Vertebral vascular foramen

Last revised by Amanda Er on 5 Jul 2022

Vertebral vascular foramina, also known as Hahn canal or cleft, are normal findings seen on cross-sectional imaging and should not be mistaken for a fracture, especially in the setting of trauma. They transmit:

  • basivertebral veins (forms Hahn's canal): foramen is seen on the posterior surface of the vertebral body in the midline
  • intraosseous nutrient arteries: foramen usually seen anterolaterally
  • basivertebral nerve

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