Title:
Morphometric of the Foramen Magnum in Indian and Sudanese Populations

Authors:
Abdoalmonim Abdoalrhaman Mohammed, Mahmoud Satte, Saudi Arabia

Abstract:

Background: The foramen magnum is lying on the posterior part of the base of the skull, and its transmitting lower part of the brain, vertebral arteries, and accessory nerves. The morphometric of the foramen magnum is very important for anatomist, radiologist, surgeons, forensic doctors, and the anthropologist. Objectives: This study aimed to estimate and compare the metrics of the foramen magnum for adult Indian and Sudanese populations. Material and methods: 141 adult dry skulls; includes 74 from India and 67 from Sudan.  The length and transverse diameter measurements (in millimeters) of the foramen magnum were applied for each skull by using a Vernier caliper. The statistical analysis (mean and standard deviation) was applied. Results: The Indian populations showed a significant value (p ≤ 0.0001) in the mean of length and width of the foramen magnum in compared with that of Sudanese, and the foramen magnum is slightly wide in Sudanese (mean length=33.89±4.73, mean width=30.66±4.00) is compared with the same parameter for the Indian (mean length=29.32±3.33, mean width=22.47± 3.45). Conclusion: foramen magnum measurements and comparisons were established for adult Sudanese and Indian populations and this knowledge can be used by specialists during their interventions in the foramen magnum regions.