MORPHOMETRY AND SEXUAL DIMORPHISM OF FORAMEN MAGNUM VARIABLES

The foramen magnum is a fundamental component in the interaction of bony, ligamentous and muscular structures composing the craniovertebral junction. The objectives of the present study are to find out the shape and dimensions of foramen magnum both in skull bones and cranial CT scans. All the variables were evaluated by using discriminant function analysis. The study sample comprised of 200 skull bones (105 males and 95 females) and 200 CT scans (119 males and 81 females). The FMs were classified into 8 types based on shape. Commonest being oval and pentagonal was the least common type in overall skulls and CT scans. The APD, TD, circumference and area were significantly greater in males than in females (P<0.001). FM circumference was the best discriminator in skull bones, whereas TD was the best discriminator in CT scans. By using multivariate analysis, 90% of crania were sexed correctly in overall skull bones and 63% in overall CT scans. The data obtained may be useful to the neurosurgeon in analyzing the morphological anatomy of the craniovertebral junction. The findings are of particular interest in anthropology, anatomy, forensic medicine and other medical fields.

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She completed her MBBS from Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College, Gulbarga and M. D. Anatomy from Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bengaluru. She has successfully completed her Ph. D under JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru. She has received Karnataka Excellence Awards (BEST TEACHER ANATOMY) by VCPEM trust, at Bengaluru.