Morphometric study of occipital condyle in dry human skull and its clinical importance in Gujarat region

Introduction: The human occipital condyle is a unique bony structure connecting the cranium and vertebral column. Craniovertebral surgeries require knowledge of anatomical aspect of craniovertebral junction. The aim of this study is to analyze the occipital condyle morphometrically. Materials and Methods: 300 occipital condyles of 150 dry skulls were used for this study. Parameters including length, width, height, distances between right and left condyles, shape of the condyle were noted. To take measurements digital vernier caliper was used. Results: Length, width and height of occipital condyle were found to be 23.97mm, 12.27mm, and 9.26mm in right condyle and 23.36mm, 12.57mm, 9.09mm in left condyle respectively. Anterior and posterior intercondylar distance was found to be 18.80mm and 44.56mm respectively. Location of intracranial orifice was found predominantly in location 3 and 4 and that of extracranial orifice was found predominantly in location 1 and 2. Most common shape of occipital condyle was found to be ‘Oval’. Conclusion: It can be concluded that, as there is no location of hypoglossal canal in posterior quadrant of occipital condyle, that area can be safely drilled during surgery. In various conditions require surgeries of foramen magnum region occipital condyles can be anticipated radiologically by using the morphometric data available. Keywords: Occipital condyle, Morphometry, Hypoglossal canal, Foramen magnum, Transcondylar approach.