The anatomical relation between the superior sagittal sinus and the sagittal suture with surgical considerations

Abstract

Objective Localization of superior sagittal sinus before craniotomy is very crucial to prevent the complications of surgery. The goal of this study was to verify the anatomical relationship between the sagittal suture and the superior sagittal sinus (SSS). Methods Fifty adult cadavers were included in this descriptive analytic study. The length of sagittal suture and the width of sagittal suture and SSS were measured in three points: (bregma), (lambda) and midpoint of sagittal suture. Anatomical relationship between SSS and sagittal suture was analyzed. Results Superior sagittal sinus was deviated to the right side of the sagittal suture in 54% of cases at bregma and 64% of cases at the midpoint of sagittal suture and lambda. SSS was located at the right side of sagittal suture about 3.5 mm at bregma, 4.5 mm at midpoint of sagittal suture and 5.7 mm at lambda. The right transverse sinus was dominant in 76% of cases. No gender-associated difference was noticed. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that SSS is deviated to the right side of sagittal suture in the majority of cases. Maximum deviation of SSS to the right side is about 10 mm. Neurosurgeons are advised to be aware of this anatomical relation while operating around SSS.