ABSTRACT:
Background: The posterior condylar foramen is a canal in the posterior condyloid fossa of the lateral parts of occipital condyle. The posterior condylar foramen is the largest emissary foramen of the posterior cranial fossa. It acts as a route for venous circulation. It has varied clinical importance. Objectives: To determine the occurance and importance of posterior condylar foramen with respect to occurance, laterality and diameter. Materials and methods: An observational study was carried out on 70 dry human skulls obtained from Department of Anatomy, Saveetha Dental College, Chennai, India. The diameter of the foramen was measured using a vernier caliper. Result: The posterior condylar foramen was found to be present in 88.57% of the skulls. The incidence of bilateral presence was more than the unilateral presence. The average diameter of the foramen was 3.9mm. Conclusion: The anatomical knowledge of posterior condylar foramen and its variations is important for the neurosurgeons, radiologists and ENT surgeons.