Anatomical Evaluation of the Foramen Magnum on Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Images and Review of Literature

Abstract

Background and objective The morphology and morphometry of the foramen magnum (FM), which provides a passageway to vital neurological structures that relay information to and from the brain and spinal cord, are significant for many surgical approaches and applications. It was aimed to investigate the morphometric and morphological features of the FM on the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and to review the literature in detail. Methods CBCT images of 400 individuals (200 males, 200 females, aged between 18 and 65) were evaluated by Planmeca Romexis Viewer. The length, width, perimeter, and area of the FM were examined and samples were classified according to shape. Also, the FM index (FMI) was calculated. Results The mean values of the length, width, and perimeter were found to be 36.75±2.50 mm, 32.55±2.93 mm, and 108.35±7.50 mm, respectively. The area of FM was found to be 941.81±128.26 mm 2 , 946.83±127.39 mm 2 , and 895.76±123.50 mm 2 with Planmeca Romexis Viewer, Radinsky formula, and Teixeira formula, respectively. All parameters were significantly larger in males than females. There was no correlation between age and these parameters. Also, seven shapes were determined for FM, and the most common shape was oval. FM index was evaluated according to the Martin and Saller classification. It was found that 16.5% of the cases belonged to the narrow, 16% belonged to the medium, and 67.5% to the large FM index. There was no correlation between age and FM index. Conclusion Morphometric and morphological features of the FM located in the craniovertebral junction (CVJ), which is a highly complex area, are variable. Surgical procedures and approaches in this region are essential due to the high mortality rate. For this reason, anatomical structures in these regions should be well known before surgery. The quantitative data presented in this study, which made a detailed literature comparison, may assist in surgical procedures around the FM and the planning of these procedures.

Comparison of the Gonial Angle With Age and Gender Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Images

“…Besides, the examination of more than one anatomical structure provides higher accuracy in gender prediction [17,39]. Foramen magnum and mandible from the significant formations within the cranium bones are among the structures used in gender prediction [39][40][41]. However, in forensic anthropology, skeletal remains may be encountered in some cases, rather than the whole body.…”

“…41.70 ± 19.14 years, and the mean age of the females was 39.47 ± 17.90 years. There was no statistically significant difference between the ages based on gender (p = 0.356).…”

Morphometric analysis of the foramen magnum in sex estimation: An additional 3DCT study from Nepal on a larger sample

“… 22 Differences are observed when calculating the area of the foramen magnum by Radinsky's method, Teixeira's method, and while using computer software. 22 , 23…”

“…The shape of the foramen magnum is not always round and there are various shapes like oval, tetragonal, pentagonal, hexagonal, egg, and irregular 22 . Differences are observed when calculating the area of the foramen magnum by Radinsky's method, Teixeira's method, and while using computer software 22,23 …”

“…The shape of the foramen magnum is not always round and there are various shapes like oval, tetragonal, pentagonal, hexagonal, egg, and irregular. 22 Differences are observed when calculating the area of the foramen magnum by Radinsky's method, Teixeira's method, and while using computer software. 22,23 Similar to the previous studies, the present study also found that the mean values of various metric measurements were greater in males than in females.…”