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Pterygospinous bar and foramina in Indian skulls: incidence and phylogenetic significance

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Abstract

Incomplete or complete ossification of the pterygospinous ligament is uncommon. Entrapment of mandibular nerve and its branches was reported due to this anatomical variation, when found. The aim of the present study is to investigate the incidence of the pterygospinous bony bridges in Indian dry skulls. A total of 416 adult dry skulls of Indian origin were studied. In 9.61% of the samples the pterygospinous bony bars were found, out of which 5.76% was complete and 3.84% was incomplete. Such variations are of clinical significance while dealing with mandibular nerve and its branches and various clinical symptoms related to it.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomy, Centre for Basic Sciences, Kasturba Medical College, Bejai, Mangalore, 575004, Karnataka, India

    Soubhagya R. Nayak, Vasudha Saralaya, Latha V. Prabhu, Mangala M. Pai, Rajanigandha Vadgaonkar & Sujatha D’Costa

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  1. Soubhagya R. Nayak
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  2. Vasudha Saralaya
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  3. Latha V. Prabhu
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  4. Mangala M. Pai
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  5. Rajanigandha Vadgaonkar
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  6. Sujatha D’Costa
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Correspondence to Soubhagya R. Nayak.

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Nayak, S.R., Saralaya, V., Prabhu, L.V. et al. Pterygospinous bar and foramina in Indian skulls: incidence and phylogenetic significance. Surg Radiol Anat 29, 5–7 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-006-0154-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-006-0154-4

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