Abstract
Morphometric Evaluation of Foramen Magnum by Using Computerized Tomographic Images
Author(s): Abtehag A Taib, Azza SH Greiw, Eiman A Leias, Osama O Ambarak, Mohamed A AbdallaBackground: Foramen Magnum (FM) is the largest foramen of the skull and located in the most inferior portion of the cranium fossa as a part of the occipital bone. It’s traversed by vital structures like medulla oblongata. There are dimensional differences between males and females which appeared larger in males.
Objectives: To evaluate the variations in types and radiological dimensions of the foramen magnum and to assess their relationship with gender.
Methods: Cranial Computerized Tomographic Images (CT) of 150 adult patients (75 males and 75 females) were examined. The imensions of the FM and surface areas were estimated. Additionally, the types of FM were also described. After collection and checking of data, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for data entry and analysis.
Results: A total of 150 patients were evaluated in the study, their age ranged (18 to 93 years), median age was 45 years.The most prevalent type was hexagonal type (23.33%), followed by irregular type A (23%) and the lowest prevalent type (2%) was round. There were statistically significant differences between males’ and females’ FM parameters, p<0.00. The mean sagittal diameter was 39.04 mm in males and 36.71 mm in females. The mean transverse diameter was 32.40 mm in males and 30.76 mm in females. The mean FM index was 71.45 in males and 67.48 in females. The mean FM area/T was 1008.98 mm2 in males and 901.08 mm2 in females. The mean FM area/ R was 998.13 mm2 in males and 892.30 mm2 in females.
Conclusion: It is concluded that the commonest type of the FM was hexagonally followed by irregular type A. Additionally, our results illustrated that FM parameters were higher in males compared to females. Furthermore, types and parameters of FM should be taken into consideration during radiological reports and during surgical interventions.