Analyzing Foramen Ovale Morphometrically in Adult Dry Skulls of Nigerian-Based Population

Abstract

Introduction: The foramen ovale is one of the major foramina on the greater wing of the sphenoid that is used for advanced surgical therapeutic and diagnostic procedures pertaining to the middle cranial fossa. The study was aimed at determining the length and width of foramen ovale in a Nigerian population. Materials and Methods: Seven dehydrated adult skulls, all the same gender, were acquired from the anatomy departments of Achievers University in Owo and Delta State University in Abraka, Nigeria. The length and the width of the foramen ovale were measured using digital sliding calipers. The paired sample t-test was used for the analysis. Results: The mean length of the foramen ovale was 0.611±0.21cm on the right side, and 0.42±0.12cm on the left side. The mean width was 0.5±0.15cm on the right side, and 0.43±0.12cm on the left side. Conclusion: Understanding the dimensions of the foramen ovale vary is crucial for neurosurgery during invasive surgical procedures like percutaneous trigeminal rhizotomy, as well as for biopsying Meckel cave lesions and cavernous sinus tumors.