A Study on the Dimensions of Hypoglossal Canal in Southern Nigerian Crania

The hypoglossal canal is a bony canal in the occipital bone of the skull. It is the passageway for the hypoglossal nerves. This study was aimed at determining the incidence/dimensions of single and double hypoglossal canal, and if these varies with sex. 79 dry crania, out of which 55 were males and 24 females, were used for this study. A  Digital Vernier caliper was used to carry out measurements on the internal and external diameters of both sides. The result indicates that there was a significant difference in the size of all the dimensions measured from the hypoglossal canal (P<0.05) between the male and female groups of this population. The variation is both unilaterally and bilaterally present, with bilateral single hypoglossal canal being more prevalent. In conclusion, the size of the hypoglossal canal is sex specific since there are significant differences. Keywords: Incidence, hypoglossal canal, sexes, Nigeria

A Study on the Dimensions of Hypoglossal Canal in Southern Nigerian Crania.

The hypoglossal canal is a bony canal in the occipital bone of the skull. It is the passageway for the hypoglossal nerves. This study was aimed at determining the incidence/dimensions of single and double hypoglossal canal, and if these varies with sex. 79 dry crania, out of which 55 were males and 24 females, were used for this study. A  Digital Vernier caliper was used to carry out measurements on the internal and external diameters of both sides. The result indicates that there was a significant difference in the size of all the dimensions measured from the hypoglossal canal (P<0.05) between the male and female groups of this population. The variation is both unilaterally and bilaterally present, with bilateral single hypoglossal canal being more prevalent. In conclusion, the size of the hypoglossal canal is sex specific since there are significant differences. Key words: Incidence, hypoglossal canal, sexes, Nigeria

A Study of Sacral Hiatus in Dry Human Sacra in Southern Nigeria

The opening present at the caudal end of sacral canal is known as sacral hiatus. The aim of this study is to determine the anatomical variations of sacral hiatus in dry human sacra in southern Nigeria. This study was carried out on 54 dry human sacra in southern Nigeria. Various shape of the hiatus were observed which includes inverted U- shape (24.1%), inverted V-shape (33.3%), irregular (13.0%), Dumbbell (9.3%) and Bifid (5.6%). The apex of sacral hiatus was commonly found at the level of 4th sacral vertebra in 66.7%. The mean length of sacral hiatus was 23.65mm. The mean anteroposterior diameter of sacral canal at the apex of sacral hiatus was 6.11mm. In conclusion, the sacral hiatus has anatomical variations and understanding of these variations may improve reliability of caudal epidural block. Keywords: sacral hiatus, dry human sacra, southern Nigeria

A Study of Sacral Hiatus in Dry Human Sacra in Southern Nigeria

The opening present at the caudal end of sacral canal is known as sacral hiatus. The aim of this study is to determine the anatomical variations of sacral hiatus in dry human sacra in southern Nigeria. This study was carried out on 54 dry human sacra in southern Nigeria. Various shape of the hiatus were observed which includes inverted U- shape (24.1%), inverted V-shape (33.3%), irregular (13.0%), Dumbbell (9.3%) and Bifid (5.6%). The apex of sacral hiatus was commonly found at the level of 4th sacral vertebra in 66.7%. The mean length of sacral hiatus was 23.65mm. The mean anteroposterior diameter of sacral canal at the apex of sacral hiatus was 6.11mm. In conclusion, the sacral hiatus has anatomical variations and understanding of these variations may improve reliability of caudal epidural block. Keywords: sacral hiatus, dry human sacra, southern Nigeria

A study of the palatine foramen in dry human skulls in south-south Nigeria

study of the palatine foramen in dry human skulls in south-south Nigeria was carried out to investigate the size, asymmetry and variations in the foramina. One hundred and fifty dry human skulls of Nigerians were studied. They all had full eruption of the upper third molar without missing any teeth. The parameters studied were greater palatine foramen and lesser palatine foramen. Results revealed that the mean distance of greater palatine foramen to the mid-line was 15.04± 2.1mm on the right side and 14.3± 1.5mm on the left side. The mean distance of the greater palatine foramen from the incisive fossa was 41.2± 4.8mm on the right side and 41.1± 5.0mm on the left side. The mean distance of greater palatine foramen from the posterior border of the hard palate was 4.98±1.2mm on the right side and 5.1±1.53mm on the left side. The most common location of greater palatine foramen was opposite the 3rd maxillary molar (75.30 %) and less common between the 2nd and 3rd molar (33%). The mean of the lesser foramen was 1.3±0.51mm on the right side and 1.19±0.4mm on the left side. There was no significant difference between the right and left sides of the palatine foramen. This observation may be helpful in the peripheral block of maxillary nerve through the greater palatine foramen.Keywords: Palatine foramen, Human skulls, South-South Nigeri