Occipital condyles and its relation with hypoglossal canal: Anatomical study in central Indian population

Abstract

Introduction: For transcondylar approach, most relevant step during surgical process is the resection of OC. Also it is important to have knowledge about it relevant anatomy and its relation with hypoglossal canal. This helps to avoid any iatrogenic injury during craniovertebral surgeries. Aims: The present study helps us to understand the morphological and morphometric data of occipital condyles and its relation with hypoglossal canal and its importance in transcondylar approach. Materials and Methods: The study was performed on 85 adult human dry skulls of unknown age and sex, obtained from Dept. of Anatomy, LNMC& JK hospital, Bhopal, India. Manual vernier calliper was used for the measurement. The length of the OC was measured. Also its shape was noted. In addition to all this, the different location of hypoglossal canal in relation to OC were assessed. Statistical Analysis: Mean and standard deviation of the parameters were analysed. Comparision was made of left and right side using unpaired t test and p value was calculated. Percentage of location of hypoglossal canal was calculated in relation with occipital condyles. Results: The mean of the length of occipital condyle on right side were found to be 21.24 mm and on left side 20.71 mm. The most common shape was quadrilateral type. The most common location of intracranial orifice of hypoglossal canal was located at location 4 and extracranial orifice was detected at location 3. Conclusion: All these parameters will be useful for performing various transcondylar surgical approaches and for reaching lesions in middle and posterior part of cranial base. Keywords: Occipital condyles, Hypoglossal canal, Transcondylar approach, Morphometry.