Aim:This study aims to investigate the difference in C1 laminectomy length between the right and left sides and to determine the importance of considering the dominant vertebral artery in reducing complication risks.
Material and Methods:A total of five caucasian male cadavers were studied. The distance of the C1 posterior tubercle to the vertebral groove (A), the length of the vertebral groove (B) and diameter of vertebral artery were measured and statistically investigated. The study also involved CT scans obtained from all of the cadaver specimens.
Results:The mean distance of the C1 posterior tubercle to vertebral groove (A) on the right side was 20,20[plusmn]2,168 mm; on the left side was 16,40 [plusmn]2,881mm. The mean distance of vertebral groove (B) on the right side was 13,80[plusmn]0,8367 mm and 17,60 [plusmn]0,8944 mm on the left side.The mean diameter of vertebral arter on the right side was 3,580[plusmn]0,8367 mm and 3,70[plusmn]0,100 mm on the left side.
Conclusion:The vertebral groove was found to be longer on the dominant artery side. Therefore, safe C1 laminectomy areas are different lengths on the dominant and non-dominant sides. The length extent of the laminectomy area to be performed on the dominant artery side is shorter than on the non-dominant side. In cases where the C1 posterior arcus needs to be removed for decompression purposes, asymmetric decompression should be performed to reduce the risk of vertebral artery injury.
