Study of duplication of optic canal in hundred dry human skull bones

Introduction: The pyradimal shaped bony orbit communicates with middle cranial fossa by means of optic canal which transmits optic nerve and ophthalmic artery. Unilateral, bilateral duplication of optic canal is a rare entity. Methods: One hundred adult human skull bones collected from north Karnataka region were studied for duplication of optic canal. Complete duplication, partial duplication, whether unilateral or bilateral duplication were studied. Results: Out of one hundred skull bones, in one case (1%), unilateral duplication of optic canal was noted which was complete and was on left side. Conclusion: The knowledge of duplication of optic canal increases the success rate of surgical procedures of optic canal and minimizes the risk of injury to optic nerve and ophthalmic artery.