ABSTRACT
Jugular foramen is a large irregular hiatus at the base of the skull which transmits a large number of important structures. Any abnormality of jugular foramen and associated jugular fossa may impart damage to these structures. Aim of the present study was to analyse the shape, size, presence of septa, presence of a domed bony roof and bilateral symmetry of the Jugular foramen in dry adult skulls of males and females in the central Indian population. METHODSA total of 120 skull jugular foramina and jugular fossae were examined, by two different researchers to avoid observer errors. Parameters studied were anteroposterior and transverse diameters of jugular foramen, width and depth of jugular fossa, presence of bony septum etc. Data was collected and analysed using statistical software. RESULTSAntero-posterior and transverse diameters of right jugular foramen were found to be more than left one. Complete septation of jugular foramen was observed in 1.67 % and 2.5 % skulls on right and left side respectively. Bony roof or dome of jugular fossa was observed in 30 %, 17.5 % and 16.67 % on the right side, the left side, and bilaterally respectively. In 10.83 % skulls, we found an accessory foramen connecting jugular foramen to anterior condylar canal. CONCLUSIONSDetailed knowledge of various anomalies of jugular fossa and jugular foramen should be kept in mind while doing surgery by neurosurgeons and ENT surgeons. Radiologists also should keep these points in the mind while interpreting CT and MRI scans.
ABSTRACT
Background: Stature is an important parameter in medico-legal examination. It happens many a times when highly decomposed or mutilated bodies or sometime only facial remains of skull are brought for medico-legal examination and this ismost common in our region where victims are attacked by wild animals in deep forests which makes difficult to identify deceased. In such medico legal examination stature estimation is important including age, sex, race, etc. Each race requires its own formula for stature estimation because racial and ethnic variations exist in population of different geographical regions. The climate and dietary habits of the people of different regions of India are variable. Hence opinions based on the result of studies done in one population cannot be entirely applicable to other population. Considering this scenario the aim of the present study is to estimate the stature from skull anthropometry in this region. Aims: Present study was undertaken to determine stature from maxillo-facial anthropometry in central Indian region using head length and head breadth. Methods: The study was conducted on 470 young and healthy subjects, 260males and 210 females of 18 to 24 years. Two skull measurements namely head length and head breadth were taken by following standards anthropometricmethods and technique. Results: Regression equation for stature of males using head length is 122.32 + 2.63 × HL and using head breadth is 162.63 + 0.57 × HB. The regression equation for stature in females using head length and breadth are 133.76 + 1.49 × HL and 123.9 + 2.33 × HB respectively. Conclusion: Regression equations are population specific and will not yield exact stature if applied to other population. Stature estimation can be possible with the help of these two parameters when only skull or remains of the skull are available for medico legal examination.