Relationship Between the Horizontal Part of the Sigmoid Sinus and the Line Through the Digastric Point and Posterior Edge of the Condyle: An Anatomic and Radiologic Study

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to determine whether the line between the digastric point and posterior edge of the occipital condyle (DC line) could be a new surface landmark for the posterior margin of the horizontal part of the sigmoid sinus.

Methods: Cadaveric specimens were used to show the relationship between the DC line and retrosigmoid craniotomy. Three-dimensional computed tomography angiography images of adult heads (56 sides) were analyzed to measure the distance between the DC line and the horizontal part of the sigmoid sinus at the digastric point, posterior edge of the condyle, and midpoint of the line.

Results: The DC line was roughly parallel and posterior to the posterior margin of the sigmoid sinus. The distance between the DC line and the posterior edge of the sigmoid sinus at the digastric point, condyle, and midpoint of the line measured 4.7 ± 3.3 mm, 5.9 ± 2.6 mm, and 1.3 ± 2.2 mm, respectively. All sigmoid sinuses coursed anterior to the digastric point and condyle but in 17.9% (10/56 sides) the posterior edge of the sigmoid sinus extended a maximum of 4.1 mm posterior to the midpoint of the DC line.

Conclusions: The DC line can be used as a new surface landmark for estimating the position of the horizontal part of the sigmoid sinus. The posterior edge of the sinus may extend posterior to the line at the midpoint; thus, care should be taken to prevent sinus injury when drilling around the midpoint of the line.

Keywords: Digastric groove; Occipital condyle; Retrosigmoid craniotomy; Sigmoid sinus; Surface landmark; Transverse sinus.