Anatomical Study of the Duodenojejunal Uncinate Process Vein: A Key Landmark for Mesopancreatoduodenal Resection During Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Object Although the uncovertebral region is neurosurgically relevant, relatively little is reported in the literature, specifically the neurosurgical literature, regarding its anatomy. Therefore, the present study aimed at further elucidation of this region's morphological features. Methods Morphometry was performed on the uncinate processes of 40 adult human skeletons. Additionally, range of motion testing was performed, with special attention given to the uncinate processes. Finally, these excrescences were classified based on their encroachment on the adjacent intervertebral foramen. Results The height of these processes was on average 4.8 mm, and there was an inverse relationship between height of the uncinate process and the size of the intervertebral foramen. Degeneration of the vertebral body (VB) did not correlate with whether the uncinate process effaced the intervertebral foramen. The taller uncinate processes tended to be located below C-3 vertebral levels, and their average anteroposterior length was 8 mm. The average thickness was found to be 4.9 mm for the base and 1.8 mm for the apex. There were no significant differences found between vertebral level and thickness of the uncinate process. Arthritic changes of the cervical VBs did not necessarily deform the uncinate processes. With axial rotation, the intervertebral discs were noted to be driven into the ipsilateral uncinate process. With lateral flexion, the ipsilateral uncinate processes aided the ipsilateral facet joints in maintaining the integrity of the ipsilateral intervertebral foramen. Conclusions A good appreciation for the anatomy of the uncinate processes is important to the neurosurgeon who operates on the spine. It is hoped that the data presented herein will decrease complications during surgical approaches to the cervical spine.

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Anatomical projection of the cervical uncinate process in ventral, ventrolateral, and posterior decompressive surgery

Journal of Neurosurgery Spine ◽

10.3171/spi.2000.93.2.0248 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 93 (2) ◽

pp. 248-251 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Hasan Çağlar Uğur ◽

Aysun Uz ◽

Ayhan Attar ◽

İbrahim Tekdemir ◽

Nihat Egemen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Facet Joint ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Anatomical Study ◽

Uncinate Process ◽

Decompressive Surgery ◽

Horizontal Distance ◽

Content Type ◽

Anteroposterior Diameter ◽

Superior Margin ◽

Fine Print

Object. The cervical uncinate processes (UPs), their variations, and the relationships between the neurovascular structures and surrounding bone were investigated in this anatomical study. The object of this study was to highlight the important surgery-related considerations associated with ventral, ventrolateral, and posterior decompressive surgery. Methods. Forty-nine adult C3–7 dry bone samples were used, and 10 measurements were obtained for each vertebra. The anterior measurements involved the cervical uncinate process (UP): height, width, length, distance between its tip and vertebral foramina, interuncinate process distance, sagittal angle with the superior margin of the vertebral body (VB), VB anteroposterior diameter, and VB width. Posterior measurements involved the vertical distance between the superior border of the lamina at the lamina—facet joint and the tip of the UP, as well as the horizontal distance between the medial-most border of the superior facet and the tip of the UP. All symmetrical structures were measured bilaterally. There were no statistically significant differences between right- and left-sided measurements in this series. The height of the UP increased gradually at each segmental level between C-3 and C-7. The width of the UP did not change with segmental level (5.0 mm at C-3 compared with 5.3 mm at C-7). On average, the length of the UP was relatively constant. The distance from the tip of the UP to vertebral foramina averaged 1 mm at the C2–3 level and 1.5 mm at the C5–6 level. Interuncinate distance and VB width gradually increased and were highly variable, which appeared to be related with osteophyte formation. There was a slight gradual increase from C-3 to lower segments, and it paralleled with the midline anteroposterior diameter of the same VB. The angle between the UP and the superior margin of the VB exhibited great variety. The posterior measurements decreased gradually from C-3 to C-7. Conclusions. Based on the data obtained in this study, a surgeon is provided with a three-dimensional orientation as well as anatomical knowledge. This knowledge also allows for a more effective neurovascular decompression by minimizing the surgery-related complications.

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