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Sphenoidal Foramen Ovale in the Slovenian Population: An Anatomical Evaluation with Clinical Correlations

Authors :
Žiga Šink
Nejc Umek
Armin Alibegović
Erika Cvetko
Source :
Diagnostics, Vol 13, Iss 5, p 962 (2023)
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2023.

Abstract

The foramen ovale (FO) is a crucial feature of the skull base, serving as a passage for clinically important neurovascular structures. The present study aimed to provide a comprehensive morphometric and morphologic analysis of the FO and highlight the clinical significance of the anatomical characterization. A total of 267 FO were analyzed in skulls obtained from deceased inhabitants of the Slovenian territory. The anteroposterior (length) and the transverse (width) diameters were measured using a digital sliding vernier caliper. Dimensions, shape, and anatomical variations of FO were analyzed. The mean length and width of the FO were 7.13 and 3.71 mm on the right side and 7.20 and 3.88 mm on the left side. The most frequently observed shape was oval (37.1%), followed by almond (28.1%), irregular (21.0%), D-shaped (4.5%), round (3.0%), pear-shaped (1.9%), kidney-shaped (1.5%), elongated (1.5%), triangular (0.7%), and slit-like (0.7%). In addition, marginal outgrowths (16.6%) and several anatomical variations were noted, including duplications, confluences, and obstruction due to a complete (5.6%) or incomplete (8.2%) pterygospinous bar. Our observations revealed substantial interindividual variation in the anatomical characteristics of the FO in the studied population, which could potentially impact the feasibility and safety of neurosurgical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20754418
Volume :
13
Issue :
5
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Diagnostics
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.86b35c1e824db58bfd5f277670ad95
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13050962