Occurrence and Importance of Posterior Condylar Foramen Choudhari Sahil1,*, Thenmozhi M.S.2 1I BDS, Department of Anatomy, Saveetha Dental College, Chennai-600 077 2HOD, Department of Anatomy, Saveetha Dental College, Chennai-600 077 *Corresponding Author E-mail: choudharisahil@gmail.com
Online published on 12 January, 2017. Abstract Background 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. Objectives To determine the occurance and importance of posterior condylar foramen with respect to occurance, laterality and diameter. Materials and methods 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. Result 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. Conclusion The anatomical knowledge of posterior condylar foramen and its variations is important for the neurosurgeons, radiologists and ENT surgeons. Top Keywords Posterior condylar foramen, Venous circulation, Neurosurgeons. Top |