1I BDS, Department of Anatomy, Saveetha Dental College, Chennai-600 077
2HOD, Department of Anatomy, Saveetha Dental College, Chennai-600 077
The posterior condylar foramen is a canal in the posterior condyloid fossa of the lateral parts of occipital condyle. The posterior condylar foramen is the largest emissary foramen of the posterior cranial fossa. It acts as a route for venous circulation. It has varied clinical importance.
To determine the occurance and importance of posterior condylar foramen with respect to occurance, laterality and diameter.
An observational study was carried out on 70 dry human skulls obtained from Department of Anatomy, Saveetha Dental College, Chennai, India. The diameter of the foramen was measured using a vernier caliper.
The posterior condylar foramen was found to be present in 88.57% of the skulls. The incidence of bilateral presence was more than the unilateral presence. The average diameter of the foramen was 3.9mm.
The anatomical knowledge of posterior condylar foramen and its variations is important for the neurosurgeons, radiologists and ENT surgeons.
Posterior condylar foramen, Venous circulation, Neurosurgeons
