Knowledge of human skeleton is an important factor in creating a biological profile for Human. Numerous studies have shown that metric and non-metric characteristics of the foramen on the skull base are good indicators for profiling. The usual method employed for morphometric studies on foramen is manual method for dry skulls or CT scan in live individuals.

Aim:

The aim of the present study was to do morphometric analysis of foramen magnum using a computer software “image tool”.

Objectives:

1. To observe the variations in the shape of foramen magnum.

2. To take mean measurements of the length and width of digital image of the foramen magnum, and to calculate the foramen magnum index.

Materials and methods

A total of 100 dry adult skulls from the department of Anatomy, Vinayaka Mission's Kirupananda Variyar Medical college, Salem were utilised for the study. Photographs of the foramen magnum were taken with a

10.2 megapixel digital camera and the measurements of the digital image of foramen magnum were taken with image tool.

Results

Shape of foramen magnum – 35% arrow head, 20% diamond, 15% oval, 18% egg, 12% circular.

Mean length - 31.6 mm Mean width - 26.8 mm Foramen magnum index – 1.18

Conclusion

The knowledge of dimensions of the foramen magnum and the variations in its shape will be helpful during the performance of clinical and radiological diagnostic procedures and during surgical approach in the region of foramen magnum.