INTRODUCTION: The foramen ovale is present in sphenoid bone which transmits the mandibular nerve, accessory meningeal artery, emissary
vein and the lesser petrosal nerve. This study was conducted on a total 100 si MATERIALS & METHODS: des in 50 dry adult skulls. The shape of
foramen will be determined by a visual examination. Margins of foramen were carefully observed for the abnormal bony outgrowths such as sharp
bony projections (spine), small blunt bony projection (tubercle), bony plate and bony bar. We obs RESULTS: erved the variations in shape of
foramen ovale. We found oval, almond, round, triangular, slit like and irregular shaped in 62%, 20%, 9%, 4%, 3% and 2% foramina ovale
respectively. We also observed abnormal bony outgrowths in the foramen ovale like spines, tubercles, bony plate and bony bar. Abnormal bony bar
was dividing the foramen ovale in 2 compartments (Anterior and Posterior). The preci CONCLUSIONS: se knowledge of variations of foramen
ovale is of valuable contribution for neurosurgeons to development of new and different techniques to approach the middle cranial fossa. In our
study we found , 100% tubercles and 80% spines were arising from anterior margin of foramen ovale. These ndings are important for
neurosurgeons to approach middle cranial fossa via foramen ovale for neurosurgical and diagnostic procedures like percutaneous biopsy of
cavernous sinus tumours, electroencephalographic analysis, microvascular decompression , percutaneous trigeminal rhizotomy and
administration of anaesthesia to the mandibular nerve. Surgeons should avoid to go , close to the anterior margin of foramen ovale as spines and
tubercles could interrupt the procedures.
A rare anatomical variation in foramen of Vesalius: A useful guide for maxillofacial surgeons
