Morphometric Study of Human Adult Occipital Condyle, Hypoglossal Canal and Foramen Magnum in Dry Skull of Modern Egyptians

Abstract

The present study investigated analyze some morphometric data about occipital condyles (OCs), hypoglossal canals (HCs) and foramen magnum (FM) for safety transcondylar surgical approach, and to compare the Egyptian skull measurements with that of the other races. A total of 75 dry skulls of unknown sex which were randomly chosen from the archives were used with exclusion of the extremely deformed or damaged. The parameters were measured by digital Vernier calipers with 0.01 mm precision and a protractor. Statistical analysis of data -one way analysis of variance-was done using unpaired Student's t-test. Results indicated no statistical significant differences between the right and left sides of measured parameters. The morphometric analysis of the OC established that mean width & length was larger (14.8 & 22.9 mm) in Egyptian population when compared to other races. According to the parameters of the HCs, the mean length of right and left ones were 11.84 mm and 11.8 mm respectively, while their mean angles with the sagittal plane were found to be 31.8° and 31.6° respectively. The mean diameter of the intracranial end of the right HC was 6.24 mm and of the left one was 6.04 mm, on the other hand, the mean diameters of the extracranial ends were 6.18 mm and 6.04 mm respectively. Regarding the parameters of FM, the mean length and width were 35 mm and 29.4 mm respectively. On the other hand, the mean distance of right mastoid process to the nearest point of FM was 34.72 mm, while the left one located at a mean distance of 35.2 mm from FM. 40% of skulls studied exhibited an ovoid foramen magnum as the foramen magnum index was > 1.2 but 60% of our samples were ˂ 1.2 which were asymmetrical in shape. We conclude that careful radiological analysis of the craniocervical junction is required before surgery to prevent inadvertent complications such as hemorrhage, atlantooccipital instability and injury to major structures passing through foramen magnum. Our outcomes will be useful for safe surgery in craniocervical region in Egypt.

Morphology and morphometric study of occipital condyles

“…The present study is correlated with the study done by Swapnali Shamkuwar et al [11] 18.44mm and 38.59mm respectively. This study is in accordance with the findings of Vishal RJ et al [22] who reported the AICD as 18.23mm in males and 19.11mm in females.This study is also similar with the findings of Shimaa et al [23] who reported the anterior and PICDs as 18.97mm and 38.39mm respectively. These measured distances are lower than the results obtained by Kizilkant [24], Naderi.…”

A morphometric and morphological analysis of the foramen magnum, hypoglossal canal and occipital condyles in a select South African population

“…While in the Indian population, the mean length and width were recorded to be 23.60mm and 14.70mm, respectively [9]. Hence, these studies denote that population-specific differences regarding the morphology and morphometry of the occipital condyle exist [6].…”

“…If the Index is greater or equal to 1.2, then the morphology of the foramen magnum is said to be oval. However, if it is less or equal to 1.2, then the foramen magnum has an asymmetrical shape [6].…”

“…Generally, the shape of the occipital condyles is described as oval-shaped; however, Bayat et al [8] described the occipital condyles as kidney-shaped. Farid and Fataah [6] found that the occipital condyles had a mean length and width of the occipital condyles to be 23.05mm and 14.90mm in their Egyptian sample, respectively. While in the Indian population, the mean length and width were recorded to be 23.60mm and 14.70mm, respectively [9].…”

“…According to literary reports, the most common foramen magnum shapes were round [3,4]; oval [5], hexagonal [3] and tetragonal [1]. Farid and Fattah [6] found an association between the oval morphology and a mean length and width of 35.00mm and 29.40mm.…”