Hidden bridges of the cranium: anatomical foundations of clinical challenges
Abstract
Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the frequency, laterality, morphology, and coexistence of clinically relevant cranial bony bridges (interclinoid bridge, caroticoclinoid bridge, pterygospinous bridge and pterygoalar bridge ) in dry human skulls.
Methods: Forty adult dry human skulls of unknown age and sex were examined. Only specimens allowing visualization of the sphenoid bone were included. The presence and morphology of the caroticoclinoid foramen (CCF), interclinoid foramen (ICF), pterygospinous bridge, and pterygoalar bridge were assessed. Variants were classified according to completeness, laterality, and associated spicules, and all findings were documented photographically.
Results: Examination of 40 skulls identified infrequent sphenoidal bony bridges: one specimen showed bilateral complete caroticoclinoid foramina concomitant with bilateral interclinoid foramina, without spicular components. Unilateral pterygospinous bridging occurred in two skulls on opposite sides, whereas pterygoalar bridges were not observed.
Conclusion: Cranial bony bridges represent clinically relevant anatomical variants that warrant careful consideration during diagnostic evaluation, particularly in patients presenting with atypical or unexplained neurological symptoms. Recognition of these variations is essential for preoperative planning, as their presence may increase the risk of neurovascular injury and intraoperative complications. A thorough understanding of the incidence and clinical implications of cranial bony bridges, as demonstrated in our laboratory observations and supported by the existing literature, is therefore critical for optimizing diagnostic accuracy and ensuring safe and effective surgical management.
Keywords
Supporting Institution
No financial support was received from any public institution, private sector, or non-profit organization within the scope of this research.
Ethical Statement
Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Etik Kurulu 20.11.2025 tarihli toplantı 09/1517 nolu kararla etik onay alınmıştır.
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Central Nervous System
Journal Section
Research Article
Publication Date
March 12, 2026
Submission Date
January 11, 2026
Acceptance Date
February 28, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 9 Number: 2
APA
Öztürk, P., Oğuz, B., & Akkaşoğlu Taş, S. (2026). Hidden bridges of the cranium: anatomical foundations of clinical challenges. Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine, 9(2), 499-503. https://doi.org/10.32322/jhsm.1860844
AMA
1.Öztürk P, Oğuz B, Akkaşoğlu Taş S. Hidden bridges of the cranium: anatomical foundations of clinical challenges. J Health Sci Med / JHSM. 2026;9(2):499-503. doi:10.32322/jhsm.1860844
Chicago
Öztürk, Pınar, Buket Oğuz, and Sinem Akkaşoğlu Taş. 2026. “Hidden Bridges of the Cranium: Anatomical Foundations of Clinical Challenges”. Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine 9 (2): 499-503. https://doi.org/10.32322/jhsm.1860844.
EndNote
Öztürk P, Oğuz B, Akkaşoğlu Taş S (March 1, 2026) Hidden bridges of the cranium: anatomical foundations of clinical challenges. Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine 9 2 499–503.
IEEE
[1]P. Öztürk, B. Oğuz, and S. Akkaşoğlu Taş, “Hidden bridges of the cranium: anatomical foundations of clinical challenges”, J Health Sci Med / JHSM, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 499–503, Mar. 2026, doi: 10.32322/jhsm.1860844.
ISNAD
Öztürk, Pınar - Oğuz, Buket - Akkaşoğlu Taş, Sinem. “Hidden Bridges of the Cranium: Anatomical Foundations of Clinical Challenges”. Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine 9/2 (March 1, 2026): 499-503. https://doi.org/10.32322/jhsm.1860844.
JAMA
1.Öztürk P, Oğuz B, Akkaşoğlu Taş S. Hidden bridges of the cranium: anatomical foundations of clinical challenges. J Health Sci Med / JHSM. 2026;9:499–503.
MLA
Öztürk, Pınar, et al. “Hidden Bridges of the Cranium: Anatomical Foundations of Clinical Challenges”. Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine, vol. 9, no. 2, Mar. 2026, pp. 499-03, doi:10.32322/jhsm.1860844.
Vancouver
1.Pınar Öztürk, Buket Oğuz, Sinem Akkaşoğlu Taş. Hidden bridges of the cranium: anatomical foundations of clinical challenges. J Health Sci Med / JHSM. 2026 Mar. 1;9(2):499-503. doi:10.32322/jhsm.1860844
