Anatomic Position of the Pterion among Kenyans for Lateral Skull Approaches

Abstract

The pterion is a point of sutural confluence seen in the norma lateralis of the skull where frontal, parietal, temporal
\nand sphenoid bones meet. The position of the pterion exhibits population-based variations. Location of this point is important in surgical
\napproaches to the anterior and middle cranial fossae. Specific measurements were taken on both sides of 90 (51 male, 39 female) Kenyan
\nhuman skulls. The distances from the center of pterion to the frontozygomatic suture were 38.88+3.49 mm on the right side and 38.24+3.47
\nmm on the left side. The pterion was 30.35+3.40 mm and 30.34+4.34 mm above the mid point of the zygomatic arch on the right and left
\nsides, respectively. Males had statistically significant higher pteria compared to females being 39.31+3.28 mm and 37.35+2.97 mm
\nabove the midpoint of the zygoma, respectively. Frontozygomatic suture and mid point of the zygoma can reliably be used in locating the
\npterion. This information may be useful in planning prior to surgery especially where neuronavigation devices equipments are scarce.