MORPHOLOGICAL AND MORPHOMETRIC STUDY OF FORAMEN MAGNUM IN DRIED HUMAN SKULL BONES OF NORTH-WEST INDIAN REGION

Background: The Foramen Magnum is communication between vertebral canal and posterior cranial fossa and important landmark to key structures such as brain, spinal cord, vertebral arteries. Anatomical knowledge of the foramen magnum is significant for understanding the pathophysiology of various disorders of the craniovertebral junction as well as for planning surgical procedures. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 62 dry skulls of unknown gender obtained from the Department of Anatomy. The shape of foramen magnum was classified as oval, round, tetragonal, pentagonal, hexagonal and irregular in shape and measurements like anterio-posterior diameter and transverse diameter of foramen magnum were taken using the Digital Vernier sliding caliper. Results: In the present study most common shape was oval in 22 (35.48%) skulls, followed by Egg shape in 12 (19.35%) skulls and least common pentagonal shape in 1(1.61%) skulls. In our study the mean anteroposterior diameter was 34.17 mm. and mean transverse diameter was observed to be 28.86 mm. Conclusion: Results of our present study may help in neurosurgeons, orthopedicians, radiologist and anesthetist in North West indian population. KEY WORDS: foramen magnum, skull, transverse diameter, oval.

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MORPHOMETRIC STUDY OF OCCIPITAL CONDYLES IN ADULT DRY HUMAN SKULLS OF RAJASTHAN POPULATION

10.36106/ijsr/8200763 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1-4

Author(s):

Devesh Kumar Sharma

Keyword(s):

Craniovertebral Junction ◽

Foramen Magnum ◽

Mean Value ◽

The Body ◽

Morphometric Study ◽

Transverse Diameter ◽

The Mean ◽

Human Skulls ◽

Gandhi Medical College ◽

Occipital Condyles

BACKGROUND: Skull is the most complex osseous structure in the body. Foramen magnum (FM) is an important landmark of the base of the skull. Anteriorly on each side of FM oval occipital condyles are present. The occipital condyles project downwards to articulate with the superior articular facets on lateral masses of the atlas vertebra to form synovial atlanto-occipital joint. Understanding the anatomy of the occipital condyles is important for different approaches. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to morphometric analysis of occipital condyles and foramen magnum and its importance in transcondylar approach. MATERIALAND METHODS: The present study was carried out on 75 dry human skulls of unknown age and sex from Rajasthan population from the department of Mahatma Gandhi Medical College Jaipur, Rajasthan. All the measurements were taken with the help of digital vernier calipers. RESULTS :The mean value of anterior intercondylar distance was 21.50mm and posterior intercondylar was 38.99mm. The mean anteroposterior diameter was 35.11±3.12mm ans transverse diameter was 29.35±3.48mm. CONCLUSION :The occipital condyles form the lateral limits of the cranio-vertebral junction. The configuration and orientation of the occipital condyles, as well as the location of the intracranial and extracranial orifices of hypoglossal canal may affect the lateral approaches to the craniovertebral junction

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STUDY OF MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF FORAMEN MAGNUM IN DRY HUMAN SKULL AT SMS MEDICAL COLLEGE, JAIPUR, RAJASTHAN

International Journal of Medical and Biomedical Studies ◽

10.32553/ijmbs.v5i3.1786 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Krati Bhardwaj ◽

Chandrakala Agarwal ◽

Dhiraj Saxena ◽

Jitendra Singh

Keyword(s):

Craniovertebral Junction ◽

Foramen Magnum ◽

Transverse Diameter ◽

Male And Female ◽

Human Skull ◽

Medical College ◽

The Mean ◽

Medium Type ◽

Skull Bones

Background: The present study was conducted for analysis of the morphometry shape and determination of sex by foramen Magnum. Methods: After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria 30 dried human skull of unknown age and sex were slected for present study from the Department of anatomy, S.M.S. Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan. In case of skull bones, all 30 cranial bases were visually assessed for FM shape classification. Each FM shape was classified into one of the 8 types: oval, egg, round, tetragonal, pentagonal, hexagonal, combination of 2 different semicircles and irregular. Results: The mean anteroposterior diameter of foramen magnum male and female skull bones were found to be 37.17±1.76 mm and 33.92±3.50 mm respectively.The mean transverse diameter of foramen mgnum in male and female skull bones were found to be 29.49±2.68 mm and 29.38±2.47 mm respectively.The mean area of foramen magnum male and female skull bones were found to be 818.05±119.66 mm² and 847.57±105.85 mm² respectively.The mean index of foramen magnum in male and female skull bones were found to be 84.00±5.41 and 80.27±5.79 respectively.Overall skull bones showed a medium type of foramen magnum index . Conclusion: We concluded that the several anatomic parameters such as shape and dimensions of foramen magnum should be taken into consideration during surgery involving the craniovertebral junction. Also these can be used during forensic and anthropological investigation of unknown individuals for determining gender, ethnicity, etc Keywords: Skull, foramen magnum, skull.

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MORPHOLOGY AND MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF FORAMEN MAGNUM IN ADULT HUMAN SKULLS

International Journal of Anatomy and Research ◽

10.16965/ijar.2020.212 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (4.1) ◽

pp. 7771-7776

Author(s):

Giridhar Dasegowda ◽

◽

Padmalatha K ◽

Priyanka B P ◽

Sanjiti Mirmire ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Morphometric Analysis ◽

Transitional Zone ◽

Foramen Magnum ◽

Transverse Diameter ◽

Vertebral Arteries ◽

Important Landmark ◽

The Mean ◽

Posterior Spinal Arteries ◽

Human Skulls ◽

Base Of The Skull

Background: The Foramen magnum is an important landmark present at the base of the skull, it serves as a transitional zone between spine and skull. It is closely related to vital structures such as medulla oblongata, meninges, anterior and posterior spinal arteries, vertebral arteries and spinal accessory nerve, passing through it hence thorough knowledge of foramen magnum is required. These structures passing may undergo compression in case of foramen magnum herniation, meningiomas and foramen magnum achondroplasia. Aims: The present study aims in performing the morphometric analysis foramen magnum and to classify it based on its shape. Materials and methodology A total number of 64 adult dry human skulls were evaluated from the Department of Anatomy, ESIC MC & PGIMSR, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka. Results: The mean antero-posterior diameter was found to be 34.10 ± 2.63 mm, mean transverse diameter was 28.07 ± 1.87 mm, with mean area of 752.07 ± 111.97 mm2 and foramen magnum index was 1.21 ± 0.12. The foramen magnum shapes were classified as oval (30%), circle (12%), hexagonal (3%), pentagonal (5%), egg (17%), leaf (6%), irregular (27%). Conclusion: The morphometry along with other parameters can be used for sex determination in partially damaged skull bones of unknown individuals. The obtained data is useful not only for anatomists but also the neurosurgeons, otorhinolaryngologist and radiologists. Keywords: Foramen Magnum, Morphometry, Meningioma, Achondroplasia, Antero-Posterior Diameter, Transverse Diameter, Foramen Magnum Area, Foramen Magnum Index.

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Incidence of basioccipital hypoplasia in Chiari malformation Type I: comparative morphometric study of the posterior cranial fossa

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2009.2.jns08284 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 111 (5) ◽

pp. 1046-1052 ◽

Cited By ~ 66

Author(s):

Rémy Noudel ◽

Nicolas Jovenin ◽

Cristophe Eap ◽

Bernard Scherpereel ◽

Laurent Pierot ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chiari Malformation ◽

Foramen Magnum ◽

Posterior Cranial Fossa ◽

Morphometric Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Type I ◽

Chiari Malformation Type I ◽

Cranial Fossa ◽

The Mean ◽

Sphenooccipital Synchondrosis

Object The chronic tonsillar herniation defining Chiari malformation Type I (CMI) is thought to result from overcrowding of a normally developing hindbrain within a congenitally small posterior cranial fossa (PCF) due to occipital hypoplasia. The goals in the present study were to authenticate the cranioencephalic disproportion in a group of patients with CMI and to discuss new developmental aspects according to which part of the occipital bone was underdeveloped. Methods The authors retrospectively examined a group of 17 patients with CMI. Measurements of osteotentorial and neural structures of the PCF were made on MR images of the brain. The results were compared with findings in 30 healthy controls by using the Mann-Whitney U-test. Results Dimensions of the neural structures did not differ between the 2 groups of patients. The mean length of the basiocciput was significantly shorter in the CMI group (19.4 mm) compared with the control group (25.7 mm; p = 0.0003). The mean diameter of the foramen magnum was larger in the CMI group, but this difference was not statistically significant. The dimensions of the supraocciput and the mean angle of the cerebellar tentorium were identical in the 2 groups. Conclusions Data in this study support the idea that occipital hypoplasia is the main cause of overcrowding within the PCF. Basioccipital shortness is a cardinal feature of the resultant shallow PCF and could proceed from a congenital disorder of the cephalic mesoderm of the parachordal plate or occur later in the infancy because of premature stenosis of the sphenooccipital synchondrosis.

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ORIGINAL ARTICLE ON THE MORPHOLOGICAL STUDY OF FORAMEN MAGNUM

10.36106/ijsr/9102769 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-3

Author(s):

Anitha. V ◽

Aarthishri. P

Keyword(s):

Structural Integrity ◽

Foramen Magnum ◽

Mean Value ◽

Transverse Diameter ◽

Medical College ◽

Morphometric Features ◽

Classi Cation ◽

Cranial Fossa ◽

The Mean ◽

Occipital Condyles

Introduction: Centrally in the deepest part of posterior cranial fossa is the largest foramen, Foramen magnum surrounded by basilar part of occipital bone on either side. Because of relation between the FM and the vital structures passing through it, study on its morphometric features is of great signicance. Aim and objectives: The objectives were to study the various morphological features of the foramen magnum in dry skulls using an analogue Vernier calliper. Materials and methods: 50 dry skulls (8 base skulls, 42 full skulls) of human cadaver of unknown age and sex were obtained to study the morphometric features like shapes, anteroposterior and transverse diameters and FM index in the department of Anatomy, Kanyakumari Government medical college, Asaripallam. Results: The classication of determined shapes were round in 29.7%, hexagonal in 18.2%, egg shaped in 16.9%, oval in 12.7%, tetragonal in 11.4%, pentagonal in 3.7% and irregular in 7.4%. In 12% of the skulls the occipital condyles were found to protrude into the foramen. The mean value of anteroposterior and transverse diameter was found to be 35 ±1.2mm, and 28 ± 1.4 mm respectively and average foramen magnum index was 1.25 ± 0.8. Conclusion: Foramen magnum dimensions are used for sex determination. The structural integrity of foramen magnum is usually preserved in re accidents and explosions due to its resistant nature and secluded anatomical position. The data obtained from protrusion of occipital condyles would help in neurosurgical approach of foramen magnum meningiomas.

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Complete posterior cranial vault distraction osteogenesis to correct Chiari malformation type I associated with craniosynostosis

Journal of Neurosurgery Pediatrics ◽

10.3171/2021.10.peds21443 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-7

Keyword(s):

Foramen Magnum ◽

Posterior Cranial Fossa ◽

Type I ◽

Intracranial Volume ◽

Tonsillar Herniation ◽

Chiari Malformation Type I ◽

Cerebellar Tonsillar Herniation ◽

Cranial Fossa ◽

The Mean ◽

Tonsillar Descent

OBJECTIVE Posterior vault distraction osteogenesis (PVDO) is an effective tool to increase intracranial volume and expand the posterior cranial fossa. During PVDO, the authors extended osteotomy posterior to the foramen magnum to fully expand the posterior cranial fossa. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of complete PVDO in posterior fossa expansion and treatment of Chiari malformation type I (CM-I) in patients with craniosynostosis. METHODS Patients with craniosynostosis who had undergone complete PVDO between January 2012 and May 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. A coronal osteotomy extending to the foramen magnum was performed and the foramen magnum was decompressed by removing its posterior rim with a 1-mm Kerrison rongeur. Four distractor devices were placed and the vector of distraction was controlled from the posterior to the inferior-posterior direction, depending on the deformity. Changes in the intracranial volume, posterior cranial fossa area, and cerebellar tonsillar descent were measured after complete PVDO by using CT and MRI. RESULTS A total of 11 patients with craniosynostosis and concurrent CM-I were included in the study. The mean age was 34.6 ± 24.0 months (continuous variables are expressed as the mean ± SD throughout). One patient had sleep apnea, which was consistent with CM-I, and another patient had a headache, which was nonspecific. The intracranial volume increased from 1179.6 ± 180.2 cm3 to 1440.6 ± 251.5 cm3 (p = 0.003; 24.5% increase compared to the preoperative volume). The posterior skull base area increased from 44.9 ± 19.3 cm2 to 72.7 ± 18.1 cm2 (p = 0.004). Cerebellar tonsillar descent decreased in all 11 patients after complete PVDO (preoperative: 10.8 ± 3.7 mm, postoperative: 2.7 ± 3.0 mm; p = 0.003). Among the 11 patients, 5 showed complete resolution of cerebellar tonsillar herniation. CONCLUSIONS Complete PVDO can more efficiently expand the posterior cranial fossa, unlike conventional methods. Moreover, it helps to relieve cerebellar tonsillar herniation. Complete PVDO is a powerful tool to increase the intracranial and posterior fossa volumes in patients with craniosynostosis and concurrent CM-I.

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Human Foramen Magnum Area and Posterior Cranial Fossa Volume Growth in Relation to Cranial Base Synchondrosis Closure in the Course of Child Development

Neurosurgery ◽

10.1227/neu.0000000000001309 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 79 (5) ◽

pp. 722-735 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Guillaume Coll ◽

Jean-Jacques Lemaire ◽

Federico Di Rocco ◽

Isabelle Barthélémy ◽

Jean-Marc Garcier ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rapid Growth ◽

Slow Growth ◽

Volume Growth ◽

Cranial Base ◽

Foramen Magnum ◽

Posterior Cranial Fossa ◽

Healthy Children ◽

Cranial Fossa ◽

The Mean ◽

Tomography Scan

Abstract BACKGROUND: To date, no study has compared the evolution of the foramen magnum area (FMA) and the posterior cranial fossa volume (PCFV) with the degree of cranial base synchondrosis ossification. OBJECTIVE: To illustrate these features in healthy children. METHODS: The FMA, the PCFV, and the ossification of 12 synchondroses according to the Madeline and Elster scale were retrospectively analyzed in 235 healthy children using millimeter slices on a computed tomography scan. RESULTS: The mean FMA of 6.49 cm2 in girls was significantly inferior to the FMA of 7.67 cm2 in boys (P <.001). In both sexes, the growth evolved in a 2-phase process, with a phase of rapid growth from birth to 3.75 years old (yo) followed by a phase of stabilization. In girls, the first phase was shorter (ending at 2.6 yo) than in boys (ending at 4.33 yo) and proceeded at a higher rate. PCFV was smaller in girls (P <.001) and displayed a biphasic pattern in the whole population, with a phase of rapid growth from birth to 3.58 yo followed by a phase of slow growth until 16 yo. In girls, the first phase was more active and shorter (ending at 2.67 yo) than in boys (ending at 4.5 yo). The posterior interoccipital synchondroses close first, followed by the anterior interoccipital and occipitomastoidal synchondroses, the lambdoid sutures simultaneously, then the petro-occipital and spheno-occipital synchondroses simultaneously. CONCLUSION: The data provide a chronology of synchondrosis closure. We showed that FMA and PCFV are constitutionally smaller in girls at birth (P ⩽.02) and suggest that a sex-related difference in the FMA is related to earlier closure of anterior interoccipital synchondroses in girls (P =.01).

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External syringomyelia in longstanding benign foramen magnum tumors

Surgical Neurology International ◽

10.25259/sni_106_2020 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

pp. 92

Author(s):

Aimee Goel ◽

Abhidha Harshad Shah ◽

Ravikiran Vutha ◽

Atul Goel

Keyword(s):

Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽

Spinal Canal ◽

Foramen Magnum ◽

Resonance Imaging ◽

Canal Diameter ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Cranial Fossa ◽

The Mean ◽

Pontomedullary Junction ◽

Anterior Posterior

Background: The effect of benign foramen magnum tumours on cranial and spinal dimensions and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces is unclear. In this study, we measured alterations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces in the spinal canal and in the posterior cranial fossa distant from the site of benign foramen magnum tumors. Methods: Twenty-nine magnetic resonance imaging scans of patients with foramen magnum tumors (8 meningiomas and 21 C2 neurinomas) were identified for radiological morphometric analysis and compared with normal control scans. The anterior-posterior distance between the pontomedullary junction and the clivus, the spinal canal diameter, spinal cord diameter, and cord-canal ratios were measured at the C6 and T2 levels. Results: The mean spinal canal diameter was significantly higher in tumor scans at both the C6 and T2 spinal levels than in controls (13.8 mm vs. 11.4 mm at C6; p<0.0001, and 12.9 mm vs. 11.9 mm at T2; P=0.01). Further, the mean cord:canal ratio was significantly lower in tumor scans at both levels (0.49 vs. 0.64 at C6; P<0.0001, and 0.45 vs. 0.54 at T2; P=0.0009). There was no significant difference in mean anteroposterior distance from the clivus to the pontomedullary junction (10.4 mm vs. 10.3 mm; P=0.91). Conclusion: In the presence of benign foramen magnum tumors, the spinal canal diameter and CSF volume in the spinal canal increased at the C6 and T2 levels, distant from the tumor site, a phenomenon we describe as “external syringomyelia”.

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MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF FORAMEN MAGNUM IN NORTH INDIAN POPULATION

Journal of Anatomical Sciences - Volume 27(2), December 2019 ◽

10.46351/jas.v26i2pp54-57 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 26 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Poonam Srivastava ◽

Medha Das ◽

Shirin Jahan

Keyword(s):

Morphometric Analysis ◽

Indian Population ◽

Uttar Pradesh ◽

Foramen Magnum ◽

Transverse Diameter ◽

Brain Herniation ◽

Medical College ◽

The Mean ◽

Large Opening ◽

Human Skulls

Introduction: Foramen magnum is a large opening located in the occipital bone of the skull. The morphometric analysis of foramen magnum is clinically and surgically important because vital structures passing through it may suffer compression such as in cases of achondroplasia, brain herniation and meningiomas. Objectives: To study morphometric analysis of foramen magnum in dry human skulls and to measure its anteroposterior diameter, transverse diameter and foramen magnum index. Material & Methods: 100 dried human skulls of unknown age and sex were obtained from Department of Anatomy, Rama Medical College and GSVM Medical College, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. Deformed samples were excluded. Different parameters were measured with the help of Vernier caliper. Results: The mean antero-posterior diameter of foramen magnum was 33.79mm. The maximum antero-posterior diameter of foramen magnum was 40mm and minimum antero-posterior diameter was 28.2mm.The mean transverse diameter of foramen magnum was 28.30mm.The maximum transverse diameter of foramen magnum was 36mm and minimum transverse diameter was 21.5mm.The mean index of foramen magnum was 84.14mm. Conclusion: The morphometric analysis of foramen magnum and its variation is important not only for anatomists but also important to the anesthetists, neurosurgeons, orthopedicians and radiologists ; while planning and performing cranio-vertebral junction procedures.

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Morphometric Study of Axis Vertebra in Subjects of Indian Origin

International Journal of Medical and Dental Sciences ◽

10.18311/ijmds/2018/18911 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 1615 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jasveen Kaur ◽

Kamaljeet Kaur ◽

Poonam Singh ◽

Ajay Kumar

Keyword(s):

Transverse Process ◽

Morphometric Study ◽

Transverse Diameter ◽

Medical College ◽

Axis Vertebra ◽

Graph Paper ◽

Indian Origin ◽

Mean Width ◽

The Mean ◽

The Right

Background: The axis vertebra, exhibits complex and extensive variability in the morphology and there are vital neurovascular structures in its proximity. Knowledge of this variability is important for neurosurgeons, orthopaedicians, otorhynologists and other physicians who in everyday practice are in contact with disorders of the spine and their consequences.Objective: The aim was to evaluate various morphometric dimensions of axis vertebrae and to compare with the available data.Material and Methods: 50 dried human axis vertebrae of Indian origin, available in the Department of Anatomy, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana were studied. Various dimensions were taken with vernier calipers, metric scale and graph paper. The dimensions were measured in millimetres and statistically analysed with paired t-test.Results: The mean of maximum anteroposterior diameter (max.APD) and maximum transverse diameter (max.TD) of Superior Articular Facet (SAF) was measured as 17.42mm±1.73 and 15.31mm±1.44 on the right side, 17.64mm±1.51 and 15.17mm±1.48 on left side. The mean Distance from Lateral most edge of SAF to Midline was measured as 22.56mm ± 2.37 and 22.40mm ± 2.16 on the right and left sides, respectively. The mean Distance from Tip of Transverse Process to Midline was 26.45mm ± 2.85 on the right and 26.03mm ± 2.64 on the left side. The mean Height of Dens was measured as 13.83mm ± 1.52, mean Width of Dens as 9.57mm ± 0.85. Width of Pedicle was measured as 10.52mm ± 1.99 and 10.61mm ± 1.67on right and left sides, respectively.Conclusion: The knowledge of these dimensions can provide useful information for safe planning of osseous fixation.

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