Abstract
Background and objectivesWhile various pathologies affecting the foramen magnum region can have severe consequences, little research has been conducted on the unique morphological patterns in the West African subregion. The study aimed to assess these patterns and their implications for surgeries, comparing them with global standards. MethodsA descriptive study was conducted on 315 patients over a two-year period, excluding those with specific abnormalities. Measurements obtained from cranial 1.5T MRI scans included anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the foramen magnum. From these, the foramen magnum area and index were calculated. The data was analyzed by inferential, comparative and descriptive statistics, and a p value < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. ResultsOn average, the transverse and anteroposterior diameters were 28.51 mm and 33.02 mm for males and 28.39 mm and 33.47 mm for females, with a slightly smaller foramen magnum area in males (7.42 cm²) compared to females (7.47 cm²). Despite these differences, the variations were not statistically significant. However, the foramen magnum indices indicated medium size configuration for females and large size configuration for males, aligning with global trends. ConclusionThe study concluded that West Africans exhibited lower foramen magnum area and indices compared to other regions, with minor differences between sexes. Females tended to have a medium size configuration, while males tended to have a larger size configuration. These findings provide valuable insights for clinicians, highlighting the importance of considering ethno-regional variations in surgical approaches and interventions related to the craniocervical junction.
Published Version
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