Anatomical features of parietal foramen in adults: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Purpose: Very few studies exist on the parietal foramen (PF) in Turkish skulls. We aimed to investigate the PF in Turkish population and to emphasize its possible clinical implications. Methods: A total of 174 (81 right and 93 left) Turkish dry adult human parietal bones were examined carefully. The presence and number of PF were recorded as well as shape and direction. The diameter of PF (DPF) was determined with various diameters of needles. The vertical distance of PF to sagittal suture (DSS) and to horizontal line that passes over the lambda (DPL) was calculated. The length of the sagittal suture (LSS) and the LSS/DPL ratio were also determined. All distances were measured with a digital caliper. Results: The prevalence of PF was 64.3% (112 parietal bones). A total of 118 PFs were detected, 52 on the right side, 58 on the left side, and 8 on the sagittal suture. Single (90.7%), double (6.8%), and triple (2.5%) PF existed. Circular (94.1%) and oval (5.9%) shaped PF were observed. The majority of the PF were posteroanterior direction. The most common diameter of PF was 0.8 ≤ DPF < 1.25. The mean DSS, LSS, and DPL were 6.81±3.40 mm, 108.94±6.91 mm, and 33.81±12.43 mm, respectively. In addition, the LSS/DPL ratio was approximately 3/1. Conclusion: This is the first study to examine the direction of PF in detail in Turkish population. The anatomical findings obtained in this study may play a significant role in increasing the success rate of invasive procedures involving PF.