lateral approach, staying at the level of the upper vertebral end plate will lead the surgeon to the tip of the TP. From that point, dissection can be carried out as described above. This study examined the anatomy of the TP and defined the approach to expose the VA safely during anterior cervical spine exposure. Clin. Anat. 30:492–497, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

锁骨下动脉、颈总动脉和椎动脉分叉处血流动力学数值模拟

目的:探讨锁骨下动脉、颈总动脉和椎动脉分叉处的血流动力学特性,分析该处发生血管狭窄引起大脑供血不足的 血流动力学原因。方法:采用内蒙古民族大学附属医院神经内科提供的CT数据,应用医学建模软件MIMICS20.0将患者 二维CT数据进行三维血管重建,经过网格划分及边界条件设置后导入计算流体力学软件FLUENT14.5中。计算和分析 不同血液入口速度的锁骨下动脉、颈总动脉和椎动脉分叉处的血流动力学特性。结果:在血液入口速度不同的情况下,锁 骨下动脉、颈总动脉和椎动脉分叉处的血液流场分布、血液压力分布和血管壁面切应力分布有显著变化。在血液入口速 度增大时,锁骨下动脉分叉处和颈总动脉分叉处的血液流速快、血管壁压力大,颈总动脉内侧血管壁面切应力大,但锁骨 下动脉分叉处和颈总动脉分叉处血管壁面切应力数值和变化幅度小,属于低切应力区。结论:通过血流动力学数值模拟 研究,分析锁骨下动脉、颈总动脉和椎动脉分叉处易发生粥样斑块病变导致大脑供血不足的血流动力学原因。     

Bilateral variations of the vertebral arteries: The left originating from the aortic arch and the left and right entering the C5 transverse foramina

During the dissection course for second year medical students at the University of Toyama in 2005, we encountered variations of the bilateral vertebral arteries: the left directly came off from the aortic arch as the third branch between the left common carotid artery and the left subclavian artery and entered the transverse foramen of C5, instead of C6, whereas the right originated from the right subclavian artery and entered the transverse foramen of C5. The present vertebral artery of each side was possibly formed by the 6th cervical intersegmental artery linked with the longitudinal anastomoses between the cervical intersegmental arteries. Detailed knowledge of vertebral artery variations is crucially important for surgical treatment of blood vessels in the brain, neck and chest.     

颈椎不稳与椎动脉缺血动物模型的实验与构建

背景：颈椎病是颈椎椎间盘组织退行性改变及其继发病理改变累及其周围组织结构。颈椎不稳与椎-基底动脉缺血的动物模型是研究颈椎病病理生理以及治疗的关键。 目的：对颈椎不稳与椎-基底动脉缺血的动物模型进行阐述,探讨动物模型实验研究的新进展。 方法：由作者应用计算机检索PubMed数据库及CNKI数据库1979至2012年,在英文标题和摘要中以“cervical instability,basal - vertebral artery ischemia”和“animal model”检索,中文文献检索以“颈椎不稳,椎动脉缺血,动物模型”为关键词,选择内容与颈椎不稳、椎动脉缺血、动物模型相关的文章,同一领域文献则选择近期发表或发表在权威杂志文章,共纳入43篇文献。 结果与结论：目前建立合适的理想的颈椎病模型尚需继续探讨。利用动物颈椎病模型进行的研究,目前多集中在病因、发病机制和生物化学等方面,由于颈椎病的病因及发病机制目前尚不清楚,现有的造模方法难以全面重现人类颈椎病模型,故模型成立、阳性率及造模时间合适的、理想的颈椎病模型尚需探讨。 中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：肾移植;肝移植;移植;心脏移植;组织移植;皮肤移植;皮瓣移植;血管移植;器官移植;组织工程全文链接：     

颅外椎动脉侧支吻合的观察及其临床意义

目的：观察椎动脉颅外段的仙支吻合情况,并探讨其临床意义,方法：17具防腐尸体标本并结合5具头颈部血管铸型标本,观察椎动脉与颈 脉,锁骨下动脉分支之间的血管吻合,结果：椎动脉与颈动脉的分支颈升动脉,咽升动脉以及颈深动脉等有广泛的吻合,一般为细小的肌支吻合,椎动脉与枕动脉间的血管吻合比较恒定,有两种类型：直接吻合（10％）和肌支吻合（占90％）。结论：颅外椎动脉侧支吻合是椎动脉代偿机制的重要解剖学基础之一,在椎基底动脉供血不足发病中有重要的意义。     

枢椎横突孔观测及其临床意义

目的 :探讨枢椎横突孔结构在转头引起寰枢段椎动脉狭窄或闭塞的临床解剖学意义。方法 :观测 10 0例枢椎横突孔上口的开口方向、孔径、上口与下口之间的成角、以及横突孔水平距离。结果 :两侧枢椎横突孔孔径相差不大 ,最大径为 6.1± 0 .7mm,最小径 5.4± 0 .6mm。两侧横突孔上口开口方向明显不对称 ,上口与下口之间的角度为 12 7± 2 2°,左侧较右侧明显 ,甚至形成直角或锐角 ,且左侧横突孔水平距离较长 ,说明椎动脉在孔内弯曲或扭曲。结论 :枢椎横突孔的结构对其中椎动脉起着一种牵系作用 ,在寰枢椎不稳时易导致椎动脉的损害     

下颈椎椎动脉孔及其毗邻的解剖学和影像学观测

目的：为下颈椎前路手术预防椎动脉损伤提供解剖学数据。方法：(1)取20具尸体的C3～7段作为解剖标本,作两侧椎动脉孔内缘间距、椎体横、矢径、椎动脉孔内缘和椎弓根内缘间距、椎动脉孔内缘和椎体外缘间距、 椎动脉孔内缘和钩突关节内外缘间距、椎动脉孔前后缘与椎体前后缘的垂直距离、 椎动脉孔矢径的测量。(2)选30例已确诊为颈椎病患者和50例正常人作为检测对象,用CT测量上述数据。 结果： (1) C_3～7两侧横突孔内缘间距、椎体横径、椎体矢径、C_3～6椎动脉孔矢径逐渐增大。(2) 钩突内缘与椎动脉孔内缘间距在6 mm之内, C_3～6椎体外缘与椎动脉孔内缘间距不超过3 mm。(3) C_3～6 横突孔矢径和椎体矢径比值恒定(30.32%～31.86%), C_3～5 椎动脉孔前缘与椎体前缘距离逐渐减小,C_3～5椎动脉孔后缘与椎体后缘距离逐渐增加。结论：本文的测量数值与不同个体的椎动脉资料相结合,为预防椎动脉损伤提供了解剖学依据。     

Retroesophageal right subclavian artery: a case report and review of the literature

BackgroundVariations of vessels arising from the aortic arch are numerous. One of the common anatomical variations is the right subclavian artery originating as the last branch of the aortic arch. This is a report of a case of an adult male cadaver with a retroesophageal right subclavian artery.ObjectiveTo highlight the significance of a retroesophageal right subclavian artery, especially its clinical and surgical implications.MethodIs a report of a case of an anomalous vessel found during routine student dissection of the chest region in a male cadaver.ResultThe retroesophageal subclavian artery was seen originating as the last branch from the postero-lateral aspect of the thoracic aorta at the vertebral level T4. The heart was normal with no other vascular variations seen in this region.ConclusionAnatomists and pathologists mainly encounter a retroesophageal right subclavian artery by chance and is usually described as asymptomatic, but several clinical conditions have been associated with its occurrence. This is a clear example of when knowledge of an anatomical variation is helpful in clinical practice.     

Fenestration and duplication of the vertebral artery

The vertebral artery (VA) acts as a foundation for the posterior circulation of the head and neck. It presents a number of anomalies that can be easily visualized thanks to modern imaging techniques, such as MR and CT angiography or color Doppler ulrasonography. Determining the appropriate terminology for those anomalies can be sometimes more challenging than their recognition. One particular challenge concerns the differentiation betweenVA fenestration and duplication. Because of the different clinical prognoses associated with those anomalies, confusion should be avoided. Knowledge of the morphological anomalies associated with the VA is important for both radiologists and head and neck surgeons, because any injury to the VA can result in a threat to the vascular supply of the brain stem, the cerebral or cerebellar hemispheres, the thalamus, cervical nerve roots and particularly the lateral medulla (Wallenberg's syndrome). This article analyses world literature concerning the issue of VA fenestration and duplication to facilitate a differential diagnosis. Clin. Anat. 26:933–943, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

椎动脉、颈交感干和颈长肌的解剖关系及其在颈椎手术中的意义

目的研究椎动脉、颈交感干和颈长肌的相互关系,为颈椎前入路手术提供参考资料。方法采用12具正常尸体标本,测量椎动脉起始部至第6颈椎(C6)横突孔间距及其与前斜角肌内侧缘的夹角,并测量C6水平椎动脉至颈长肌内侧缘的距离、两颈长肌内侧缘的距离、颈交感干至颈长肌内侧缘的距离、颈交感干至颈正中线的距离。结果椎动脉起始部至第6颈椎横突孔的间距为(47.76±17.28)mm。在C6水平椎动脉至颈长肌内侧缘的距离为(8.25±2.03)mm,与前斜角肌内侧缘的夹角为24.28°±2.13,°两颈长肌内侧缘的距离为(13.78±1.49)mm,颈交感干至颈长肌内侧缘的距离为(14.57±1.62)mm,至颈正中线的距离为(20.64±2.42)mm。结论颈椎前入路手术中对椎动脉及颈交感干的定位应参照颈长肌、前斜角肌等重要标志,并应注意椎动脉可能的变异。在C6水平,颈交感干与颈长肌的距离最近,为手术中容易误伤的结构。     

MSCTA多种后处理方法对椎动脉病变的诊断

目的利用多层螺旋CT血管造影(multi-slice spiral CTangiography,MSCTA)观察椎动脉的常见病变,探讨其发病部位、原因及CTA表现,并比较几种常见三维后处理技术对椎动脉病变显示的优缺点。方法128例临床怀疑有椎动脉病变的病人,其中男性72例,女性56例,年龄35～82岁,平均年龄58.5岁。临床表现为发作性头昏、眩晕者92例,头痛者79例,颈部疼痛者55例,上肢麻木者23例,听力减退者9例,视力减退者7例,有高血压动脉硬化病史者75例。行16层螺旋CTA检查,然后应用容积重建(volume rendering,VR)、透明化容积重建(hyalinize volume rendering,hVR)、最大密度投影(maximun intensity projection,MIP)和曲面重建(curved planar reformation,CPR)等三维后处理技术对椎动脉进行观察,统计分析椎动脉迂曲、管腔变细、管腔局限性狭窄、非钙化斑块、钙化斑块、管腔闭塞、动脉瘤和起源变异等8种常见病变的发病部位、原因及各种成像技术的发现率。其中27例在CTA检查后2周内行DSA检查。结果128例病人,256条椎动脉,共发现椎动脉迂曲80条;椎动脉变细42条;管腔局限性狭窄28条,其中23条(82.1%)为粥样硬化斑块所致,5条(17.9%)为骨质压迫所致,14条(50.0%)发生在椎前部,5条(17.9%)发生在横突部,9条(32.1%)发生在颅内部;管壁非钙化斑块15条,曲面重建观察到14条;管壁钙化斑块8条,均被MIP和曲面重建发现,透明化VR发现0条;管腔闭塞5条,均发生在椎前部;椎动脉瘤3条,均发生在颅内部;起源变异4条,均为左侧椎动脉直接起源于主动脉弓。27例(54条椎动脉)既行CTA又行DSA检查的对照分析显示,CTA对椎动脉狭窄的敏感度为81.3%,特异度为94.7%,准确度为90.7%。结论多层螺旋CT血管造影对椎动脉常见病变的诊断具有重要价值,各种后处理方法对不同病变的显示各有优缺点,宜结合观察。     

An anatomical study with clinical application of one branch of the supraclavicular artery

The supraclavicular flap is an important method for the reconstruction of the neck. In this study, the authors attempted to clarify the mechanism of blood flow into the supraclavicular flap based on the thoracic branch of the supraclavicular artery. Additionally, the authors discuss the clinical application of such anatomy. Thirty fresh cadavers and 13 preserved cadavers were dissected to observe the anatomic features of the pectorally extended supraclavicular flap. Additionally, 46 clinical cases were treated with such a flap. We identified two branches of the supraclavicular artery. A deltoid branch that extended to the acromial region and a thoracic branch that traveled to the anterior thoracic region. Using these data, all such flaps operated by us have to date, survived with satisfactory results. The pectorally extended supraclavicular flap could be used to repair defects on the ipsilateral or contralateral face, neck, and anterior thorax. Clin. Anat. 22:215–220, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

小脑下后动脉在枕骨大孔区的解剖学研究

目的对颅后窝枕骨大孔区小脑下后动脉进行观察与测量,并探讨其临床意义。方法选取成人颅底标本15例,观察枕骨大孔区小脑下后动脉位置、走行、毗邻关系及其分布,测量相关数据并进行统计学处理。结果颅后窝枕骨大孔区小脑下后动脉左右两侧起始部外径:左侧为1.32~1.49 mm,平均(1.41±0.05)mm;右侧为1.27~1.49 mm,平均(1.39±0.07)mm,左右管径比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);小脑下后动脉走行呈“S”形,与第Ⅸ、Ⅹ、Ⅺ对脑神经的位置关系密切。结论小脑下后动脉在枕骨大孔区起点走行、分布具有特有的解剖特点,在临床中枕骨大孔区小脑下后动脉相关疾病的手术时应避免医源性损伤。     

The arterial supply of the cervical and thoracic spinal muscles and overlying skin: Anatomical study with implications for surgical wound complications

Postoperative spinal wound dehiscence is a significant complication following the posterior midline approach. It is postulated that this approach disrupts the vasculature supplying the paraspinal muscles and overlying skin. Although the spinal vasculature has been investigated previously, the smaller arterioles have not been described in the context of the posterior midline approach. Eight cadaveric neck and posterior torso specimens were dissected after injection with a radio‐opaque lead oxide mixture and subsequent radiographs taken were analyzed. The deep cervical, vertebral, superficial cervical, and occipital arteries consistently supplied the cervical paraspinal muscles. The latter two arteries also vascularized the overlying skin. The deep cervical arteries were found to be located lateral to the C3 to C6 vertebrae, vulnerable to damage with the posterior approach. In the thoracic region, the superior and posterior intercostal arteries consistently supplied the spinal muscles. In all specimens, two small anastomotic vessels posterior to the laminae were found connecting the intercostal artery perforators. Both the arterial perforators and their anastomotic channels were situated in the surgical field and susceptible to damage with the posterior approach. It is likely that the disruption in spinal vasculature contributes to the multifactorial problem of wound dehiscence with the posterior midline approach. Clin. Anat. 26:584–591, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

极外侧经髁人路识别和保护椎动脉的显微解剖学研究

目的 为极外侧经髁入路术中识别和保护椎动脉提供翔实的显微解剖学资料。方法 模拟极外侧经髁入路对10例成人尸头标本进行显微解剖．对椎动脉进行观察、测量和拍照。尤其关注椎动脉识别和保护的方法。结果 肩胛提肌和头下斜肌、头外侧直肌、C2神经前支、寰椎横突、寰推后结节和椎动脉周围静脉丛是识别椎动脉的解剖标志；椎动脉行程曲折，易受损伤，术中应妥善保护。结论 观察、测量的结果有助于术中椎动脉的识别和保护。     

A further morphological study of the persistent median artery in neonatal cadavers

Summary Persistent median artery was studied in 60 upper limbs of 30 neonatal cadavers. It was found in 12 (20%) specimens while partial atrophy in the distal part of the median artery was detected in 9 (15%) specimens. These findings correlated well with those of other series including the authors' previous study which covered both adults and neonates. There was no significant difference statistically between the authors' current and previous studies (p>0,05). Therefore both studies were combined. The incidence of persistent median artery in this enlarged series (100 specimens) was 17%. This rate of persistent median artery was higher than those of most other published series. We believe this may be due to evolutionary and racial trends; the neonatal origin of our specimens would be another differing factor. Partial atrophy of the median artery, and the different incidences in neonates and adults raised the possibility that the median artery regresses at a later age, possibly during perinatal and early infancy period.Presented at the Second International symposium of Clinical Anatomy, September 12–14, 1996, Varna, Bulgaria     

A further morphological study of the persistent median artery in neonatal cadavers

Persistent median artery was studied in 60 upper limbs of 30 neonatal cadavers. It was found in 12 (20%) specimens while partial atrophy in the distal part of the median artery was detected in 9 (15%) specimens. These findings correlated well with those of other series including the authors’ previous study which covered both adults and neonates. There was no significant difference statistically between the authors’ current and previous studies (p>0,05). Therefore both studies were combined. The incidence of persistent median artery in this enlarged series (100 specimens) was 17%. This rate of persistent median artery was higher than those of most other published series. We believe this may be due to evolutionary and racial trends; the neonatal origin of our specimens would be another differing factor. Partial atrophy of the median artery, and the different incidences in neonates and adults raised the possibility that the median artery regresses at a later age, possibly during perinatal and early infancy period.Presented at the Second International symposium of Clinical Anatomy, September 12-14, 1996, Varna, Bulgaria     

Rare multiple combined anomaly of the vertebral vessels and bronchial artery

Reported herein is a rare case of multiple vascular anomalies involving the vertebral vessels and the bronchial artery. In the present case the vertebral artery, which normally originates from the subclavian artery, arose directly from the cranial side of the aortic arch, just between the left common carotid and subclavian artery. Furthermore, the bilateral entry of the vertebral artery deviated to the upper level of the transverse foramen of the cervical vertebrae (C5). In addition, the left vertebral vein went through the transverse canal via the 5th and 7th transverse foramen, and drained into the left venous angle. Another conspicuous variation observed in this cadaver was the bronchial artery stemming from the left subclavian artery. This phenotype is an additional branch of bronchial arteries, which in normal cases arises from the descending aorta. These two anomalies could be explained by the deviation of the anlage for the left subclavian artery. The present report should be of interest for the clinician with regard to vascular anomalies in the neck and thoracic region, and may give insight into elucidating the developmental mechanism of angiogenesis.     

老年人椎动脉的解剖学观测及意义

目的:为颈部推拿手法治疗提供老年人椎动脉的解剖学资料。方法:对20具老年人尸体标本椎动脉的行程、弯曲和管径等情况进行解剖学观察,并与10具年轻人尸体标本做比较。结果:老年人标本椎动脉的弯曲明显多于年轻人。多者达10余处,C2～G6段弯曲多为增生的Luscka关节向外推挤所致;左右侧椎动脉管径相差悬殊者并不少见。结论:老年人椎动脉变异较多,易受损伤。