Anatomia, histologia, embryologia2026; 55(4); e70154; doi: 10.1111/ahe.70154

Anatomical Insights Into the Equine Cervical Intervertebral Foramina: Implications for Veterinary Practice.

Previdelli, RL
·
Dash, RF
·
Rutland, CS
·
Tucker, R
·
Hawkins, A

Abstract: The equine cervical intervertebral foramina (IVF) represent vital anatomical regions facilitating the passage of spinal nerves and associated vasculature. An in-depth understanding of their anatomy is imperative for the safe implementation of diagnostic and surgical interventions. Despite their clinical significance, anatomical descriptions of the equine cervical IVF remain under-characterised in the existing literature, particularly in relation to the needs of equine veterinary surgeons. Our study provides comprehensive anatomical analysis of the IVF at the cervical vertebral levels C5/C6 and C6/C7 in the domestic horse (Equus caballus), targeting advancing clinical methodologies pertinent to cervical foraminotomy procedures. A series of anatomical dissections on equine cadavers' necks was performed to comprehensively evaluate the external musculature and establish contextual orientation, subsequently leading to more intricate dissections and descriptions. This study aimed to undertake descriptive anatomical dissections of the C5/C6 and C6/C7 IVF, employing direct observation of clinical and surgical importance. Data analysis included visual documentation with development of annotated diagrams to elucidate the spatial relationships between skeletal, muscular, neural, and vascular structures within and surrounding the C5/C6 and C6/C7 foramina. The results present a final, sequential, detailed anatomical characterisation of the IVF at the specified cervical levels, highlighting morphological descriptions, structural orientation, and adjacent tissue planes. Critical features relevant to clinical practice are delineated, notably the proximity of neurovascular structures to bony landmarks frequently encountered during surgical interventions. The descriptive anatomy in this study provides novel anatomical interpretations of the equine cervical IVF region and advocates for safer, evidence-based clinical practices in managing conditions that require clinical and surgical interventions.

Get Full Text

Publication Date: 2026-07-15 PubMed ID: 42454627DOI: 10.1111/ahe.70154Google Scholar: Lookup

The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.

Facebook X LinkedIn Email Copy

Summary
Cite This
Publication
Affiliations
MeSH
References
Citations

Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Objective Overview

This study provides a detailed anatomical analysis of the cervical intervertebral foramina (IVF) at the C5/C6 and C6/C7 levels in horses.
The research aims to improve the understanding of these critical structures to support safer and more effective veterinary diagnostic and surgical procedures, especially cervical foraminotomy.

Introduction and Research Importance

The cervical intervertebral foramina (IVF) are openings situated between vertebrae that allow spinal nerves and blood vessels to pass through.
Knowledge of the equine IVF anatomy is essential because it informs veterinary surgeons in diagnostic and surgical interventions in the neck region.
Despite their clinical significance, detailed anatomical descriptions of these foramina in horses have been limited in veterinary literature.

Research Objectives

To conduct an in-depth, descriptive anatomical study focused on the IVF at the crucial cervical levels C5/C6 and C6/C7 in horses.
To provide anatomical data that supports the advancement of clinical procedures such as cervical foraminotomy, which require precision around sensitive neurovascular structures.

Methodology

Dissections were performed on equine cadaver necks to explore the anatomy surrounding the IVF.
The study started with an examination of the external neck musculature to establish an external orientation and context.
Subsequent intricate dissections focused specifically on the C5/C6 and C6/C7 intervertebral foramina.
Visual documentation was acquired, including photographs and annotated diagrams, to illustrate the spatial relationships of:
- Skeletal structures (vertebrae)
- Muscle attachments and orientation
- Neural elements (spinal nerves)
- Vascular structures (blood vessels)

Key Findings

The study produced a comprehensive, sequential anatomical description of the IVF at C5/C6 and C6/C7 levels.
Morphological details were clarified, including size, shape, and orientation of the foramina relative to adjacent structures.
The work mapped the nearby muscle planes and tissues that surgeons encounter during neck surgery.
Crucially, the spatial proximity of neurovascular elements to identifiable bony landmarks was highlighted, directly informing surgical navigation and technique.

Clinical Implications

The clear anatomical illustrations and descriptions facilitate better surgical planning and risk assessment in equine veterinary practice.
By identifying precise anatomical landmarks and neurovascular relationships, the study helps reduce the risk of iatrogenic injury during cervical procedures.
The findings support a safer approach to diagnostic and therapeutic interventions such as cervical foraminotomy, potentially improving patient outcomes.
This anatomical knowledge is a valuable resource for veterinary surgeons who manage cervical spine conditions in horses.

Conclusion

This research fills a critical gap in equine veterinary anatomy by providing novel, detailed insights into the cervical IVF at levels most commonly associated with clinical intervention.
The descriptive anatomical characterisation enhances veterinary surgical practice, emphasizing evidence-based techniques for better safety and efficacy.
Overall, the study promotes improved clinical outcomes in managing equine cervical spine disorders through enhanced anatomical understanding.

Cite This Article

APA

Previdelli RL, Dash RF, Rutland CS, Tucker R, Hawkins A. (2026). Anatomical Insights Into the Equine Cervical Intervertebral Foramina: Implications for Veterinary Practice. Anat Histol Embryol, 55(4), e70154. https://doi.org/10.1111/ahe.70154

Publication

Anatomia, histologia, embryologia

ISSN: 1439-0264

NlmUniqueID: 7704218

Country: Germany

Language: English

Volume: 55

Issue: 4

Pages: e70154

Researcher Affiliations

Previdelli, Renato Lopes

Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK.

Dash, Rupert Frederick

Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK.

Rutland, Catrin Sian

School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK.

Tucker, Rachel

Liphook Equine Hospital, Hampshire, UK.

Hawkins, Alex

Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK.

MeSH Terms

Animals
Horses / anatomy & histology
Cervical Vertebrae / anatomy & histology
Cadaver
Spinal Nerves / anatomy & histology
Female
Dissection / veterinary
Intervertebral Disc / anatomy & histology

References

This article includes 28 references

Ashdown, R. R., and S. H. Done. 2011. Color Atlas of Veterinary Anatomy, Volume 2, The Horse. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Bosch, K., R. R. Zsoldos, A. Hartig, and T. Licka. 2025. “Motion Coupling at the Cervical Vertebral Joints in the Horse—An Ex Vivo Study Using Bone‐Anchored Markers.” Animals 15, no. 5: 2259. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15152259.
Caballo, J., A. Darden, S. Ahmad, and B. Boody. 2024. “The Cervical Intervertebral Foramen.” Clinical Spine Surgery a Spine Publication 38, no. 3: 97–102. https://doi.org/10.1097/bsd.0000000000001681.
Clayton, H. M., L. J. Kaiser, M. Lavagnino, and N. C. Stubbs. 2010. “Dynamic Mobilisations in Cervical Flexion: Effects on Intervertebral Angulations.” Equine Veterinary Journal 42, no. s38: 688–694. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042‐3306.2010.00196.x.
Corraretti, G., J. Vandeweerd, F. Hontoir, K. Vanderperren, and K. Palmers. 2020. “Anatomy and Ultrasound‐Guided Injection of the Medial Branch of the Dorsal Ramus of the Cervical Spinal Nerves in the Horse: A Cadaveric Study.” Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology 33, no. 6: 377–386. https://doi.org/10.1055/s‐0040‐1714301.
Dias, F. G. G., V. T. D. S. Almeida, V. M. R. Ramos, et al. 2024. “Comparison Between Cervical Vertebrae of Man and of the Domestic Animals.” Cuadernos de Educación y Desarrollo 16, no. 2: e3159. https://doi.org/10.55905/cuadv16n2‐020.
Elliott, R., and C. A. Boucher. 2018. “Radicular Compression of the Nerve Root in the Intervertebral Foramen by an Intervertebral Cervical Disc Extrusion of a Dachshund.” Veterinary Record Case Reports 6, no. 2: e000646. https://doi.org/10.1136/vetreccr‐2018‐000646.
Figueiredo, E. G., M. C. D. L. Cruz, N. Theodore, P. Deshmukh, and M. C. Preul. 2006. “Modified Cervical Laminoforaminotomy Based on Anatomic Landmarks Reduces Need for Bony Removal.” Min—Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery 49, no. 1: 37–42. https://doi.org/10.1055/s‐2006‐932146.
Fouquet, G., G. Abbas, J. P. Johnson, et al. 2022. “Ultrasound‐Guided Injection Technique of the Equine Cervical Nerve Roots.” Frontiers in Veterinary Science 9: 992208. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.992208.
Gilchrist, R. V. 2002. “Anatomy of the Intervertebral Foramen.” Pain Physician 5, no. 4: 372–378. https://doi.org/10.36076/ppj.2002/5/372.
Haussler, K., R. Pool, and H. Clayton. 2019. “Characterization of Bony Changes Localized to the Cervical Articular Processes in a Mixed Population of Horses.” PLoS One 14, no. 9: e0222989. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0222989.
Hojo, Y., M. Ito, K. Abumi, et al. 2011. “A Late Neurological Complication Following Posterior Correction Surgery of Severe Cervical Kyphosis.” European Spine Journal 20, no. 6: 890–898. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586‐010‐1590‐8.
Hou, G. L., C. M. Chen, K. T. Chen, et al. 2022. “Circumferential Decompression Technique of Posterior Endoscopic Cervical Foraminotomy.” BioMed Research International 2022, no. 1: 5873333. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/5873333.
Johnson, J., T. Vinardell, and F. David. 2021. “Ultrasound‐Guided Injections of the Equine Head and Neck: Review and Expert Opinion.” Journal of Equine Science 32, no. 4: 103–115. https://doi.org/10.1294/jes.32.103.
Kirnaz, S., H. Gebhard, T. Wong, et al. 2021. “Intraoperative Image Guidance for Cervical Spine Surgery.” Annals of Translational Medicine 9, no. 1: 93. https://doi.org/10.21037/atm‐20‐1101.
Kraan, G., P. V. Hoogland, and P. Wuisman. 2009. “Extraforaminal Ligament Attachments of the Thoracic Spinal Nerves in Humans.” European Spine Journal 18, no. 4: 490–498. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586‐009‐0881‐4.
Long, M., C. Dürnberger, F. Jenner, Z. Kelemen, U. Auer, and H. Grimm. 2022. “Quality of Life Within Horse Welfare Assessment Tools: Informing Decisions for Chronically Ill and Geriatric Horses.” Animals 12, no. 14: 1822. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12141822.
McElroy, A., A. M. Rashmir‐Raven, J. M. Manfredi, et al. 2019. “Evaluation of the Structure of Myodural Bridges in an Equine Model of Ehlers‐Danlos Syndromes.” Scientific Reports 9, no. 1: 9978. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598‐019‐46444‐w.
Pasquini, C. 1991. Atlas of Equine Anatomy: Regional Approach. 3rd ed. Sudz Publishing.
Pepe, M., M. Angelone, R. Gialletti, S. Nannarone, and F. Beccati. 2014. “Arthroscopic Anatomy of the Equine Cervical Articular Process Joints.” Equine Veterinary Journal 46, no. 3: 345–351. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.12112.
Prange, T., B. Shrauner, and A. Blikslager. 2015. “Epiduroscopy of the Lumbosacral Vertebral Canal in the Horse: Technique and Endoscopic Anatomy.” Equine Veterinary Journal 48, no. 1: 125–129. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.12470.
Rombach, N., N. C. Stubbs, and H. M. Clayton. 2014. “Prevalence of Osseous Pathology in the Articular Process Articulations in the Equine Cervical and Cranial Thoracic Vertebrae.” Equine Veterinary Journal 46: 10–10. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.12470.
Schmaltz, R. 1928. Anatomie des Pferdes: In den Grenzen der Vorlesung Dargestellt. 2nd ed. Schoetz.
Singh, B. 2018. Dyce, Sack, and Wensing's Textbook of Veterinary Anatomy. Saunders.
Sioutas, G. S., and S. Kapetanakis. 2016. “Clinical Anatomy and Clinical Significance of the Cervical Intervertebral Foramen: A Review.” Folia Morphologica 75, no. 2: 143–148. https://doi.org/10.5603/fm.a2015.0096.
Swagemakers, J., P. Daele, and M. Mageed. 2023. “Percutaneous Full Endoscopic Foraminotomy for Treatment of Cervical Spinal Nerve Compression in Horses Using a Uniportal Approach: Feasibility Study.” Equine Veterinary Journal 55, no. 5: 788–797. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13919.
Vandenbulcke, A., A. Sanjurjo, A. Rougemont, S. Boudabbous, and R. Maduri. 2024. “Subaxial Cervical Foraminal Chondromas: Case‐Based Discussion on Surgical Management.” Neurosurgical Review 47, no. 1: 834. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10143‐024‐03065‐w.
Wood, A., M. Sinovich, J. Prutton, and R. Parker. 2021. “Ultrasonographic Guidance for Perineural Injections of the Cervical Spinal Nerves in Horses.” Veterinary Surgery 50, no. 4: 816–822. https://doi.org/10.1111/vsu.13610.