Morphological analysis of the hypoglossal canal and its relationship with surrounding anatomical structures

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the hypoglossal canal morphologically and to emphasize the importance of its relation to the adjacent anatomical structures, which may affect some surgical procedures, such as the transcondylar surgical approach. Methods: In the study, 25 adult human skulls belonging to Bursa Uludağ University Anatomy Laboratories were evaluated. The 22 parameters were measured on the skulls. Results: The distance between the hypoglossal canal and the anterior border of the occipital condyle was found to be 15.8±2.8 mm on the left side and 15.8±3.1 mm on the right side. The external distance between the hypoglossal canal and the anterior border of the occipital condyle was found to be 11.5±2 mm on the left and 11.6±2 mm on the right. The distance between the hypoglossal canal and the posterior margin of the occipital condyle was 11.7±1.8 mm on the left side and 12.2±2.1 mm on the right side. Furthermore, the distance measured externally between the same anatomical structures was found to be 14.04±1.89 mm and 14.4±1.6 mm on the left and right, respectively. We also found a positive correlation between the length of the foramen magnum and the occipital condyle. In addition, the diameter of the foramen magnum and the distance between the hypoglossal canal and the anterior margin of the occipital condyle were positively correlated. Conclusion: In the transcondylar approach, the locations of important anatomical structures must be well known to perform a safe occipital condyle resection without harming the neural tissue. Especially surgeons should pay attention to the distances between the hypoglossal canal and the anterior and posterior margins of the occipital condyle in order to prevent hypoglossal nerve injury. The operational success of a condylectomy may be affected by the length of the hypoglossal canal. A detailed anatomical assessment is needed before similar procedures to avoid surgical injuries. How to cite this article: Yıldız Yılmaz M, Babacan S, Kafa İM, Coşkun İ. Morphological analysis of the hypoglossal canal and its relationship with surrounding anatomical structures. J Med Dent Invest 2023; 4: e230343. https://doi.org/10.5577/jomdi.e230343