Anatomical Analysis of Foramen Magnum: A 3D Slicer CT Study

Abstract

Aim: To analyze the anatomical structure of foramen magnum in healthy individuals according to age/gender. Material and Methods: Cranial Computed Tomography (CT) images of 130 healthy individuals (60 female, 70 male) the 18-84 age were included in our study. Using the 3D Slicer software package on these images, the Anterior-Posterior Diameter (APD), Transverse Diameter (TD), perimeter, area, angle between the posterior edge of the foramen magnum and the clivus (FMC) value, and index were found. The shapes of the foramen magnum were analysed. Results: There was no statistical significance between age, FMC, and foramen magnum index values in both genders (p>0.05). APD, TD, perimeter, and area values of males were statistically higher (p<0.05). The average foramen magnum index was 85.61±6.5 in the whole group, 84.94±7.04 in males, and 86.29±5.67 in females. There was no statistical relationship between age and measurement parameters in the whole group (p>0.05). Seven shapes of foramen magnum have been seen. The most common was the oval shape (27.7%) and the least common was the pentagon (1.5%). Conclusion: Knowing the anatomical structure of the foramen magnum is important in terms of identity and ethnicity. We also think that our results may contribute to the surgical treatment of the foramen magnum and adjacent structures.