Morphometric analysis of the foramen magnum by computed tomography

Purpose: Since great vital important neuroanatomical structures passing through the foramen magnum, morphometric evaluations are so important especially to establish the most proper operational techniques. The purpose of this study was to clarify and establish exact anatomical definition of interested area by documented morphometric analysis which was evaluated by computed tomography (CT). Material and Methods: A fifty-four (29 female, 25 male) cranial CT scans obtained from the archives of Department of Radiology were evaluated. The age group who completed of the skull bony maturation was included. The cases having any cranial deformity or structural disorder which could be affect the Foramen Magnum.s measurements were not included. Results: It was found significant positive correlations (r= 0.63; p< 0.05) between the transverse diameter and anteroposterior diameter of the Foramen Magnum. There was a significant difference between the anteroposterior diameter of male and female cases (p<0.05). Conclusion: Morphometric analysis of Foramen Magnum shows variations so that interested region should be known in detail. Documenting of morphometric values of Foramen Magnum on different populations is still important.