A Study on the Cadaveric Anatomical Dimensions of the Pterion in a Nigerian Population: An Important Landmark Guide in Lateral Approach Surgeries

Abstract

Background: The pterion is a craniometric point near the sphenoid fontanelle of the skull. It is a crucial intraoperative landmark in surgical approaches. In neurosurgery, pterional approaches are used in various operative interventions and treatments. The aim of this study is to determine the cadaveric anatomical features of the pterion in a Nigerian population and compare with those of different populations.
Materials and method: This is an observational study carried out in the Human Anatomy Departments of Enugu State University College of Medicine, University of Nigeria College of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University College of Health Sciences, Ebonyi state University College of Medicine and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University College of Medicine, Nigeria, using fifty cadaveric skulls of both sexes. Oral approval was gotten from the various departments on presentation of letter of introduction from the Department of Anatomy, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu.
Results: The sphenoparietal type of pterion was found to be the most common type (78%) on the right and (74%) on the left, followed by frontotemporal which is (14%) on the right and (18%) on the left, the least common types of pterion is stellate and epipteric with (4%) on the right and the left.
Conclusion: Despite the significant variation between the left and right sides of the pterion, the pterions found in cadaveric skulls of Nigerian origin are similar to those of other population.