The Significance of Certain Measurements of the Skull in the Diagnosis of Basilar Impression

The present concepts of the etiology and pathology of basilar impression are summarised. The radiological diagnosis is considered with special reference to the measurements which may be of assistance. A modification of Chamberlain's line is suggested and its normal value in the Bantu is estimated. The normal variation of the basal angle in the Bantu skull is calculated, and the significance of the basal angle in the diagnosis of basilar impression is briefly considered. Note: Much of what appears in this article has already been presented in the form of a thesis to the University of the Witwatersrand.