CT-based morphometric analysis of foramen rotundum: a novel classification with implications for endoscopic cranial base procedures
European Journal of Anatomy, cilt.30, sa.5, ss.657-668, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 30 Sayı: 5
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.52083/unhc7308
- Dergi Adı: European Journal of Anatomy
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, EMBASE, DIALNET
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.657-668
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Anatomic landmarks, Pterygopalatine fossa, Skull base, Sphenoid Bone, Tomography, X-Ray computed
- Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Morphological characteristics of the foramen rotundum (FR) influence the feasibility and safety of cranial base (CB) procedures in which it serves as a surgical landmark. This study aimed to evaluate FR morphometry and canal orientation using computed tomography (CT), and to propose an orientation-based classification relevant to endoscopic CB interventions. Temporal CT scans from 114 adults (59 females, 55 males) were retrospectively analyzed using multiplanar reconstruction. Measurements included FR width and length at the CB and pterygopalatine fossa (PF), maxillary strut thickness, and distances from the FR to the lingula sphenoidalis (FR-LS) and foramen ovale (FR-FO). A novel classification system was defined based on spatial orientation between the CB and PF apertures. Statistical analyses included t-tests, correlation analyses, and intraclass correlation coefficients to assess reliability. Four FR orientation types were identified: inferomedial, inferolateral, superomedial, and superolateral with the inferomedial type predominating (67%). FR-LS was greater on the right (15.3 ± 2.1 mm) than the left (14.8 ± 2.1 mm; p = 0.002), as was FR-FO (11.7 ± 2.1 mm vs. 11.1 ± 1.9 mm; p = 0.008). FR width at the PF level correlated positively with porion-to-porion distance on the left (r = 0.271, p = 0.004). Reproducibility was good-to-excellent for most parameters. Orientation-based classification reveals clinically relevant FR variability beyond size alone. Side- and sex-related differences in FR-LS and FR-FO may influence surgical exposure and vascular risk, supporting individualized preoperative planning for transpterygoid-transrotundal approaches.