OSTEOTIC VARIATIONS IN PARACONDYLAR REGION OF ADULT HUMAN SKULLS ? INCIDENCE AND CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Aim: In the paracondylar region(lateral to the occipital condyles)there might be morphological variation in the form of an anomalous foramina. This anomalous foramina may represent the course of an emissary vein in absence of posterior condylar canal or an aberrant course. Material & Method: 82 dry adult skulls (164 sides), of Indian origin and of both the sexes formed the basis for this study. The region anterior, posterior and lateral to the occipital condyles was carefully examined for the presence of foramina. Complete foramina were only considered for this study. The patency was ascertained by passage of a probe through it. Results: paracondylar foramina was observed in 12.1% specimens ,in 10.9% it was predominantly located on the left side and in 1.2% it was bilateral. No right sided paracondylar foramina was observed. Unilateral left sided Double hypoglossal canal was seen in 4.8% specimens . Posterior condylar canal was present in 9.7% out of which 6.0% were on the left side exclusively and 3.6% bilateral in position. Conclusion: Misinterpretation may occur as neoplasm or an abnormal lymph node during radiodiagnosis Surgical procedures in this area such as paracondylar approach and far lateral supracondylar approach could be impacted upon by this.