Anatomical and morphometric study of optic foramen in North Indian population

Abstract

Introduction Optic canal connects orbit to middle cranial fossa. Optic nerve and ophthalmic artery pass through this canal. The aim of the present study is to make morphometric and anatomical observations of endocranial opening of optic canal. Materials and Methods The observations were conducted on 30 dry adult human skulls. The observations were made on shape, margins, confluence, septations, dimensions, and distance of optic foramen from apex of petrous temporal bone. Result and Statistical Analysis On morphometric observation, transverse diameter (TD) was 6.00 mm and 6.15 mm on the left and the right side, respectively. The vertical diameter (VD) was 5.14 mm on the left side and 4.82 mm on the right side. The distance of optic foramen to apex of petrous temporal bone was 21.84 mm on the left side and 21.90 mm on the right side. The mean, standard deviation, range, and p value were measured by using SPSS software version 19.00. Conclusion In the present study we attempt to provide a comprehensive anatomical and morphometric data of optic foramen that may help ophthalmologists and neurosurgeons during surgery.

Keywords

• optic foramen
• dry skull
• morphometry
• dimensions