A Cross-Sectional Study of Pterion: A Morphometric Analysis in Dry Human Skulls from the Indore Region

Abstract

Aim

The most adaptable technique in neurosurgical treatment is the pterional method. The morphometry of the pterion is crucial for clinical purposes since the middle and anterior cerebral fossae are accessed with this method.

Methods

The investigation involved 60 dry human skulls from the Indore region that were used in the department of anatomy at Index Medical College, Malwanchal university, Indore.

Results

Sphenoparietal type sutural patterns were the most frequently observed (89.2%), followed by stellate type sutural patterns (5%). On average, the centre of the pterion was 36.8 + 3.5 mm on the left and 37.1 + 3.9 mm on the right from the superior margin of the zygomatic arch, and it was 31.1 + 4.0 mm on the left and 32.0 + 3.9 mm on the right from the posterolateral aspect of the frontozygomatic suture.

Conclusion

On the left and right sides, respectively, the average distances between the centre of the pterion and the anterosuperior margin of the auditory meatus were 51.2+3.2 mm and 51.9+5.9 mm, and they were 81.3+14.5 mm and 80.2+5.8 mm to the inferior margin of the mastoid process. These findings may be useful in identifying pterion.