Ossification of Caroticoclinoid Ligament in a Human Skull: A Case Report

The Anterior Clinoid Processe (ACP) and Middle Clinoid Process (MCP) are sometimes connected by an osseous bridge formed by ossification of Carotico-clinoid Ligament (CCL), converting the distal end of carotid sulcus into an ostium called the Carotico-clinoid Foramen (CCF). Through the CCF passes one of the segment of Internal Carotid Artery (ICA). The CCF is the result of ossification of either, the CCL or a dural fold extending between the anterior and MCP and occasionally connecting Posterior Clinoid Process (PCP) of sphenoid bone. The presence of a bony CCF may cause compression of ICA leading to clinical implications by increasing the risks of ischemic and neurological disorders during surgical access by imposing significant risk for neurosurgeons. It may also affect hypothalamus or may induce neurological problems by compressing optic or oculomotor nerve causing hormonal, visual, headache and behavioural changes etc. Due to clinical significance, this study was carried out to know the detailed anatomical knowledge and morphology of the CCF for planning a safe and successful surgery in the middle cranial fossa by the neurosurgeons. The presence of ossified CCL was noticed in a dry human skull. The morphometry was performed by a manual caliper and the detailed measurements of the CCL, CCF, ACP, and MCP dimension were conducted and recorded. Considering the fact that, detailed anatomical knowledge of this region is of clinical importance for diagnosis in radiological evaluations of the CCL and treatment in the middle cranial fossa for neurosurgeons, neurophysicians, endocrinologists, and radiologists.