A Unique Ossified Variation of the Jugular Foramen

The jugular foramen (JF) is one of the most complex skull base apertures. Recent studies have expanded knowledge on JF morphology, yet rare ossified variants remain underreported. We describe a unique case observed in a dry skull, where two complete ossified septa subdivided the right JF into three distinct compartments. Morphometric analysis revealed a large posterior venous compartment and two anterior neural compartments separated by a thin bony plate, representing the coexistence of a well-differentiated ossified jugular process and an ossified dural septum. Neurosurgically, such ossification narrows the JF lumen, complicates microneurosurgical exposure, and may predispose to selective cranial nerve compression or venous outflow compromise. High-resolution preoperative imaging, particularly CT with three-dimensional reconstruction, is therefore crucial for recognizing these rare anatomical variants to minimize intraoperative risk.

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Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
Published
2025-11-10
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1097/scs.0000000000012157
Primary Topic
Meningioma and schwannoma management
Type
article
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article

A Unique Ossified Variation of the Jugular Foramen

Αlexandros Samolis, Panagiotis Papadopoulos-Manolarakis, Maria Piagkou, George Triantafyllou et al.
Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
Meningioma and schwannoma management
article

A Unique Ossified Variation of the Jugular Foramen

Αlexandros Samolis, Panagiotis Papadopoulos-Manolarakis, Maria Piagkou, George Triantafyllou, George Tsakotos
article en

Abstract

The jugular foramen (JF) is one of the most complex skull base apertures. Recent studies have expanded knowledge on JF morphology, yet rare ossified variants remain underreported. We describe a unique case observed in a dry skull, where two complete ossified septa subdivided the right JF into three distinct compartments. Morphometric analysis revealed a large posterior venous compartment and two anterior neural compartments separated by a thin bony plate, representing the coexistence of a well-differentiated ossified jugular process and an ossified dural septum. Neurosurgically, such ossification narrows the JF lumen, complicates microneurosurgical exposure, and may predispose to selective cranial nerve compression or venous outflow compromise. High-resolution preoperative imaging, particularly CT with three-dimensional reconstruction, is therefore crucial for recognizing these rare anatomical variants to minimize intraoperative risk.

Journal of Craniofacial SurgeryVol. 37(3/4)
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (GR), General Hospital of Nikea (GR), Varian Medical Systems (United States) (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 56%
Meningioma and schwannoma management
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