Shape Of Foramen Magnum Research Articles

Foramen Magnum: Morphometric Analysis in Dry Adult Human Skulls

Abstract Background: Foramen magnum (FM) is a crucial aperture situated in the occipital bone and connects the brain to the spinal cord. Its size and dimensions are crucial in understanding a range of disorders, with implications for clinical, surgical, radiological, and forensic fields. We undertook the present study to analyze the morphometry of FM in detail and to compare this data with other similar studies. Methodology: This study analyzed 51 dry human skulls from Northern India of unspecified gender. Morphometric assessments of the FM were conducted, encompassing measurements of its shape, anteroposterior diameter (APD), transverse diameter (TD), FM index (FMI), size, and surface area using digital Vernier calipers. Minimum, maximum, and mean values and standard deviations (SDs) were calculated for each parameter. A comparison with previous studies was conducted. Results: The study established that the most common shape of FM as calculated by the ratio of AP diameter to TD was round (58.8% of specimens) and the majority of FM (41.1%) were narrow according to Martin and Saller classification. Mean APD was 33.71 ± 2.53, and TD was 27.88 ± 1.92; AP diameter was significantly greater than TD (P < 0.05). FMI ranged from 70.54 to 93.55 (mean: 82.92 and SD: 5.63). The mean surface area as calculated by Teixeira’s method was higher compared to Radinsky’s formula; 747.51 ± 96.25 mm2 and 739.93 ± 94.85 mm2, respectively. This difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.68). Conclusion: This study furnishes data on detailed morphometry of FM, a complete knowledge of which is essential for planning surgical procedures for optimal preoperative and postoperative results. It provides an objective definition of the FM’s morphology and highlights the ambiguous role of visual assessment which needs to be reconsidered. The comparison of present morphometric data with other national and international studies further highlights the ethnic and genetic variation of FM.

Clinical significance of morphological and morphometrical analysis of foramen magnum

Introduction: The foramen magnum is a transitional zone between cranial cavity and spinal canal, and it is related with the very important neuro-vascular structures like vertebral arteries, spinal accessory nerves and spinal arteries and terminal part of medulla oblongata. Therefore, thorough knowledge of morphometric and morphological variation of foramen magnum is important for authentic radiological diagnosis and surgeries in the area of cranio-cervical junction. Materials and Methods: This study was done on 70 dried human skulls taken from the Department of Anatomy, TS Misra Medical College & Hospital, Era’s Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, and KGMU, Lucknow. The shape of foramen magnum was observed and transverse and antero-posterior (AP) diameters of foramen magnum (FM) were measured with the help of vernier caliper. Foramen magnum index (FMI) and foramen magnum area (FMA) were also calculated. Results: The study showed six types of shapes of foramen magnum. The oval shaped foramen magnum was found in 47% (in 33 skulls), round 30% (in 30 skulls), tetragonal 10 % (in 10 skulls), triangular & irregular 10% (in 5-5 skulls), pentagonal 2% (in 2 skulls), and hexagonal 1% (in single skull). The mean anteroposterior and transverse diameter were 34.3±2.90mm and 28.9±2.80 mm respectively. The mean foramen magnum index and Foramen magnum area were 77.80±27.80 and 845.90±87.50 mm2 respectively. Conclusions: The data obtained from the present study will be useful to the neurosurgeons prior to the surgeries in the area of cranio-cervical junction and posterior cranial fossa. The morphometric and morphological knowledge of the foramen Magnum has important clinical implications in the prognosis and treatment of various neurological pathologies like Arnold Chiari syndrome, Achondroplasia and posterior cranial fossa lesions. Keywords: Foramen magnum, Transcondylar approach, Foramen magnum index, Foramen magnum area, Transverse diameter (TD), Anteroposterior diameter, Trigonal.

Clinical and anatomical importance of foramen magnum and craniocervical junction structures in the perspective of surgical approaches.

This study was conducted to investigate the clinical and anatomical importance of the relevant region from the perspective of surgical approaches by determining the morphometric analysis of the craniocervical junction and foramen magnum (FM) region and determining their distances from important anatomical points. This research was carried out with 59 skulls found at the Anatomy Laboratories of Erciyes and Ankara Medipol University. Metric measurements of FM and condyle, FM shape, condyle-fossa relationship, and pharyngeal tubercle (PT) were made in mm-based dry bone samples of unknown age and sex. The distance between the anterior notches and the FM was 87.01±4.35, the distance between the anterior notches and the PT was 77.70±4.24, the distance between the PT-sphenooccipital junction was 13.23±2.42, and the FM index was 81.86±7.47. The anteroposterior and transverse lengths of FM were determined as 33.80±2.99 and 27.72±2.30, respectively. The morphometric and morphological data available regarding the craniocervical junction showed significant differences between populations. Comprehensive knowledge of this topic will provide a better approach to treat Arnold Chiari Malformation, FM meningiomas, and other posterior cranial fossa lesions. Therefore, we believe that FM and craniocervical junction morphology will be a guide not only for anatomists, but also for radiologists, neurosurgeons, ENT surgeons, and orthopedists.

Compromised bilaterality in the small African pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis) – An expression of or compensation for developmental errors; asymmetry, elliptical Fourier analyses and modularity

ABSTRACT We present a postnatal evaluation of skull developmental signaling in small African pangolin emphasizing structural, and cognitive trend in ontogeny for assessment of developmental instability, proper identification and classification, forty digitally processed skulls and foramen magnum from different geo-locations were assessed for asymmetry, foramen magnum shape and modularity using geometric and Elliptical Fourier analyses. Multivariate analysis of regression demonstrated low (p < 0.5) but directional fluctuating asymmetry (F1539 = 3.4045, F882 = 3.2665, dorsal and ventral views). Allometric trajectories followed rostrocaudal, caudolateral directions; Intercepts for shape/size predictions were parallel. Mahalanobis distances between centroids (2.42) were significant (p < 0.01). The variance-covariance matrix in ontogeny lies between 0.0017 and 0.56. Foramen magnum outline descriptors by incremental harmonics revealed first 4 effective PCs defined 96.98% of shape properties and 3.02% constituted finerdetails. 74.1% accuracy decline after size factor elimination. Modulation PCA of covariance matrix and asymmetry component was 88.38% and 7.48% (PC1 and 2), respectively, the variance % predicted 10.08%. The studied samples confirmed ‘handedness’ and fluctuating asymmetries. Foramen magnum shape assumed priority over size in ontogeny with profound asymmetry (from the 5th harmonic), suggestive of compensations to lateralization in neural integration modules.

Morphometric Evaluation of Foramen Magnum and its Shape Variations using Computed Tomographic Images of Normal Adults

Background and aims Skull morphology plays a key role in determining gender in medico-legal cases. Computed Tomography CT measurements of foramen magnum are useful in estimating gender. In this study sagittal diameter transverse diameter and area of foramen magnum were correlated. Also different variations in the shape of foramen magnum were evaluated using computed tomography.Methods This study was conducted using CT Brain Scan images of individuals belonging to both the genders in the age group of 18 to 85 years. Morphometry of foramen magnum sagittal diameter transverse diameter area of foramen magnum measurements and different shapes of foramen magnum were estimated on CT images using a 3D program on the CT workstation and were correlated against gender.Result In this study sagittal diameter of foramen magnum was 33.5 plusmn 2.9 mm among males and 31.4 plusmn 3.2 mm among females. Transverse diameter was found to be 29.1 plusmn 3.3 mm in males and 26.7plusmn3.7 mm in females. Area of foramen magnum was measured to be 642 plusmn 94.2 mm in males and 559.9 plusmn 115.5 mm in females. All the variables showed significant higher values in males than in females.Conclusion Based on the findings of this study conducted using CT scan images the foramen magnums diameter and area demonstrated a high degree of precision in gender identification. The results of this study could be used to identify human remains if other identifying techniques were unsuccessful.

MORPHOLOGY AND MORPHOMETRY OF THE FORAMEN MAGNUM IN SELECTED NIGERIAN LOCAL BREED DOGS

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the morphology and morphometry of the foramen magnum of Nigeria local breed of dogs, in order to characterize the morphological features of the foramen magnum which will help in critical analysis of the occipital dysplasia. Occipital dysplasia is associated with dorsal enlargement of the foramen magnum which varies with the structural geometry. The size and shape of the foramen magnum predisposed dogs of different breed to the condition This study provides database indices for the foramen magnum of the Nigeria local dogs, since the knowledge of skull anatomy and morphometry is crucial to the diagnosis and management of some bony disorderThe assessment was done using Vernier caliper, in which from antero-posterio diameter, transverse diameter was assess. The shape of the foramen magnum (FM) was determined according to FM index that was calculated by dividing antero-posterior diameter by transverse diameter. Base on the foramen magnum geometry and morphology, it was possible to classify foramen magnum into different shapes varying from oval and quadrangular with a shallow dorsal notch observed in all the dogs. Of the 30 dogs, 12 (40%) dogs had a dorsal enlargement and 18 (60%) showed normal foramen magnum. This study will provide baseline data on foramen magnum shape, morphometry and variations that occurs in dogs with its application in veterinary forensic medicine and in neurosurgery and anesthesiology.

Anatomical Observation of Different Shapes of Foramen Magnum and Its Clinical Implications: A Study in Dry Adult Human Skulls of Indian Population

Background: Understanding of thoroughly explained anatomical basis is must for various surgical approaches at the craniovertebral junction. High mortality and morbidity are anticipated during the surgical procedures when undertaken without in depth anatomical knowledge. With so much clinical importance in this area, our study will present a thorough understanding in terms of skull. Objectives: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the various shapes of foramen magnum in dry adult human skulls of Indian population and to find out their clinical correlation. Materials and methods: 347 dried adult human skull base obtained from the Department of Anatomy, Geetanjali Medical College and Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan and other medical colleges were used in the present study. All the dry adult human skulls were observed from outer side at their base by naked eyes to determine the shape of foramen magnum. It was classified into one of the following shapes: - Oval, round, tetragonal, egg shaped, hexagonal, pentagonal and irregular. Results: The shape of the foramen magnum in dry skulls were oval in 44.95%, round in 30.84%, hexagonal in 9.23%, irregular in 6.63%, pentagonal in 5.19%, tetragonal in 1.73 %, and egg shaped in 1.44%. Conclusion: Inferences of the present study in the form of variations in the shapes of foramen magnum will be useful to the neurosurgeons, radiologists, orthopedics, anthropologists, forensic experts as well as anatomists. Further these data can be used as an anatomical reference for the researchers. KEY WORDS: Human Skull, Shape, Foramen Magnum.

Variations in the shape of foramen magnum at the base of human skulls among Indians in Rajasthan.

Variations in the shape of foramen magnum can affect the normal anatomy of vital structures passing through it. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate the various shapes of foramen magnum by using CT scans performed in patients of Indian population to establish clinical correlation. A total of 314 CT images of human skull base obtained from the Department of Radio-diagnosis, Geetanjali Medical College and Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan were used in the present study. All the patients' CT scans were observed to determine the shape of foramen magnum. They were classified into one of the following shapes: Oval, round, tetragonal, egg shaped, hexagonal, pentagonal and irregular. The shapes of the foramen magnum in CT scans were oval in 39.09%, round in 22.61%, tetragonal in 12.10%, hexagonal in 10.51%, irregular in 7.96%, pentagonal in 5.41% and egg shaped in 1.59% CT images. Data shows that it is easy to operate at the base of skull in case of round, oval and hexagonal shape foramen magnum, as the working space is more in these shapes.

First Record of Lineage IV of Rattus tanezumi (Rodentia: Muridae) from the southern Ryukyus, Japan

Based on mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequences, we report representatives of the Lineage IV of Rattus tanezumi (Rodentia: Muridae) from Miyakojima, Taramajima, and Yonagunijima Islands in the southern Ryukyus as the first record of the lineage from Japan. The new record of Lineage IV provides an addition to the mammal fauna of Japan essentially at the species level. Accordingly, the genus Rattus in Japan consists of five species: R. rattus, Lineage II of R. tanezumi, Lineage IV of R. tanezumi, R. norvegicus, and R. exulans. The Miyakojima–Taramajima and Yonagunijima samples of the Lineage IV had discernible genetic differences, suggesting different origins. From Miyakojima Island and Kojima Island (an islet close to Miyakojima Island). We also found Lineage II of R. tanezumi, indicating that the two lineages coexist on Miyakojima Island. Morphological comparisons of these Lineage IV and Lineage II specimens suggest a greater molar length in Lineage IV than in Lineage II, and differences in the foramen magnum shape. Future detailed studies on genetic structures, morphological characteristics, and distribution of Lineage IV and Lineage II rats in the southern Ryukyus are needed to clarify their evolutionary history.

Golden Ratio for the Foramen Magnum On CT Images: A Morphological and Morphometrical Study

The foramen magnum (FM) is a transition zone between the spine and skull. There is a study in the literature showing the golden ratio (4.62) and harmony between both FM and the anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the skull. The aim of this study is to examine the existence of this ratio on CT images and to investigate whether this ratio changes according to the FM shape types. In this study, 402 adult CT images belonging to the Turkish population were examined. Maximum cranial length (MCL), maximum cranial width (MCW) and the FM length (FML) and FM width (FMW) were measured. The different shapes of the FM were macroscopically classified. The number and incidence of each type in the studied skull was registered. In the 402 CT images used in the study, 12 FM shapes were detected. Three of the shape types observed in our study have not been reported in the literature until now, and were found in our study for the first time. In addition, our data supported that by using the ratio of 4.62, there was a great harmony between the skull and FM. The results obtained from the research show that there is a ratio of 4.62 between the basic cranial measurements and FM dimensions in all shapes except triangular shape. It is thought that repeating the calculated coefficients over more different FM shapes will contribute to the effectiveness of the proposed golden ratio.

Orbital and Foramen Magnum Variables for sex determination in Egyptians using computed Tomographic Images

Introduction: Sex determination is one of the principle indicators of identity. The skull is the second best part of the skeleton to be used for sex determination after the pelvis. Sex determination from cranial fragments becomes essential especially when only a part of the skull is brought for identification. Aim: The present study was aimed to demonstrate the sexual dimorphism of the orbit and the foramen magnum (FM) in a sample of Egyptian population in order to increase the number of parameters used for identification, and by consequence, the accuracy when these parameters are combined with each other. Subjects and Methods: The present study was done on 300 cranial CT scans of known gender, 168 males and 132 females, with age ranged from 18 to 65 years, who presented to the Department of Radiodiagnosis, Menoufia University for head computed tomography (CT) as indicated in the course of their management for diagnostic purpose from January to October 2019. The data were tabulated and statistically analyzed. Results: The results showed that the orbital height, width and index differences between males and females were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Significant difference was also observed in FM transverse diameter, FM anteroposterior diameter and FM area. Tetragonal shape of FM was the most common in both sexes of the study sample. Conclusion: The present study shows that Foramen magnum and orbital variables can be considered along with the other parameters of the skull for sex determination in forensic analysis.

MORPHOLOGICAL AND MORPHOMETRIC STUDY OF FORAMEN MAGNUM IN DRIED HUMAN SKULL BONES OF NORTH-WEST INDIAN REGION

Background: The Foramen Magnum is communication between vertebral canal and posterior cranial fossa and important landmark to key structures such as brain, spinal cord, vertebral arteries. Anatomical knowledge of the foramen magnum is significant for understanding the pathophysiology of various disorders of the craniovertebral junction as well as for planning surgical procedures. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 62 dry skulls of unknown gender obtained from the Department of Anatomy. The shape of foramen magnum was classified as oval, round, tetragonal, pentagonal, hexagonal and irregular in shape and measurements like anterio-posterior diameter and transverse diameter of foramen magnum were taken using the Digital Vernier sliding caliper. Results: In the present study most common shape was oval in 22 (35.48%) skulls, followed by Egg shape in 12 (19.35%) skulls and least common pentagonal shape in 1(1.61%) skulls. In our study the mean anteroposterior diameter was 34.17 mm. and mean transverse diameter was observed to be 28.86 mm. Conclusion: Results of our present study may help in neurosurgeons, orthopedicians, radiologist and anesthetist in North West indian population. KEY WORDS: foramen magnum, skull, transverse diameter, oval.

Ovoid Foramen Magnum Shape is Associated with Increased Complications and Decreased Extent of Resection for Anterolateral Foramen Magnum Meningiomas.

Background Antero-laterally located meningiomas of the foramen magnum (FM) pose significant surgical resection challenges. The effect of FM shape on surgical resection of FM meningiomas has not been previously studied. The present study investigates how FM shape effects the extent of tumor resection and complication rates in antero-lateral FM meningiomas. Materials and Methods This retrospective study included 16 consecutive patients with antero-lateral FM meningiomas operated on by a single surgeon. FMs were classified as ovoid ( n = 8) and nonovoid ( n = 8) using radiographic evaluation. Results Sixteen patients were examined: seven males and nine females (mean age of 58.5, and range of 29 to 81 years). Gross total resection was achieved in 81% of patients, with tumor encased vertebral arteries in 44%. Patient characteristics were similar including age, sex, preoperative tumor volume, relationship of vertebral artery with tumor, preoperative Karnofsky performance score (KPS), symptom duration, and presence of lower cranial nerve symptoms. The ovoid FM group had lower volumetric extents of resection without statistical significance (93 ± 10 vs. 100 ± 0%, p = 0.069), more intraoperative blood loss (319 ± 75 vs. 219 ± 75 mL, p = 0.019), more complications per patient (1.9 ± 1.8 vs. 0.3 ± 0.4, p = 0.039), and poorer postoperative KPS (80 ± 21 vs. 96 ± 5, p = 0.007). Hypoglossal nerve palsy was more frequent in the ovoid FM group (38 vs. 13%). Conclusion This is the first study demonstrating that ovoid FMs may pose surgical challenges, poorer operative outcomes, and lower rates of extent of resection. Preoperative radiological investigation including morphometric FM measurement to determine if FMs are ovoid or nonovoid can improve surgical planning and complication avoidance.

Discriminant Function Analysis of Foramen Magnum Variables in South Indian Population: A Study of Computerised Tomographic Images.

Background and Objectives The foramen magnum as a transition area between skull and spine plays an important role as a landmark, because of its close relationship to vital structures such as the brain and spinal cord. Configuration and size of the foramen magnum play an important role for assessing craniovertebral relations. The objectives of the present study are to find out shape and dimensions of foramen magnum in cranial CT scans. All the variables were evaluated by using discriminant function analysis. Materials and Methods The study sample comprised 200 CT scans (110 males and 90 females) of south Indian origin. The shapes of the foramen magnum were classified into 8 types: oval, egg, round, tetragonal, pentagonal, hexagonal, irregular (A), and irregular (B). The parameters were noted meticulously and the statistical analysis for sex comparison was made by Student's t-test and was considered significant whenever P≤0.05. To determine the relationships between the studied parameters, Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated. Results The foramen magnum was classified into 8 types based on shape. Commonest was oval and pentagonal was the least common type. The anteroposterior diameter, transverse diameter, circumference, and area were significantly greater in males than in females (P<0.001). The mean FM index of male CT scans was 85.01 ± 8.67, whereas in case of female CT scans, it was 83.17 ± 7.78. With all the variables in consideration, overall 65% of cranial CT scans were sexed correctly by using multivariate analysis. Conclusion Several anatomic parameters such as shape and dimensions of FM should be taken into consideration during surgery involving the craniovertebral junction. Also these can be used during forensic and anthropological investigation of unknown individuals for determining gender, ethnicity, and so on. The multivariate analysis is by far the best method for determination of sex of cranium with available resources.

Sex estimation by size and shape of foramen magnum based on CT imaging.

Foramen magnum (FM) has a well-protected position, which makes it of particular interest in forensic research. The aim of the study is to assess the sex differences in size and shape of FM, develop discriminant functions and logistic regression models based on the FM measurements, compare the accuracy results of the measurements obtained through different measuring approaches, and establish the most reliable variables for sex estimation in Bulgarian adults. Head CT scans of 140 Bulgarian adults were used in the study. The segmentation of the skulls was performed in the software InVesalius. The length, breadth, circumference, and area were measured based on the 3D coordinates of definite landmarks and semi-landmarks. The circumference and area were calculated regarding the foramen as a 2D and 3D structure. Two additional variables (λ2 and λ3) corresponding to the least square errors along the length and breadth directions at the fitting of the 3D coordinates to a plane were examined for their sex discriminating ability. The FM shape was classified based on the values of the FM index. The significance of the sex differences was assessed. Discriminate function analysis and binary logistic regression were conducted. Significant sex differences were established in the FM size and shape. The eigenvalue λ3 is the best discriminating parameter applying discriminant function analysis. The acceptance of FM as a 2D or 3D structure does not provide substantial information for its sex discrimination. The measurements of FM do not offer sufficiently high predicting rates for sex estimation in the Bulgarian population.

Prevalence of dorsal notch and variations in the foramen magnum shape in dogs of different breeds and morphotypes

AbstractThe study evaluated shape of the foramen magnum (FM) in dog with regard to its constitutional type (small, medium and large breeds) and morphotype (brachycephalic, mesaticephalic and dolichocephalic dogs). We used multi-slice CT scanner to examine occipital area of 138 purebreds dogs. Two studied groups could be distinguished – living animals undergoing standard diagnostic CT procedure (

The size and shape of the foramen magnum in man.

Background:The foramen magnum (FM) has garnered broad interest across the disciplines of anthropology, comparative anatomy, evolutionary biology, and clinical sciences. Most studies regarding the structure of the FM in humans have been intrapopulation morphometric studies rather than interpopulation morphologic studies. The few studies assessing the morphology of the foramen have utilized ambiguous and subjective descriptors to describe foraminal shape and are, consequently, difficult to reproduce. Therefore, detailed study of FM shape among craniofacially and geographically diverse populations through reproducible methods is warranted.Objectives:The aim of this study was to assess intersex and interpopulation differences in FM size and shape among diverse populations.Materials and Methods:The study analyzed 152 FMs of varied sex and race via traditional and geometric morphometric methods.Results and Conclusions:The study demonstrates that, within each distinct population, the size of the FM is significantly larger in males than in females; however, there are no significant differences in the shapes of the foramina between sexes. However, when comparing different populations to one another, there are significant differences with regard to both the size and shape of the FM. This study also presents a new model of FM ontogeny. Specifically, the growth occurring between the anterior and posterior foraminal boundaries before 5 years of age predicts the ultimate shape of the adult FM.

Morphometric analysis of the foramen magnum using cone beam computed tomography

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to perform morphometric analysis of the foramen magnum (FM) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and methods: This study included CBCT images of 190 individuals (88 males and 102 females). The sagittal and transverse diameters and circumference of the FM were measured. The shape of FM was classified as round, hexagonal, oval, egg-shaped, tetragonal, pentagonal, irregular A, and irregular B. The data were statistically analyzed with chi-square and t-tests to assess the level of significance for sex and age. Results: The means of its sagittal and transverse diameters and also circumference were higher in males than in females. Statistically significant differences were found between males and females for all variables (P < 0.05). No statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) was found between age groups for all variables. The round type was the most common, in 21.6% of the patients. Conclusion: CBCT images can provide valuable information regarding FM and the measurements of its sagittal and transvers diameters and also its circumference may be reliably used for sexual dimorphism in anthropometric analysis and forensic medicine.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitor NVP-BGJ398 functionally improves FGFR3-related dwarfism in mouse model.

Achondroplasia (ACH) is the most frequent form of dwarfism and is caused by gain-of-function mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3-encoding (FGFR3-encoding) gene. Although potential therapeutic strategies for ACH, which aim to reduce excessive FGFR3 activation, have emerged over many years, the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) to counteract FGFR3 hyperactivity has yet to be evaluated. Here, we have reported that the pan-FGFR TKI, NVP-BGJ398, reduces FGFR3 phosphorylation and corrects the abnormal femoral growth plate and calvaria in organ cultures from embryos of the Fgfr3Y367C/+ mouse model of ACH. Moreover, we demonstrated that a low dose of NVP-BGJ398, injected subcutaneously, was able to penetrate into the growth plate of Fgfr3Y367C/+ mice and modify its organization. Improvements to the axial and appendicular skeletons were noticeable after 10 days of treatment and were more extensive after 15 days of treatment that started from postnatal day 1. Low-dose NVP-BGJ398 treatment reduced intervertebral disc defects of lumbar vertebrae, loss of synchondroses, and foramen-magnum shape anomalies. NVP-BGJ398 inhibited FGFR3 downstream signaling pathways, including MAPK, SOX9, STAT1, and PLCγ, in the growth plates of Fgfr3Y367C/+ mice and in cultured chondrocyte models of ACH. Together, our data demonstrate that NVP-BGJ398 corrects pathological hallmarks of ACH and support TKIs as a potential therapeutic approach for ACH.

Evaluation of foramen magnum in gender determination using helical CT scanning in Gwalior population

Background: Foramen magnum is the largest foramen in posterior cranial fossa. The present study was evaluated foramen magnum in gender determination using helical CT scanning in Gwalior population. Methods: 93 consensual patients (52 males and41females)from the department of radiology Gajra Raja Medical college, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh were included in the study. Sagittal diameter, Transverse diameter of the Foramen magnum were measured. Results: The mean sagittal diameter of the foramen magnum was 36.7mm in males, 31.8mm in females and the transverse diameter was 33.8mm in males, 27.7 mm in females. Common shape of foramen magnum is rounded 33 (35.4%). Conclusion: It can be concluded from the result that the measurement of foramen magnum is suitable for sex determination.