Evaluation of the Distance of the V3 Segments of the Vertebral Artery to the C1 Lateral Mass and C2 Pedicle on the Dominant and Non-Dominant Sides: A Cadaver Study

Objective: Aim of this study is investigation of the risk of vertebral artery injury on the dominant and non-dominant vertebral artery sides at the craniocervical junction on cadavers. Methods: A total of five cadavers and 10 vertebral arteries injected with red latex were studied. Dissection was performed on all of the cadavers. The study also involved CT scans obtained from all of the cadaver specimens. Distance of C1 lateral mass medial wall to the V3 segment of the vertebral artery, distance of C1 lateral mass lateral wall to the V3 segment of the vertebral artery, distance of C2 pedicle medial wall to the V3 segment of the vertebral artery, and distance of C2 pedicle lateral wall to the V3 segment of the vertebral artery were measured and statistically analyzed. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between anatomical measurements on cadavers and on CT scan measurements. The data in the study demonstrated that the non-dominant (hypoplastic) vertebral artery follows a much closer course to the pedicle and the lateral mass, compared to the dominant artery. Conclusion: In conclusion, it has been shown that the vertebral artery may be easily injured during surgical procedures due to the anatomical proximity of the pedicle and lateral mass and the screws' entry points being much closer on the non-dominant side.