STUDY OF INCIDENCE, LATERALITY AND PATENCY OF THE POSTERIOR CONDYLAR CANAL IN 100 DRY HUMAN SKULLS

Background: The posterior condylar foramina are the largest of the emissary foramina’s present in the human skull. The posterior condylar canal transmits the posterior condylar emissary vein and it acts as a route for venous circulation between extracranial venous system and intracranial venous sinuses. It also acts as a channel for spread of infection. Due to its varied clinical implications and to get a better knowledge about the canal this study was taken up. Objectives: To determine the variations in the occurrence of posterior condylar canal with respect to incidence, laterality, patency and if patent whether intrasinus or retrosinus. Materials and methods: An observational study was carried out on 100 dry human skulls obtained from the department of anatomy, Kempegowda Institute Of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, India. The posterior condylar canal was observed and noted. The patency was ascertained by passing a probe and care was taken to note whether the canal opened intrasinus or retrosinus. Result: The posterior condylar canal was found to be present in 90% of the skulls. The incidence of bilateral presence was more than the unilateral presence. 82.22% of the canals were patent with the intrasinus type being the most prevalent. Conclusion: The knowledge of the posterior condylar canal and its variations is important for the radiologist, neurosurgeons, ENT surgeons operating in this area.