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Original landmarks for intraoperative localization of the foramen ovale: a radio-anatomical study

  • Anatomic Bases of Medical, Radiological and Surgical Techniques
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Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

Radiofrequency lesioning is one of the frequently used modalities for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Easily identifiable radiological landmarks are necessary for correct intra-operative localization of foramen ovale.

Methods

One hundred and seventy sides of dry skulls were studied for the following measurements. D-1: the transverse distance between the apex of the petrous temporal and the centre of the foramen ovale. D-2: the transverse distance from the midline to the centre of the foramen ovale. The distances between the centre of the foramen ovale and, D-3: the anterior margin of mandibular fossa, D-4: centre of the mandibular fossa and D-5: point at the junction of posterior margin and floor of the sella. D-6: the vertical distance between the centre of the foramen ovale and point at the junction of posterior margin and floor of the sella.

Results

The mean values measured were D-1: 13.9 mm, D-2: 24.5 mm, D-3: 3.1 mm, D-4: 11.4 mm, D-5: 0.75 and D-6: 12.42 mm. In majority of cases the centre of foramen was around 25 mm from midline. Additionally the centre of the foramen was at the level of the junction of the posterior wall and floor of the sella or within 2 mm of this point in the antero-posterior direction. In most (81%) cases the vertical displacement of the foramen was 1–1.5 cm inferior to this point.

Conclusion

During intra-operative imaging, the midline of the skull and the junction of the posterior wall and floor of the sella can be used as reliable landmarks for the identification of foramen ovale.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomy, Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Panjab University, Sector-25, Chandigarh, 160014, India

    Tulika Gupta

  2. Department of Neurosurgery, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India

    Sunil Kumar Gupta

Authors
  1. Tulika Gupta
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  2. Sunil Kumar Gupta
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Correspondence to Tulika Gupta.

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Gupta, T., Gupta, S.K. Original landmarks for intraoperative localization of the foramen ovale: a radio-anatomical study. Surg Radiol Anat 34, 767–772 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-011-0846-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-011-0846-2

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