The Foramen Magnum: A Morphometric Study On Ct Images Of Adults

ABSTRACT

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to assess the morphometric values of foramen magnum toevaluate sexual dimorphism as well as its clinical importance.Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 100 (Male 56, Female 44) CT scans. Morphometric studywas conducted on foramen magnum of occipital bone. From all the CT images the foramen magnum anteroposteriordiameter and transverse diameter were measured. Area of foramen magnum was calculated automatically.Foramen magnum index was calculated by using the formula Ht/Br×100. The data was statistically analysed.Results: The mean anteroposterior diameter in males and females was 33.9± 2.78, 32.2 ± 2.24, the mean transversediameter in males and females was 27.7±2.27, 26.7± 2.68 and the area of foramen magnum in males and femaleswas 739.5 ±9.96 , 676.1 ± 8.76, index of the foramen magnum in males and females was 82.09±7.86,83.02±9.55respectivelyConclusion: This study concludes that the parameters measured were higher in males compared to femalesexcept foramen magnum index. This was noticed higher in females than males.