Vol 67, No 4 (2008)
Case report
Published online: 2008-09-30
Bilateral temporal spinous projections overshadowing the sphenoidal spines: an anatomical and radiological evaluation
Folia Morphol 2008;67(4):296-298.
Abstract
The infratemporal fossa has traditionally been described as a post-maxillary
space, which is open below, to the rear and laterally. The most reliable osseous
landmarks of the infratemporal and parapharyngeal spaces are the pterygoid
and styloid processes and the sphenoidal spine. In the present study the skull
exhibited the normal sphenoidal spines along with a prominent spinous projection
emanating bilaterally from the tympanic plate of the temporal bone.
The objective of the present paper is to report an anatomical and radiological
evaluation of the sphenoidal spines coexistent with bilateral temporal spinous
projections. Additionally, the topographical relationship of this osseous variation
is discussed with particular reference to neurovascular structures. Unduly
prominent temporal spinous projections may cause obstruction, thus reducing
the operative field. The anatomical variations relating to bony and vascular
structures in this region are of paramount importance to neurosurgeons and
otorhinolaryngologists.
Keywords: temporalsphenoidal spineosseousvariant