1Associate Professor, People's College of Medical Sciences and RC, Bhopal
2Professor, Anatomy, Chirayu Medical College & Hospital, Bhopal
3Professor, Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, L. N. Medical College, Bhopal
4Professor, Anatomy, Chirayu Medical College & Hospital, Bhopal
*Corresponding author: Ashutosh S. Mangalgiri, Professor, Anatomy, Chirayu Medical College & Hospital, Bhopal. Email: ashutoshmangalgiri@yahoo.co.in, Ph: +91 9993366621
Online published on 11 August, 2014.
Ligament connecting anterior and middle clenoid processes, carotid-clenoid ligament ossifies to form Carotido clenoid foramen (CCF). Similarly ligament extending between anterior and posterior clenoid process, ossifies to form interclenoid bar. Sellar region of 54 dry human skulls (108 sides) of central India were examined for ossification between anterior, middle and posterior clenoid process. Ossification between clenoid processes were observed in sixteen skulls. Complete Carotido-clenoid foramen was seen in 15.74% and incomplete in10.18%. Complete ossification of interclenoid bar was observed in 4.6% and incomplete in 5.55% skulls.
Bilateral carotido-clenoid foramen was observed in 5 skulls (9.2%) and bilateral presence of osseous interclenoid ligament was seen in single skull only.
Presence of bony CCF may cause compression, tightening or stretching of Internal carotid artery. Surgical procedures involving cavernous sinus, ACP and optic canal become difficult in presence of CCF. Hence anatomical knowledge about the carotidoclenoid foramen and interclenoid bar is important for radiologist and surgeon as well as forensic experts.
Anterior clenoid process (ACP), Posterior clenoid process (PCP), Middle clenoid process(MCP), Internal carotid artery, Carotido-clenoid ligament (CCL), Interclenoid bar
