Morphometric analysis of mastoid foramen and possible clinical and surgical implications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56102/afmo.2024.365Keywords:
Anatomy, Mastoid foramen, Clinical relevance, NeurosurgeryAbstract
Introduction: The mastoid foramen (MF) is a narrow fissure in the mastoid process and exhibits considerable anatomical variability. The mastoid emissary vein and the meningeal branch of the occipital artery are important structures that pass through the MF. Despite its anatomical importance, morphological and morphometric analyses of the MF remain scarce. Objectives: To investigate the morphological and morphometric aspects of the MF. Method: This observational cross-sectional study analyzed 78 human skulls. Measured variables included the diameter of the MF, the presence, number, and the location of MF in relation to the occipitomastoid suture, the position of MF in relation to the Frankfurt plane, and the distances between MF and specific anatomical points. Results: All skulls presented at least one MF. However, in 7.69% of the specimens, the MF was absent on one side. MF was present on the right side in 98.72% of specimens and on the left side in 93.59%. The MF pattern most frequently observed was four foramina, independent of laterality, in 23.08% of the skulls. No statistically significant differences were identified across the variables studied. Conclusion: This study described relevant morphometric and morphological parameters of the MF. Given the importance of the structures passing through this foramen, understanding its anatomic variations and measurements is essential.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Ismael Felipe Gonçalves Galvão, Marcelo Moraes Valença, Thiago José Monteiro Borges da Silva Valente, João Marcos da Silva Dantas, Aparecida Aylara Isabella Souza Gonçalves, Renata Cristinny de Farias Campina, Fernando Augusto Pacífico
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