Metrical and non-metrical study of the pterion in South Indian adult dry skulls with notes on its clinical importance

Abstract

Objectives: The pterional site is important as it lies in close proximity to the middle meningeal artery and on the left side, to Broca’s motor speech area. This location is important in surgical approaches to the anterior and middle cranial fossae. This study was conducted to determine the location and type of pterion in a group of South Indian human skulls. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 50 dry adult skulls. The distance from pterion to various bony landmarks were measured on both sides using a vernier caliper. In addition, the pterion was classified depending on bones involved in the articulation, its symmetry and its position in the skull. Results: In the present study a sphenoparietal type of pterion was the most common (78%). The average distance from the center of the pterion to the frontozygomatic suture was 3.97±0.10 cm, to the zygomatic arch was 3.27±0.06 cm. The average distance from the internal aspect of the center of the pterion to the optic canal was 4.02±0.12 cm, to the sphenoid ridge was 0.97±0.09cm, to the stem of middle meningeal artery was 0.99±0.07cm and to its nearest branches was 0.58±0.12 cm. Conclusion: These findings will be useful in relating the position of the pterion to several important landmarks in various surgical approaches.

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