Study Of Posterior Condylar Canal In Adult Human Skulls And Its Clinical Importance

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The posterior condylar canal opens at the base of the skull just behind the occipital condyles.Posterior condylar canal is the largest emissary foramen of the posterior cranial fossa. The posterior condylarvein exits the skull through the posterior condylar (or condyloid) canal, which is a communication between thejugular foramen and the condylar fossa. The present study was taken to notethe normal anatomic pattern andvariations of posterior condylar canal.Aims and objectives: To note the presence of bilateral or unilateral and absence of posterior condylar canal(foramen).Materials and methods: The present study was performed on 50 dry adult human skulls of unknown sex collectedfrom the department of anatomy, Mysore medical college and research institute, Mysore. Skulls were examinedby direct observation for bilateral and unilateral presence or absence of posterior condylar canal.Results: Of the 50 human dry skulls, we observed presence of bilateral posterior condylar canal (foramina) in 18skulls, unilateral (right) in 10 skulls and unilateral (left) in 12 skulls. The absence of posterior condylar canal(foramina) in 10 skulls.Conclusion: Anatomical variations of posterior condylar canal are important for Neurosurgeons and ENT Surgeons,which gives them a comprehensive knowledge to operate in the vicinity of occipital condylar regions.