Morphology and morphometric study of occipital condyles

Introduction: The occipital condyles are undersurface protruberances of the bone in vertebrates, which articulate with superior facets atlas vertebra. oval or reniform shape, and their anterior extremities directed forward medially closer together than posterior end. Aim: aim study is to provide important anatomical parameters for lateral transcondylar approach. Materials Methods: 200 100 dry human skulls ( 73 males 27 females) were studied. measured included length, width, height, intercondylar distance, distance between basion opesthion, from tip condyle opestion opesthion. Measurements made using Vernier Callipers. Results: mean width height greater females. more females whereas males. opesthion / anteroposteriordiamerer foramen magnum on both sides. Conclusion: knowledge condylar anatomy helps surgeon making decisions regarding extent direction drilling minimizing injury retraction neural structures. KEY WORDS: Occipital Condyles, Foramen Magnum, Intercondylar Basion, Opesthion.