Morphometry of the cervical uncinate process and its relation to the vertebral artery in a select Kenyan population: A computed tomography study

Abstract

Background: The cervical uncinate process (UP) is of clinical importance due to its proximity to vital neurovascular structures that are at risk of compression as well as iatrogenic injury during anterior cervical spine surgery. This study therefore aimed to describe the morphometric features of the UP and its relation to the vertebral artery. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at the Department of Radiology, Kenyatta National Hospital. One hundred contrast-enhanced neck CT scan images were obtained in coronal reformat, and the following parameters were analyzed using NeusoftTM software: the UP extents, height, width, angle of inclination, and uncovertebral artery distance. Results: The UP was observed caudally at C7 (100%), T1 (49%), and T2 (1%). Sex, age, vertebral level, as well as side differences were observed in the aforementioned parameters. Conclusion: The variations in the UP morphometry emphasize the utility of CT imaging of the UP in order to reduce the incidence of surgical complications as well as in the diagnosis of related pathologies. The knowledge of the vertebral artery’s proximity to the UP is useful during procedures of the cervical spine in order to reduce the incidence of iatrogenic injury to the artery.