Anatomical Investigation of the Transverse Dural Venous Sinuses

Background and objectives: Accurate anatomical knowledge of the transverse dural venous sinuses (TS) is essential for safe neurosurgical procedures, particularly in resource-limited settings where advanced imaging modalities may be unavailable. Despite the TS’s clinical importance, detailed cadaveric studies focusing solely on its morphology are scarce. This study investigated the length, width, and shape of the TS in adult human cadavers, assessing anatomical dominance and morphological variations relevant to surgical planning. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on 32 formalin-fixed adult cadavers (20 male, 12 female) at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. The TS was examined bilaterally within the dura mater and the corresponding transverse sulcus. Lengths were measured using a string and a ruler to accommodate curvature, while widths at the origin, midpoint, and termination were measured using digital calipers. Statistical analyses included Shapiro–Wilk tests, paired t-tests, and intra-class correlation to determine significance and reliability. Results: The average TS length was 72.54 mm (left) and 70.23 mm (right), with no statistically significant differences between sides. Right-sided dominance in TS width was observed in 71.88% of cases. A significant narrowing at the midpoint, followed by widening at the termination, was consistently noted, especially in males. Differences between dural and bony groove widths suggested that sulcal impressions may not accurately reflect TS dimensions. Conclusions: The TS demonstrates significant morphological variability, including asymmetry and abrupt dimensional changes. These findings underscore the importance of direct anatomical reference for surgical navigation, particularly in low-resource settings lacking advanced imaging.