Plasticity of the bony carotid canal and its clinical use for assessing negative remodeling of the internal carotid artery.

The bony carotid canal has plasticity, and its area reflects the outer area of the internal carotid artery, therefore, it can be used to assess the remodeling of the carotid artery. A narrow carotid canal may not necessarily indicate hypoplastic internal carotid artery.