The deep cervical artery supplies the deep posterior cervical muscles (semispinalis capitis and cervicis, splenius, multifidus). Its anastomosis with the occipital artery provides the posterior cervical collateral circulation. In posterior cervical spine surgery, the deep cervical artery branches must be controlled during lateral mass dissection to prevent haemorrhage.
| Origin | Costocervical trunk (from the subclavian artery, alongside the superior intercostal artery) |
|---|---|
| Course | Ascends posterior to the cervical transverse processes, anastomosing with the occipital artery and deep cervical muscle branches |
| Branches |
|
Uncontrolled deep cervical artery bleeding during posterior cervical fusion produces significant haemorrhage in the deep posterior cervical musculature, bipolar cautery and bone wax application to the bone foramina control bleeding. Vertebral artery injury in lateral mass screw placement requires immediate recognition and packing.
Deep cervical artery bleeding during posterior cervical fusion controlled with bipolar cautery and bone wax.
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