Anatomical relationship of superior sagittal sinus & sagittal suture

Localization of superior sagittal sinus is very important before craniotomy for prevention of complication in neurosurgery. Historically, the sagittal suture has been used as an external landmark to indicate the middle portion of the superior sagittal sinus (SSS). The goal of this study is to verify the relationship between the sagittal suture and SSS. This study is a descriptive – analytic study. Fifty adult cadavers were selected for measurement of sagittal suture length and width of sagittal suture and SSS in three points: coronal-sagittal suture junction (bregma), lambdoid- sagittal suture junction (lambda) & midpoint of sagittal suture. The relationship of the SSS with respect to the sagittal suture in this three point was determined. We also determined the dominant transverse sinus. Statistical analysis performed for data. Our finding demonstrated that the SSS is deviated to the right of the sagittal suture in majority of cases. This deviation was seen in 54 % of cases in bregma and 64% of cases in lambda and midpoint of sagittal suture. The SSS was located to the right of sagittal suture about 3.5 mm in bregma, 6 mm in lambda & 4.5 mm in midpoint of sagittal suture. The right transverse sinus was dominant in 76% of cases. No sex-associated differences were noted. Although the sagittal suture can be used to provide a rough estimate of the location of the SSS, in the majority of specimens we examined, the sinus deviated to the right of the midline. We hope this information will provide better navigation for neurosurgeons who needs to be aware of the position of the SSS.