MORPHOLOGICAL AND MORPHOMETRIC STUDY OF JUGULARFORAMEN IN WESTERN RAJASTHAN POPULATION

Abstract

Introduction
The jugular foramen (JF) lies at the base of the skull between the occipital bone and the petrous
part of the temporal bone. It allows for the passage of important nervous and vascular elements,
such as the gloss pharyngeal, vagus and accessory nerves, and the internal jugular vein. Glomic
tumors, schwannomas, metastatic lesions and infiltrating inflammatory processes are associated
with this foramen, which can account for injuries of related structures. The jugular foramen is
difficult to understand and to access. It is difficult to conceptualize because it varies in shape and
size because of its complex irregular shape, its curved course, its formation by two bones and
numerous nerves and venous channels that pass through it.
Morphometric measurement is helpful in neurosurgery.
Material and Methods
100 jugular foramina of persons of unknown age and gender were examined in Dr.S.N Medical
College, Jodhpur. The morphological characteristics of all investigated jugular foramina were
described, measured, and compared, taking into consideration their side. Metric measurements
were taken by using Vernier calipers. The mean standard deviation and range of each
dimension and derived index were compared. Right and left side differences were analyzed.
Result
Jugular foramina were studied for review of its morphology, morphometery and its comparison
with previous studies. Different shapes and sizes of jugular foramen were seen. In 65% cases the
right foramina were larger than the left, in 25% of cases the left foramina were larger than right
and in 10% cases they were equal in size on both sides.
The mean length of the foramen on the right and left were 17.19±3.66mm and
15.47±3.25mm; the width measured 6.68±1.99mm and 5.78±2.07mm on the right and left
respectively; the mean area on the right was 382.22±179.18cmm and on the left
292.47±147.14cm.