The posterior condylar canal: An anatomical study on dry human skulls

• Published in: Morphologie 2024-11, Vol.109 (364), p.100937, Article 100937
• Main Authors: Shmarhalov, A., Helu, A., Wsolova, L., Ikramov, V., Vovk, O., Shmarhalova, K., Polak, S., Malakhov, S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anatomical variation; Emissary foramina; Emissary vein; Posterior condylar canal
• ISSN: 1286-0115
• DOI: 10.1016/j.morpho.2024.100937

•High prevalence (98.1%) of posterior condylar canal (PPC) found in human skulls.•Majority of PCC (84.6%) were bilaterally present, with a small percentage unilateral.•PCC transmits emissary veins aiding venous drainage between skull regions.•Significant for surgeries, PCC may be mistaken for tumors in imaging.•Measurements show consistent PCC length and diameter on both sides of skull. The human skull contains various foramina, including the posterior condylar canal (PCC), which allows the passage of emissary veins. The PCC connects the jugular foramen to the condylar fossa and facilitates venous drainage between the jugular bulb and suboccipital venous plexus. Due to its variable size and location, the PCC can be mistaken for pathological structures, posing challenges during neurosurgical procedures. While the transcondylar approach has gained popularity in craniovertebral surgeries, limited research exists on PCC variations. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of PCC in the dry adult human skulls and to study their morphology due to its clinical importance. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 52 well-preserved dry adult human skulls. Skulls with pathological changes or deformities were excluded. The presence, openness, and length of the PCC, as well as the external and internal diameters of the foramina, were assessed using Kerr endodontic files and measured with digital Vernier caliper. Conventional statistical methods were used to evaluate the data. Among 52 skulls, 98.1% (n=51) had visible PCCs, with 84.6% (n=44) showing bilateral and 13.5% (n=7) unilateral presence. The mean PCC length was 11.8±2.9mm on the right and 11.5±2.8mm on the left, with no significant difference between sides (P=0.96). External diameters averaged 3.9±1.7mm (right) and 3.4±1.2mm (left), and internal diameters were 5.0±1.7mm (right) and 4.8±1.5mm (left), with no statistical difference (P>0.24). Most PCC openings were medium-sized (2–5mm) while large (>5mm) and small (