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Prevalence and Surgical Implications of the Arcuate Foramen: A 3D CT-Based Observational Study

NCT07130461 · Status: COMPLETED · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 200

Last updated 2025-08-19

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This study aims to determine the prevalence and types of the arcuate foramen (AF), an anatomical variation of the first cervical vertebra (atlas), using three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT). The arcuate foramen is formed when a bony bridge develops over the groove for the vertebral artery. Although often asymptomatic, it may increase the risk of vascular or nerve injury during surgery in the craniovertebral junction region.

In this retrospective observational study, 3D CT scans of 200 adult patients obtained between January 2023 and July 2025 at Giresun University Faculty of Medicine were reviewed. The presence of AF was classified as complete or incomplete, and also categorized according to its location (right, left, or bilateral). Associations with demographic variables (age, sex) were analyzed.

The results will help improve awareness of AF in preoperative planning for neurosurgical and spinal procedures, potentially reducing the risk of complications involving the vertebral artery and surrounding neurovascular structures.

Conditions

  • Arcuate Foramen
  • Anatomical Variations
  • Spine Surgery Complications

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Ondokuz Mayıs University

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Tamer Tamdogan, MD · Giresun University Faculty of Medicine

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-07-01
Primary Completion
2025-07-31
Completion
2025-07-31

Countries

  • Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07130461 on ClinicalTrials.gov