A study of morphometric evaluation of jugular foramen in adult dry skulls of West Bengal based population

Aims and Objectives: The jugular foramen is known to have a wide variation among different ethnicities for its anatomical variations and is also a well known area for pathological lesions such as glomus tumours, Schwannomas etc. The treatment of such lesions often involves drilling the bony area around the jugular foramen. 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). Methodology: 100 dry adult human skulls were studied from Dept. of Anatomy, IPGMER, Kolkata, irrespective of their age. The morphological characteristics of all the skulls were examined with the help of Vernier calipers; taking into consideration their side. It was then followed by statistical analysis. Results: All the parameters of right jugular foramen were greater than the left side, except the distance of stylomastoid foramen from lateral margin of jugular foramen which was greater on the left side. Gender differences between various measurements of jugular foramen, presence of dome of jugular fossa, and compartmentalization patterns were reported. Conclusion: Thorough knowledge of morphometric findings of jugular foramen will be helpful for neurovascular surgeries with maximum safety and minimum mortality and morbidity.