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Complete morphometric analysis of jugular foramen and its clinical implications
Sushant Swaroop Das1, Sandeep Saluja2, Neelam Vasudeva1
1Department of Anatomy, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India.
Introduction:
Tumors affecting structures in the vicinity of jugular foramen such as glomus jugulare require microsurgical approach to access this region. These tumors tend to alter the normal architecture of the jugular foramen by invading it. Therefore, it is not feasible to have correct anatomic visualization of the foramen in the presence of such pathologies. Hence, a comprehensive knowledge of the jugular foramen is needed by all the neurosurgeons while doing surgery in this region.
Aim:
Due to the inadequate knowledge of the accurate morphology of the jugular foramen in different sexes, the aim of this osteological study was to provide a complete morphometry including gender differences and describe some morphological characteristics of the jugular foramen in an adult Indian population.
Materials And Methods:
The study was done on 114 adult human dry skulls (63 males and 51 females) collected from the osteology museum in the department. Various dimensions of both endo- and exocranial aspect of jugular foramen were measured. Presence and absence of domed bony roof of jugular fossa and compartmentalization of jugular foramen were also noticed. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test and Student's t-test in SPSS version 23.
Results:
All the parameters of right jugular foramen were greater than the left side, except the distance of stylomastoid foramen from lateral margin of jugular foramen (SMJF) which was greater on the left side. Gender differences between various measurements of jugular foramen, presence of dome of jugular fossa, and compartmentalization patterns were reported.
Conclusion:
This study gives knowledge about the various parameters, anatomical variations of jugular foramen in both sexes of an adult Indian population, and its clinical impact on the surgeries of this region.
Insights
This study details the morphometry of the jugular foramen in an Indian population, revealing key anatomical differences between sexes and sides. This knowledge is crucial for neurosurgeons performing procedures near the jugular foramen.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Osteology
- Surgical Anatomy
Background:
- Tumors near the jugular foramen, like glomus jugulare, necessitate microsurgical approaches.
- Tumor invasion distorts the jugular foramen's anatomy, complicating surgical visualization.
- Accurate anatomical knowledge of the jugular foramen is essential for neurosurgeons operating in this region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide comprehensive morphometry of the jugular foramen in an adult Indian population.
- To identify and describe gender-specific differences in jugular foramen morphology.
- To document morphological characteristics relevant to surgical interventions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 114 adult dry human skulls (63 male, 51 female).
- Measurement of endo- and exocranial dimensions of the jugular foramen.
- Assessment of jugular fossa roof doming and jugular foramen compartmentalization, with statistical analysis using Chi-square and Student's t-tests.
Main Results:
- Right jugular foramen parameters were generally larger than the left.
- The distance from the stylomastoid foramen to the lateral margin of the jugular foramen (SMJF) was greater on the left side.
- Significant gender differences were observed in measurements, dome presence, and compartmentalization patterns.
Conclusions:
- The study provides critical data on jugular foramen parameters and anatomical variations in both sexes within the Indian population.
- Findings enhance understanding of the jugular foramen's morphology and its clinical implications for surgeries in the jugular region.
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