Background: The posterior cranial fossa (PCF) and the
foramen magnum (FM) are the critical anatomical components of the
craniovertebral junction region, which comprise and transmit numerous vital
neurovascular structures. So, a fundamental knowledge of the basic radiological
anatomy of PCF and FM is of paramount importance in the evaluation of
associated pathologies and approaching these areas surgically. The craniometric
dimensions of PCF and FM may differ in various regions of India. Aim: The aim
of this study is to describe different linear and angular craniometric
parameters of PCF, FM and surrounding territory based on reconstructed computed
tomography (CT) images.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in our
tertiary care hospital in northern India from the period of January 2023 to June
2023 on 120 patients, and CT screening was done for the head and spine region
following a history of head injury. Patient information was anonymized and
de-identified prior to analysis. Demographical descriptions and radiological
were recorded for all patients included in this study.
Results: In this study, 120 patients were included, of whom
50.83% (n = 61) were females and 49.17% (n = 59) were males. Age ranged from 18
to 70 years with a mean age of 43.5 ± 14.08 years. The mean values for linear
craniometric parameters of PCF were statistically nonsignificant for different
age groups. Statistically significant differences were found for twinning line
(TL) (p < 0.0001), McRae’s line (< 0.0001), clivus length (< p <
0.0001), internal occipital protuberance-opisthion line (p = 0.01), Klaus’
index (p < 0.0001), height of posterior fossa (h) (p < 0.0001), h/TL (p =
0.028), when these values were compared for the genders. The measurements of FM
transverse diameter, anteroposterior diameter and area were 27.12 ± 1.42 mm
(range 23.6–30.1 mm), 30.99 ± 2.23 mm (range 27.6–35.8 mm) and 691.32 ± 30.35
mm2 (range 632.7–777.7 mm2). The values of clivus canal angle (p = 0.038) and
clivo-odontoid angle (p = 0.012) were statistically significant when compared
for different age groups. The values of Boogard’s angle (p = 0.021) and
tentorial slope (p = 0.031) were statistically significant when these were
compared for the genders.
The evolution of imaging modalities has increased the
precision of our knowledge regarding PCF and FM. We used easily available
reconstructed CT images to analyse the morphometry of PCF and FM.
Conclusions: This study described almost all the linear and
angular craniometric parameters used in the morphometric analysis of PCF and
FM. The findings of this study provide valuable data regarding linear and
angular craniometric parameters of PCF and FM which can redefine reference
values.
Author(s) Details
Vikrant Yadav
Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Medical Sciences,
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Ravi Shankar Prasad
Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Medical Sciences,
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Anurag Sahu
Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Medical Sciences,
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Manish Kumar Mishra
Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Medical Sciences,
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Ravi Shekhar Pradhan
Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Medical Sciences,
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar
Pradesh, India.
Please see the link:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mria/v10/1108
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