Redefining the Vermian Fossa: Proposal for a Descriptive Classification
Bratislava Medical Journal, vol.126, no.12, pp.3338-3348, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 126 Issue: 12
- Publication Date: 2025
- Doi Number: 10.1007/s44411-025-00370-8
- Journal Name: Bratislava Medical Journal
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
- Page Numbers: pp.3338-3348
- Keywords: Median occipital fossa, Middle cerebellar fossa, Posterior cranial fossa, Triangular eminence, Vermian eminence
- Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Background: Vermian fossa, situated in the squamous part of the occipital bone, is delineated as a shallow endocranial depression that may occasionally be replaced by the vermian eminence. It has the potential to affect the dynamics of dural venous sinus drainage and cerebrospinal fluid circulation. It is of particular significance as a midline landmark for surgical approaches to the posterior cranial fossa. To examine the morphological and morphometric features of the vermian fossa/eminence and to establish a comprehensive classification system to facilitate its application in clinical and anatomical contexts. Methods: Fifty-nine samples were examined at the Hacettepe University. Fossa morphology was classified as triangular, quadrangular, or atypical. Length and width of the vermian fossa/eminence were measured. Measurements were repeated after a one-month interval, followed by evaluation of intra-observer repeatability. Data analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results: Vermian fossa and vermian eminence were observed in 23 (39%) and 14 (23.7%), respectively. Most fossae (82.6%) were triangular, while 8.7% were quadrangular, and 8.7% atypical types. Vermian fossa measured 17.33 ± 7.36 mm in length and 17.28 ± 4.69 mm in width, while the vermian eminence measured 13.81 ± 3.43 mm, 13.49 ± 2.41 mm, respectively. ICC values ranged from 0.970 to 0.972 for length and 0.888–0.893 for width indicate good to excellent reliability. Conclusion: Understanding the anatomical variability of the vermian fossa/eminence, supported by detailed morphological and morphometric data, is crucial for guiding surgical interventions, and complication prevention. The proposed classification system enhances understanding of its variations, which is valuable for diagnostic and surgical applications.