European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Purpose: Developmental anomalies of the Atlas vertebrae are often encountered during the investigation of cervical pain. So this study was designed to find the variation of the Atlas vertebra.

Methods: A total of hundred dried Atlas vertebrae of unknown age and sex of the Northern population of India were examined to find the congenital defect of the Atlas vertebra in the Department of Anatomy.

Results: The presence of incomplete foramen transversarium was found in 6 % vertebrae. The Retroarticular canal was found in 9 %vertebrae. The bony spur originated from the posterior aspect of the superior articular facet was seen in 5% vertebrae. No anomaly was found in the anterior arch whereas aplasia of the posterior arch was found in 3% vertebrae.

Conclusion: The first cervical vertebra often presence the development anomaly. Such developmental abnormalities in different parts of Atlas vertebrae produce various clinical symptoms. The knowledge of such variation helps clinicians to distinguish it from the fracture and to find an accurate clinical diagnosis.