Morphometric Study of Foramen Magnum and Its Clinical Significance

Abstract

The foramen magnum is a large opening in the occipital bone of the cranium. Diameters of the foramen magnum are important because vital structures pass through it, and for sex determination of skulls. The aim of the chapter is to study the longitudinal diameter, transverse diameter, and various shapes of the foramen magnum. In the present study, a total of 30 human skulls were used to show the longitudinal diameter, transverse diameter, and various shapes of the foramen magnum. The dimensions of the foramen magnum are clinically important because vital structures passing through it may endure compression, such as in cases of foramen magnum herniation, foramen magnum meningiomas, and foramen magnum achondroplasia. Knowledge of foramen magnum diameters is needed to determine some malformations, such as Arnold Chiari syndrome, which shows expansion of the transverse diameter. The knowledge of foramen magnum shapes can guide surgeons in instrumentation and manipulation around the region.