Morphometric Evaluation of the Jugular Foramen at Base of the Skull in North Indian Population

Aim and Objective: The present study is the morphometric evaluation of the dimensions of jugular foramen in regard to the variability in shape and size of jugular foramen and the relationship between antero-posterior diameter (APD) and mediolateral diameter (ML) of jugular foramen on each side (right & left) .The dimensions of the jugular foramen are clinically important because intracranial and extracranial lesions may affect the jugular foramen.The intrinsic abnormalities and pathological processes affecting the jugular foramen are intracranial meningiomas, paragangliomas, schwannomas, metastatic lesions and infiltrative inflammatory processes from surrounding structures such as the middle ear.Other diseases associated with jugular foramen include Vernet's syndrome and Villaret's syndrome.Methodology: 297dry adult human crania of unknown sex were analyzed from the department of Anatomy, GSVM medical college, Kanpur And KGMU, Lucknow (U.P).Anteroposterior diameter (APD) of jugular foramen: The maximum anteroposterior diameter of jugular foramen on both right and left sides were measured.Mediolateral (ML) diameter of jugular foramen: This diameter was taken between medial most and lateral most points of jugular foramen on both right and left sides.Metric measurements were taken by using digital vernier calipers.Results: The mean anteroposterior diameter of the jugular foramen on the right and left were 15.55±2.00mmand 14.48±1.93mm.The mediolatral diameter were 9.33±1.45mm and 7.74±1.63mmon the right and left respectively.The mean area on the right was 114.06±22.54mm and on the left 88.90±25.23 mm.Conclusion: These findings may be helpful for anatomists and neurosurgeons to approach the cranial base with maximum safety and minimum mortality and morbidity or clinicians in finding the appropriate diagnosis..