Anthropometric characteristics of foramen ovale

INTRODUCTION: Foramen ovale has clinical significance mainly due to role of percutaneous treatment options in the surgical manegment of trigeminal neuralgia. This study aims to assess the inherent morphological characteristics of foramen ovale as well as its morphometrical relationships with various relevant skull base structures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Morphometrical measurements pertinent to foramen ovale and the various neighbouring osseous skull base structures were conducted on dry skull specimens. Comparison and correlation analyses of the relevant parameters were performed. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the lengths (right>left) and widths (left>right) of the foramen ovale on each side of the skull base. The distances from the foramen ovale to foramen lacerum and porus acusticus externus were also significantly larger on the left as compared to the right. In addition, positive correlation was found between numerous measurements, which are outlined in detail within the text. CONCLUSION: The knowledge on the morphological characteristics of the foramen ovale would be essential in increasing the success rate and minimizing the risk of complication especially in percutaneous procedures that are utilized in the surgical management of trigeminal neuralgia.