Numerical variations and localization of foramen spinosum in 3D-CT images

Abstract

Objectives: The structures passing through the foramen spinosum and its neurovascular relationships are of great impor- tance for surgical approches directed to middle cranial fossa. The aim of the present study was to examine the number and location of the foramen spinosum (FS) in 3D-CT images. Methods: The study was retrospectively conducted on 3D-CT images of 177 adults. Firstly, the transverse section passing through the upper edge of the orbit, extending parallel to the Frankfurt plane was chosen. Then, the x and y-axes were deter- mined on that transverse section. The coordinates, number, and location of the FS with respect to the foramen ovale (FO) were identified accordingly on x and y-axes. Results: While 1 FS was present in 90.96% of a total of 354 sides of 177 heads, there were 2 FS and 3 FS in 8.76% and 0.28% of the sides, respectively. The FS was located posterolaterally in 97.68%, posteriorly in 2.06%, and laterally in 0.26% with respect to the FO. In terms of FS coordinates, there was no statistically significant difference between gender and sides in th e distance of the FS to the x-axis, but there was a statistically significant difference between gender and sides in the distance of the FS to the y-axis. Conclusion: Evaluation of the number of the FS and its location would help identifying and preserving neighbouring neu- rovascular structures during surgical interventions directed to the middle cranial fossa