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Foramen magnum morphometry in children based on computed tomography examination
, 1, 2, 1
Affiliations- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Health Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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Abstract
Background: The foramen magnum is the largest opening at the base of the skull.
The dimensions of the foramen magnum are of significant clinical importance
because of the vital structures that pass through it. The aim of the study was
the morphometric analysis of the foramen magnum in children based on head
computed tomography (CT).
Materials and methods: The study was carried out on 84 CTs of the head of
children aged 0–18 years; seven age groups were distinguished. The sagittal and
transverse dimensions were measured to determine the growth rate, changes
between groups, and differences in the foramen size by sex. Statistical analysis
of changes was performed.
Results: The entire group’s mean transverse and sagittal dimensions were
29.08 mm (standard deviation [SD] 3.4 mm) and 35.63 (SD 4.23) mm. By sex,
the mean transverse dimension in girls was 28.53 (SD 3.25) mm, and in boys,
29.6 (SD 3.49) mm. The mean sagittal dimension was 35.15 (SD 3.76) mm in girls
and 36.09 (SD 4.64) mm in boys. Both dimensions were higher for the male sex.
A statistically significant increase in the foramen magnum size was demonstrated
up to the age of 36 months in the following age groups; above that age, the
increase was statistically insignificant.
Conclusions: The dimensions were similar to those described in adults a moderate
dependence of the foramen magnum size on age was found.
Abstract
Background: The foramen magnum is the largest opening at the base of the skull.
The dimensions of the foramen magnum are of significant clinical importance
because of the vital structures that pass through it. The aim of the study was
the morphometric analysis of the foramen magnum in children based on head
computed tomography (CT).
Materials and methods: The study was carried out on 84 CTs of the head of
children aged 0–18 years; seven age groups were distinguished. The sagittal and
transverse dimensions were measured to determine the growth rate, changes
between groups, and differences in the foramen size by sex. Statistical analysis
of changes was performed.
Results: The entire group’s mean transverse and sagittal dimensions were
29.08 mm (standard deviation [SD] 3.4 mm) and 35.63 (SD 4.23) mm. By sex,
the mean transverse dimension in girls was 28.53 (SD 3.25) mm, and in boys,
29.6 (SD 3.49) mm. The mean sagittal dimension was 35.15 (SD 3.76) mm in girls
and 36.09 (SD 4.64) mm in boys. Both dimensions were higher for the male sex.
A statistically significant increase in the foramen magnum size was demonstrated
up to the age of 36 months in the following age groups; above that age, the
increase was statistically insignificant.
Conclusions: The dimensions were similar to those described in adults a moderate
dependence of the foramen magnum size on age was found.
Keywords
morphometry, foramen magnum, computed tomography, children
About this articleTitle
Foramen magnum morphometry in children based on computed tomography examination
Journal
Issue
Article type
Original article
Pages
587-595
Published online
2022-07-08
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1032
Article views/downloads
713
DOI
Pubmed
Bibliographic record
Folia Morphol 2023;82(3):587-595.
Keywords
morphometry
foramen magnum
computed tomography
children
Authors
R. Wilk
M. Moroz
K. Zięba
W. Likus
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