The occurrence of a retrotransverse foramen of the atlas has been investigated in a series of 409 nonhuman primates representative of 40 genera, and in a series of 500 human atlases (dried bones). In nonhuman primates, no retrotransverse foramen was found in any of the individuals studied. In humans, the retrotransverse foramen was observed in 71 cases (14.2%). It was present bilaterally in 21 cases (29.6% of the 71 foramina), and unilaterally in 50 cases (70.4%). The foramen was present in 44 cases on the right side, and 48 on the left side. The character was noted as present only if it was complete; partial forms were not recorded. Various aspects of the retrotransverse foramen were observed. The present observations suggest that the retrotransverse foramen is a uniquely derived trait (autapomorphy) within primates which is restricted to some individuals in Homo sapiens. Appearance of this foramen in human evolution can be related to the acquisition of the erect posture and bipedal locomotion, and consecutive modifications of the regional venous circulation.
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Systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of the retrotransverse foramen of the atlas.
J Anat
October 2023
International Evidence-Based Anatomy Working Group, Krakow, Poland.
The retrotransverse foramen (RTF) is a nonmetric variant of the atlas vertebra that can accommodate an anastomotic vertebral vein and occipital nerve. An understanding of this variation and its occurrence is crucial, as it could aid in explanation of the unidentified cause of the high prevalence of variability in this region. The aim of this meta-analysis was to obtain data on the prevalence of the RTF and its variations according to anatomy, sex, and ethnicity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe Prevalence and Morphometry of the Atlas Vertebra Retrotransverse Foramen.
Acta Med Acad
December 2022
Department of Anatomy and Surgical Anatomy, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
Objective: The current study records the prevalence of the accessory foramen, located posterior to the transverse foramen (TF), the so-called the retrotransverse foramen (RTF), its morphometry, exact location, and coexistence with ossified posterior bridges. Additionally, factors associated with the length of the RTF are investigated.
Materials: One-hundred and forty-one dried atlas vertebrae were examined.
Arterial Vascular Structures Running Through Retrotransverse Foramen and Retrotransverse Groove of the Atlas Vertebrae.
World Neurosurg
October 2021
Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China. Electronic address:
Objective: Retrotransverse foramen (RTF) and retrotransverse groove (RTG) are anatomic variations of the atlas (C1) vertebrae. RTF contains an anastomotic vein connecting atlanto-occipital and atlanto-axodian venous sinuses. The purpose of this study was to analyze the arterial vascular structures running though the RTF and RTG.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRetrotransverse Foramen and Retrotransverse Groove Anatomic Variations of the Atlas Vertebra in the Chinese Population.
World Neurosurg
August 2021
Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China. Electronic address:
Objective: To analyze the prevalence of retrotransverse foramen (RTF) or retrotransverse groove (RTG) anatomic variations in Chinese atlas vertebra (C1).
Methods: Three-dimensional volume-rendered computed tomography angiography images of 427 subjects (264 males, 163 females; 17-87 years old) were reviewed and evaluated using dedicated software. The prevalence of RTF and RTG anatomic variation of C1 was analyzed.
The Retrotransverse Foramen of the Atlas Is not a Modern Anatomic Variation.
World Neurosurg
March 2019
Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa.
Background: The retrotransverse foramen (RTF) is a nonmetric variant of the atlas vertebra that consists of an abnormal accessory foramen located on the posterior root of the transverse process and it extends from the posterior root of the transverse process to the root of the posterior arch. Its presence has been related to regional variations of the venous circulation. It is currently unknown whether the RTF is a modern or an ancient anatomic variation.
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