Caroticoclinoid Foramen  Incidence, Morphometry and Its Clinical Importance

Dr Sujata Netam; Dr Sachin Patil; Dr Neelam Vasudeva

Volume : VI, Issue : III, March - 2017

Caroticoclinoid Foramen Incidence, Morphometry and Its Clinical Importance

Dr Sujata Netam, Dr Sachin Patil, Dr Neelam Vasudeva

Abstract :

Background–The caroticoclinoid foramen (CCF) is located in the middle cranial fossa between anterior clinoid process and middle clinoid process. It is formed by the ossification of fious interclinoid ligament or dural fold between the anterior and middle clinoid process. They can be present unilaterally or bilaterally and vary in frequency. Purpose of the study– This study was conducted on 112 dry adult human skulls. The caroticoclinoid foramen was examined for various parameters like complete or incomplete caroticoclinoid foramen, and whether they were present unilaterally or bilaterally. The maximum diameter of the complete foramen was measured by using a digital vernier callipers. The obtained data was analysed statistically. Results– Out of 112 skulls, the complete bilateral foramen was found in 2 skulls with incidence of 1.78%. Their maximum diameters were 5.04 mm on the left side, 5.79 mm on the right side in 1 skull. In the another skull, it was 5.15 mm on the left side and 5.26 mm on the right side. Incomplete bilateral foramen, was found in 1 skull. Its incidence was 0.89%. Incomplete unilateral foramen was found in 2 skulls, on the left side with incidence rate of 1.78% and in one skull, it was on the right side with incidence of 0.89%. Conclusions– The caroticoclinoid foramen if present may cause compression or stretching of internal carotid artery, cranial nerves and hypophysis cerei or neurological problems . Hence the knowledge of incidence of this foramen and its implications are very important from clinical point of view.