Morphometric Study of Uncinate Process of Cervical Vertebra and Its Surgical Importance

Introduction Uncinate process is a projection on the posterolateral margins of the superior surface of the body of cervical vertebra. They are involved in uncovertabral (Luschka’s) joints, with intervertebral foramen in between, which is related to the vertebral artery and spinal nerve roots. Osteophytes of uncinate process cause narrowing of intervertebral foramen, resulting in cervical spondylotic radiopathy. Objectives To measure the morphometric parameters of the uncinate process of cervical vertebra. To classify cervical vertebra on the basis of the encroachment of uncinate process on the adjacent intervertebral foramen. Materials and Methods 100 dry cervical vertebrae were obtained from regions in and around Mysore, Karnataka, India. Measurements were taken using digital Vernier callipers. Results Mean average values of the parameters are: width–3.389 ± 0.83 mm (right), 3.389 ± 0.86 mm (left); length–10.42 ± 1.46 mm (right), 10.64 ± 1.88 mm (left); height- 5.32 ± 1.36 mm (right), 5.21 ± 1.16 mm (left). Classification of uncinate process: Type 1 (no encroachment)–82%; Type 2 (inclined and encroached)–12%; Type 3 (not inclined, but large enough to encroach)–6% Conclusion Comparing the results of the present study with previous studies in different regions will help the neurosurgeons in determining the boundaries of uncinate process and allow adequate decompression of neural elements, with reduced risk of neurovascular structures during anterior decompression of spine.