Anterior clinoid process and optic strut in Koreans

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Anatomy
• Craniomaxillofacial surgery

Background:

• The anterior clinoid process and optic strut are critical anatomical structures.
• These structures are frequently resected during anterior cavernous sinus surgeries.
• Understanding their dimensions and variations is vital for surgical planning and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the dimensions and variations of the anterior clinoid process.
• To describe the locational variations of the optic strut.
• To analyze the incidence of caroticoclinoid canals in Korean adults.

Main Methods:

• Measurement of anatomical parameters from 73 adult Korean skulls.
• Detailed analysis of the anterior clinoid process length, basal width, and thickness.
• Assessment of optic strut thickness and its attachment to the anterior clinoid process.

Main Results:

• Average anterior clinoid process dimensions: length 9.18 mm, basal width 9.63 mm, thickness 5.32 mm.
• Average optic strut thickness was 2.9 mm, typically attached to the anterior two-fifths of the anterior clinoid process.
• Complete caroticoclinoid canals were found in 4.1%, incomplete in 11.6%, with a lower incidence in Koreans compared to other populations.

Conclusions:

• The study provides essential morphometric data for the anterior clinoid process and optic strut in the Korean population.
• Findings highlight the importance of pre-operative anatomical assessment for neurosurgical procedures involving the cavernous sinus.
• The relatively low incidence of caroticoclinoid canals in Koreans suggests potential racial variations that may influence surgical approaches.