A STUDY ON THE ANATOMICAL VARIATIONS OF OCCIPITAL CONDYLES IN THE DRY ADULT HUMAN OCCIPITAL BONES

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study is to describe the morphological and morphometric variations of bilateral Occipital condyles (OC) present in dry adult human occipital bones which are anatomically and surgically important structures.

Methodology: 150 dry adult occipital bones were studied for the presence of protrusion of the OC into the Foramen Magnum (FM). The length and width of the OC along with the distance of its posterior end from opisthion, distance of its anterior end from basion and the distance of the hypoglossal canal (HC) from its posterior end were measured bilaterally. Presence of posterior condylar foramen (PCF) was noted. Results were analysed statistically and compared with the results of previous studies.

Results:Of 150 cases 119 (79.33%) were found to have bilaterally protruded occipital condyles and 11 (7.33%) showed protrusion at either side (p value < 0.0001). Comparison between variables gives statistically significant difference between right and left distance of anterior end of occipital condyles from the basion (P value = 0.0305). PCF was found to be present in 90 out of 150 cases (60%) on the right side, 113 cases (75.33%) on the left side.

Conclusion: Since there is a wide variation in the anatomy of occipital condyles all over the world, the neurosurgeons, anatomists, morphologists and anthropologists should be familiar with the morphology and morphometry of the same in our part of the country. It will help in performing surgeries with minimal damage. Furthermore, the result of the study can be used for teaching and research purposes.