MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF FORAMEN MAGNUM IN NORTH INDIAN POPULATION

Abstract

Introduction: Foramen magnum is a large opening located in the occipital bone of the skull. The morphometric analysis of foramen magnum is clinically and surgically important because vital structures passing through it may suffer compression such as in cases of achondroplasia, brain herniation and meningiomas. Objectives: To study morphometric analysis of foramen magnum in dry human skulls and to measure its anteroposterior diameter, transverse diameter and foramen magnum index. Material & Methods: 100 dried human skulls of unknown age and sex were obtained from Department of Anatomy, Rama Medical College and GSVM Medical College, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. Deformed samples were excluded. Different parameters were measured with the help of Vernier caliper. Results: The mean antero-posterior diameter of foramen magnum was 33.79mm. The maximum antero-posterior diameter of foramen magnum was 40mm and minimum antero-posterior diameter was 28.2mm.The mean transverse diameter of foramen magnum was 28.30mm.The maximum transverse diameter of foramen magnum was 36mm and minimum transverse diameter was 21.5mm.The mean index of foramen magnum was 84.14mm. Conclusion: The morphometric analysis of foramen magnum and its variation is important not only for anatomists but also important to the anesthetists, neurosurgeons, orthopedicians and radiologists ; while planning and performing cranio-vertebral junction procedures.