Turkish Neurosurgery
Computed tomography-based occipital condyle morphometric analysis in the Turkish population: A trajectory analysis for optimal screw selection
Paksoy Kemal1, Avcı İdris1, Öztürk Gülşah2, Albas Taha3
1Memorial Hospital, Spine Center, Istanbul,
2Memorial Hospital, Neurosurgery, Istanbul,
3University of Health Sciences, Bakırköy Mazhar Osman Mental Health Training and Research Hospital, Neurosurgery, Istanbul,
DOI: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.44323-23.3

Aim:This study aimed to elucidate the anatomical morphology of the occipital condyle in the Turkish population with respect to shape, thickness, and angulation. The goal was to provide a comprehensive analysis for accurate screw size selection and insertion angle during surgical proceduresMaterial and Methods:In this retrospective study, a total of 120 patients participated, resulting in the analysis of 240 occipital condyles using coronal, sagittal, and axial planes on CT scans. Statistical evaluation was performed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.Results:The mean sagittal length and height were measured at 17.2 ± 1.7 mm and 9.1 ± 1.5 mm, respectively. The average condyle angle, a crucial factor for screw insertion, was assessed at 38.0 ± 5.5 mm in length, 19.6 ± 2.6 mm in width, and 9.5 ± 1.0 mm in height. Condyle height in the anterior and posterior hypoglossal canals was measured at 10.8 ± 1.4 mm and 9.0 ± 1.4 mm, respectively. Screw angle and condyle width were statistically smaller in females compared to the male population.Conclusion:The OC is a significant anatomical structure in the craniovertebral junction, playing a crucial role in stability. The obtained morphological values are applicable to the Turkish population and offer statistically significant findings for preoperative planning involving occipital condyle screw instrumentation.

Corresponding author : Avcı İdris