Prevalence And Morphometric Analysis Of Fossa Navicularis Magna In Dry Human Skulls

Abstract

Introduction: Basiocciput is the part of occipital bone present on the inferior aspect of skull. Fossa Navicularis Magna-an osseous defect is a variation in normal anatomy of basiocciput. Lately few case reports presented this fossa as a cause of spread of infection from nasopharynx to brain resulting in meningitis and osteomyelitis. Objectives: This study aims to find the incidence and morphometry of this fossa in Pakistani populace to avoid any misdiagnosis or misinterpretations. Materials & Methods: This study was conducted on dry human skulls at King Edward Medical University Lahore. Fossa was measured in its transverse and vertical diameters and to locate the fossa its distance from various anatomical land marks such as foramen ovale, foramen Lacerum, carotid canal, occipital condyles, pharyngeal tubercle and posterior border of vomer was noted. Results:  The incidence of this fossa was found to be 5.3% in Pakistani population. Predominantly oval shaped, fossa measured 5.5 and 3.06 mm in vertical and transverse diameters respectively. It was 12.2 mm posterior to vomer and 5.9 mm anterior to pharyngeal tubercle. Conclusion: This study is useful for radiologists and clinicians in avoiding any misinterpretations on radiographs and unnecessary investigations