Morphological and Morphometric Analysis of Hypoglossal Canal and its Variations in Human Dry Skulls of North Karnataka Region

• Main Authors: Ashwini B Nuchhi, Sandhya V YaYatagiri, Santosh B Karjagi, Vijaya M Sorganvi, BM Bannur
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: JCDR Research and Publications Pvt. Ltd. 2019-10-01
• Series: International Journal of Anatomy Radiology and Surgery
• Subjects: morphological characteristics; osteological; surgical procedures
• Online Access: http://www.ijars.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2019&month=October&volume=8&issue=4&page=AO01-AO04&id=2507

Introduction: The Hypoglossal Canal (HC) (anterior condylar canal) is situated at the base of skull which transmits important structures. The detailed knowledge of the morphometry of HC and its variations provide important benefits in determining safe zones during surgical procedures. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of morphometric analysis of HC, to verify the morphological characteristics for sexual dimorphism of human skull and to study any variations. Materials and Methods: The present osteological analytical cross-sectional study was performed on 200 HC of 100 dry adult human crania using SPSS software 16th version. All measurements were recorded in millimeters using Digital Vernier calipers. The parameters considered for the study were: intracranial and extracranial diameters of HC; the distances between extracranial end of HC and other landmarks like basion, opisthion, anterior and posterior tips of occipital condyle; and lower border of occipital condyle, number of HC, length of HC and relation of HC to occipital condyle on both right and left sides. Statistical analysis was done using Mean±SD, Mann-whitney test and Chi-square test. Results: Extracranial diameter of HC on right side was 4.7±1.3 mm with significant p-value. Distance of extracranial end of HC to posterior end of Occipital Condyle (OC) was 14.7±2.1mm with a significant p-value, distance of extracranial end of HC to lower border of OC was 13.3±1.5 mm with a significant p-value. Double HC was seen in 40% of cases- right side 13% and left side 27%. HC is located in relation to middle 1/3rd of OC in 59% on right, 66% on left side. Conclusion: The morphometric and morphological parameters of HC are essential for the anthropologists to assertain different cranial variants to different races and sexes and for the neurosurgeons to plan for various surgical interventions at cranial base.